Søndergård, Debussy and Ravel
Thu Sep 28 — Sat Sep 30, 2023
Orchestra Hall
This concert is for lovers of scintillating stories and magical moments. Daring adventures, mythical creatures, sorcery and romance each play a role as Thomas Søndergård guides the Orchestra through evocative music by Lera Auerbach, Claude Debussy and Samuel Barber—and to make an enchanting tale even dreamier, the Minnesota Chorale joins the Orchestra for the first time in the new season in Maurice Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe.
These concerts are dedicated to the generous donors who have been at the heart of this Orchestra since its 1903 inception. Thank you, donors!
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A Few Things to Know
- Multi-talented composer Lera Auerbach expresses herself and shares stories through multiple different mediums, as she is also a conductor, a pianist, an award-winning poet and an exhibited visual artist.
- Fifty years ago this December, the Minnesota Chorale first appeared with the Minnesota Orchestra in performances of Handel’s Messiah, just one year after the Chorale was founded.
- Samuel Barber worked with dancer and choreographer Martha Graham to create a ballet based on Euripides’ Medea’s Dance of Vengeance is just one part of the complete work, but it is the climactic and most dramatic one of all.
- For the Saturday 2pm concert, join Music Director Thomas Søndergård for a post-concert conversation.
Program
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AUERBACH
Icarus
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Contemporary composer Lera Auerbach’s Icarus is abstract music, but its title beckons the listener to reflect on the mythical Icarus, his fatal flight and the human desire to transcend limits.
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DEBUSSY
Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
1 min noteOne Minute Note
A sleeping faun, represented by a languid, sensual flute solo, dreams of a romantic tryst with forest nymphs. Like the poem it is based on, this music is impressionistic—offering a series of sensations without formal structure.
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BARBER
Medea’s Dance of Vengeance
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Samuel Barber’s music captures the essence of a tragic Greek myth—Medea and her murderous revenge after being abandoned—in emphasizing the psychological states of vengeance and jealousy rather than a literal retelling of the story.
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RAVEL
Daphnis and Chloe
1 min noteOne Minute Note
This ballet reveals Classical myth as seen through the lens of French impressionism. Daphnis and Chloe (“Chloé” in French) dance to opulent music, spurning all rivals—but pirates attack and carry off Chloe. The god Pan responds to the entreaties of onlookers and, with a flash of the supernatural, he drives off the enemy. The reunited lovers thank him, and the entire crowd takes part in a joyful dance.
Artists
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 began his second season as music director.
The Minnesota Chorale has served as the Minnesota Orchestra’s principal chorus since 2004 and is now in its 29th season under the leadership of Kathy Saltzman Romey. Founded in 1972, the Chorale is Minnesota’s preeminent symphonic chorus, with a roster of over 200 singers. Best known for its work with the two major orchestras of the Twin Cities, the ensemble is equally dedicated to programs that build and enrich community. A seasoned artistic partner, the Chorale continues to explore new artistic directions and collaborative opportunities, while earning the highest critical acclaim for its work on the concert stage. In 2018, members of the Chorale traveled to South Africa to perform alongside the Minnesota Orchestra in its historic concerts in Soweto and Johannesburg.
Plan your visit
- Pre-concert activities
- Valet Parking
- Pre-order Beverages
- Directions & Parking
- Helpful Tips
Know Before You Go
An engaging performance awaits, and the fun doesn’t stop there. Make this visit your own with food and activity options. Browse these helpful tips, and when your concert date arrives, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy.
Directions & Parking
All the information you need to know for getting to and from Orchestra Hall. Parking is just steps away from Orchestra Hall in the city-owned and skyway-connected 11th and Marquette Ramp.
Pre-order beverages
Skip the lines at the bar! Pre-order your intermission beverage via the MN Orch App when you arrive at Orchestra Hall.
Accessibility Services
- Armless & Bariatric Chairs
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Large-Print Programs
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- Service Animals
- Wheelchair & Accessible Seating
Additional services are available upon request.
SPONSORED BY
The 2023-2024 Classical Season is presented by Ameriprise Financial.