New in 2022: Chamber Music, Sensory-Friendly Concerts and Wellness Events

The Minnesota Orchestra has announced plans for the addition of Chamber Music Concerts, Sensory-Friendly Concerts and Wellness events through the remainder of the 2021-22 season. 

The Orchestra’s 2022 Chamber Music series will include two Sunday afternoon concerts that are designed by the musicians and showcase small ensembles made up of Orchestra members; each concert is held in the intimate setting of Orchestra Hall’s Target Atrium. The first of this season’s programs takes place on Sunday, February 13, and features Franz Schubert’s Octet, Steve Reich’s Music for Pieces of Wood, and Heitor Villa-Lobos’ Jet Whistle for flute and cello. The second, scheduled for May 1, will highlight music by Russell Steinberg, Johannes Brahms, Shelley Washington and Louise Farrenc.

Also returning this season are Sensory-Friendly Concerts. Each concert is just under one hour in length and provides a sensory-friendly experience designed for audiences of all ages and abilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities. These concerts are presented in Orchestra Hall’s Target Atrium and feature small ensembles from the Minnesota Orchestra, guest musicians from the community, and Board-Certified Music Therapist Lyndie Walker from Toneworks Music Therapy Services as host. This season’s Sensory-Friendly Concerts take place on Saturday, February 26 at 11 a.m., and Tuesday, April 19 and 11 a.m.

Minnesota Orchestra is also thrilled to bring back its Wellness series, offering Yoga Class at Orchestra Hall and Music and Mindfulness sessions throughout the season. Yoga at Orchestra Hall classes are held in Orchestra Hall’s lobby and led by a certified yoga instructor, featuring live music performed by a Minnesota Orchestra musician or duo. Classes will be held on January 9 and March 6, at 9 a.m. In addition, the Orchestra presents two Music and Mindfulness sessions in collaboration with the University of Minnesota’s Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing, occurring on April 7 and May 19, at 7 p.m. Each one-hour session takes place onstage at Orchestra Hall and features music performed by an Orchestra musician or small ensemble with Mariann Johnson from the University of Minnesota guiding attendees to take a mindful approach to listening.

Sensory-Friendly Concerts are sponsored by PNC Bank.