More Than What’s on Stage: The Orchestra Puts Down Roots in Austin

Early last month, the Minnesota Orchestra paid a weeklong visit to Austin, Minnesota, for a warmly received residency with special importance: it marked the resumption of the ensemble’s long touring history that was put on pause in spring 2020. Part of the Orchestra’s long-running Common Chords program, the residency was planned alongside Austin community leaders.

“What a magical week we had!” Austin Committee Chair Bonnie Reitz exclaimed to sum up a week that included more than 25 concerts around the southeastern Minnesota city. “Music restores our souls and we certainly experienced that.” Orchestra musicians connected with audiences at, among other community spaces, the local brewery, area schools, the nature center, the basketball court and—naturally—the hallowed SPAM Museum.

“It was incredible hearing that sound come out of the doors of our gymnasium,” said 5th and 6th grade band teacher Ethan Wightkin after a performance at the IJ Holton Intermediate School. “It was really cool how seamlessly the Orchestra merged into the community,” Wightkin continued.

In the video above, we invite you to hear more about how the Orchestra’s recent stay in Austin impacted both the city and the ensemble’s musicians.