A New Year's Celebration
Fri Dec 31, 2021 - Jan 1, 2022
Orchestra Hall
This isn’t your typical New Year’s concert. It’s the beginning of a much-anticipated festival honoring the music of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and showcasing Music Director Osmo Vänskä in his acclaimed role as “our greatest living Sibelian” (Sunday Times, London). It’s your chance to hear two of Sibelius’ greatest symphonies, as well as his Humoresques performed by violinist Stella Chen, all while ringing in 2022 with the Minnesota Orchestra.
A Few Things to Know
- Violinist Stella Chen is the recipient of a 2020 Avery Fisher Career Grant and a 2020 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award.
- Come early and enjoy vintage jazz from Belle Amour (Fri at 7pm; Sat at 12:30pm).
- Set a New Year’s resolution to hear all seven of Sibelius’ symphonies live and reach your goal by January 16!
- Get Your Photo! Forget-Me-Knot Photography will be capturing your best (masked) pose at the Photo Booth located on Balcony A.
Program
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SIBELIUS
Symphony No. 7
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Jean Sibelius’ final symphony, the Seventh, consists of a single movement—not as if several movements were stitched together, but as if movements unfold in alternation, or even simultaneously, with themes and motifs mingling together seamlessly. Also notable: a solo trombone delivers three noble incantations, building toward a sumptuously scored final chord.
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SIBELIUS
Humoresques for Violin and Orchestra
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Jean Sibelius’ Six Humoresques—of which Nos. 2 through 6 are performed at these concerts—require incredible technique from the violin soloist, and are light in mood, strong in personality and full of imagination.
- INTERMISSION
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SIBELIUS
Symphony No. 2
1 min noteOne Minute Note
From an assortment of seemingly disjointed elements, Jean Sibelius creates an imposing mosaic in his Second Symphony. One fascinating feature of the Finale is a wistful melody played over running eighth-notes, written in memory of the composer’s sister-in-law.
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Osmo Vänskä
conductor
The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra, now in its second century, ranks among America’s top symphonic ensembles, with a distinguished history of acclaimed performances in its home state and around the world; award-winning recordings, broadcasts and educational engagement programs; and a commitment to intentionally build concert programs to feature more works by composers of color, exploring music both contemporary and historic. In September 2024, Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård begins his second season as music director.
Minnesota Orchestra Conductor Laureate Osmo Vänskä, whose 19-year tenure as the Orchestra’s music director concluded in 2022, is renowned internationally for his compelling interpretations of the standard, contemporary and Nordic repertoires. His multi-year project with the Orchestra to perform and record all ten Mahler symphonies concluded in November 2022 with the Third Symphony. Signature initiatives of his music director tenure included a Sibelius symphonies cycle that earned the Orchestra its first Grammy Award and major tours to Cuba, Europe and South Africa. As a guest conductor, he has received extraordinary praise for his work with many of the world’s leading orchestras.
Your Concert Experience
Join us for Q&A’s, hosted discussions, exhibits and more. All free with your concert ticket!
Belle Amour Vintage Jazz
When: Fri Dec 31 | 7pm-8:15pm
Where: Roberta Mann Grand Foyer
Let's start the party early! Come to Orchestra Hall to enjoy toe-tapping vintage jazz from Bell Amour, a world-class band that perfectly captures the look, feel, and sound of the era.
Photo Booth
When: Fri Dec 31 | Pre and Post-Concert
Where: Balcony A
Get Your Photo! On New Year’s Eve and New Year's Day, Forget-Me-Knot Photography will be capturing your best (masked) pose at the Photo Booth on Balcony A.
Simpson Housing Services Blanket Drive
When: Dec 31-Jan 1 | Pre and Post-Concert
Where: Roberta Mann Grand Foyer
Donate new twin, full, and queen size blankets to support Simpson Housing Services, a local nonprofit that helps thousands of people experiencing homelessness find the housing, support, and shelter they need in a time of personal crisis. Look for collection bins near the Christmas tree in the lobby.
Belle Amour Vintage Jazz
When: Sat Jan 1 | 12:30pm-1:45pm
Where: Roberta Mann Grand Foyer
Let's start the party early! Come to Orchestra Hall to enjoy toe-tapping vintage jazz from Bell Amour, a world-class band that perfectly captures the look, feel, and sound of the era.
Photo Booth
When: Sat Jan 1 | Pre and Post-Concert
Where: Balcony A
Get Your Photo! On New Year’s Eve and New Year's Day, Forget-Me-Knot Photography will be capturing your best (masked) pose at the Photo Booth on Balcony A.
Visit Elixir Haus
A unique beverage experience awaits outside Orchestra Hall. Bold shots and classic flavors, crafted to warm quickly are in abundance. Venture out before your concert, or pre-order for an intermission pick up.
Accessibility Services
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Large Print Programs
- Service Animals
- Wheelchair & Accessible Seating
Additional services are available upon request.
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