Q&A with Symphony Ball Chairs Leni and David Moore, Jr.
The Minnesota Orchestra is throwing a three-ring celebration on Saturday, April 26, at Orchestra Hall and the Hilton Minneapolis for Circus Symphonique—the 2025 Symphony Ball! You’re invited to join an evening of music, dancing, dining, drinks, auctions and good company, all in support of the Orchestra’s artistic and educational missions. The ringmasters—or rather, Chairs—of this circus-themed gala fundraiser are longtime Orchestra supporters Leni and David Moore, Jr. In this Q&A they raise the curtain on what’s in store for the Ball and what the Orchestra means to them.
How did you come up with the circus theme for this year’s Symphony Ball?
We’re so grateful—and proud—that this community supports one of the leading orchestras in the country: an Orchestra that gathers thousands each week for peak experiences of music from around the world. This year we sought a theme that could encompass all the excitement, fun and musical delight a Symphony Ball can offer—and circus just seemed to fit the bill! We were delighted that our terrific Music Director Thomas Søndergård was enthusiastic about a circus theme as well. Who doesn’t love the excitement of the circus: the clowns, the food—and of course, the circus music!
What can Ball attendees look forward to experiencing?
We have engaged an amazing group of partners for this year’s Symphony Ball! Circus Juventas will be performing throughout the evening. Chef Jamie Malone is working with Chef Deep of the Hilton Hotel and its staff to develop a special dinner menu with circus-inspired items. Wonderful clowns including Neal Skoy—who just finished performing with this year’s Big Apple Circus in New York City—and Gregory Parks will be adding to the fun. Spinning Wylde will have a cotton candy bar with 10 flavors of cotton candy as part of the circus-themed food at the After-Party, along with Enticing Entertainment bringing a fortune teller and a glitter bar, and Bluewater Kings Band providing great dance music. Last but not least, our Minnesota Orchestra will perform circus-themed selections conducted by Thomas Søndergård.
What are you most excited about as Chairs for the Ball?
Being able to help bring the community together to celebrate the Minnesota Orchestra and raise funds for the Orchestra’s artistic and education programs. We have a wonderful and dedicated board, staff, musicians and Symphony Ball committee, all of whom are knocking
themselves out to make the Ball a big success.
How did you first get connected with the Minnesota Orchestra?
We’ve both been involved with the arts in the Twin Cities, and the Minnesota Orchestra is one of the crown jewels of the community. Leni joined the Orchestra’s Board of Directors in 2019 and attended one meeting in person before COVID. It was wonderful being able to tune into concerts online during the pandemic.
Can you share a bit about your background and how it’s been useful in chairing the Ball?
DAVID: My background is in theater and arts management, and I have been interested in orchestral music from an early age, having taken piano and violin lessons when I was young. I have had the privilege of being involved with a number of arts organizations in the community.
LENI: Since moving to the Twin Cities in 2004, I have also served on the boards of a number of organizations and have even helped plan a few other galas. In the process, I have become more focused on the quality of the experience that I believe attendees at a major event such as the Symphony Ball should expect from the food, entertainment, ambiance and so on.
What would you say to someone who’s never come to Symphony Ball but thinking of attending?
I think that people will come away from this year’s Symphony Ball knowing that they have been at a very special event that not only helped one of our most important arts organizations, but also was a whole lot of fun! For those who might not want to come to the dinner and auction portion, the concert and After-Party tickets at $99 each are a tremendous value, and they will have a wonderful evening. Everyone is invited to come and have a great time!
