A NEW ERA BEGINS

There’s a magical moment of silence before each Minnesota Orchestra concert after the musicians have tuned and before the conductor takes the podium. For just a moment, the packed auditorium holds its breath in anticipation for the door to open, the baton to raise, and the music to begin. And at the top of our 2023–24 season, this moment was even more special, as Thomas Søndergård waited in the wings before he gave his first downbeat as the 11th music director of the Minnesota Orchestra.

Søndergård, already an internationally recognized talent, joined the Minnesota Orchestra at a high point of artistic excellence. Together, they are poised to aim even higher—all propelled by the support of donors like you.

Pictured: Orchestra Hall was decked in red and white (a nod to the flag of Thomas Søndergård’s native Denmark) for Season Opening. Other prominent buildings and bridges in Minneapolis joined Orchestra Hall in painting the town red to welcome our new Music Director. 

With donor support, the Minnesota Orchestra has, in the last several seasons, prioritized building concert experiences and other initiatives to reach and resonate with more communities by broadening the circle of guest artists, repertoire and musical styles in our programming. We believe that music belongs to everyone, and that everyone coming to Orchestra Hall has a place here. Your support helps us bring together audiences of all ages to hear inspirational music and interact directly with the artists making that music. Whether you’re hearing a new commission, experiencing an innovative Symphony in 60 concert or bringing the kids for their first exposure to live music, the Minnesota Orchestra has something for everyone.

Pictured: Young concertgoers get a hands-on look at a bass before Thomas Søndergård conducted his first Relaxed Family Concert in January. Søndergård made it a priority to conduct this program in his first season, highlighting his strong commitment to reaching young people in the Twin Cities and beyond by offering what he calls “what is uniquely ours”—the power of symphonic music. We thank you for your contributions which allow us to create transformative moments like these all season long.

Donors like you are instrumental in bringing students from across the state of Minnesota to Orchestra Hall for our Young People’s Concerts. For over 110 years, the Minnesota Orchestra has performed for thousands of students each year with the aim of inspiring young minds with the power of music. These concerts cover a wide range of themes designed to explore how music can unite us across cultures. This year, thanks to you, we again welcomed nearly 30,000 young Minnesotans to Orchestra Hall. We are grateful to have your continued support for this important program.

Pictured: In November, we welcomed students for a series of Young People’s Concerts called “Sounds of the Harvest.” The Orchestra performed a program that encompassed vibrant harvest traditions and festivals around the world, featuring dancers Cheng Xiong and Pasha Yang. Through wide-ranging repertoire that included works from composers like Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate and Robert Schumann, students explored how music plays a part in harvest traditions held near and far.