Blowing Out 50 Candles at Day of Music

This coming October marks the 50th anniversary of Orchestra Hall’s opening. That’s five decades of music—and memory-making—in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. So what better way to honor this milestone than with our annual Day of Music festival which, each year, celebrates the depth of artistry in our community.

Taking place July 27, Day of Music begins with an outdoor yoga session on Peavey Plaza at 9 a.m. and concludes with a hip-hop and dance showcase at 9 p.m. led by local emcee Carnage the Executioner. As for what’s between those events: how about family-friendly activities all afternoon, backstage tours showing you all the nooks and crannies of Orchestra Hall and three concerts with Orchestra musicians—which together include the music of Anna Clyne, Jean Sibelius, Jessie Montgomery, Igor Stravinsky and more.

We’ve again teamed up with our friends at The Cedar Cultural Center, who will bring artists from a range of musical traditions to the Hall, including the Arabic hand drumming ensemble YallaDrum! Ensemble, a trio led by Cameroonian acoustic guitarist WANAKV, Persian vocal and piano duo Aida Shahghasemi and Nima Hafeziah and guitar-driven singer-songwriter FPA (Frances Priya), who will headline with a full band at 6:30 p.m.

Whether you’ve been attending Minnesota Orchestra concerts for 50 years or are making it to the Hall for the first time, we promise there’s something special for you this Day of Music.