Orchestra Spotlight
Thu Nov 9 — Fri Nov 10, 2023
Orchestra Hall
This unique conductorless program will showcase the Orchestra’s musicians in smaller-ensemble combinations, with individual players taking charge from their regular spots onstage, performing works by Fauré, Ravel, Bizet and more. You'll instantly recognize several familiar and glorious melodies in Carmen Suite for Percussion and Strings, an arrangement of Bizet’s beloved opera. This virtuosic arrangement—a popular hit in the 1960s—will amuse, delight and entertain with its dramatic reorchestration and menagerie of percussion instruments. Also on the program, a few late romantic French gems: Ravel’s Pavane for a Dead Princess and Fauré's Sicilienne from Pelléas and Mélisande.
A Few Things to Know
- Despite its unusual title, Pavane for a dead princess, Ravel made it clear to his audiences that the piece was not a funeral lament but rather a traditional dance that might have been performed by a little girl from the paintings of 17th-century Spanish artist Diego Velázquez.
- It is unusual for the Minnesota Orchestra to perform without a conductor, due to its large size as a full symphony orchestra. When an orchestra plays without conductor, generally the concertmaster (or first chair violin) becomes the leader of the group, giving cues to the ensemble through subtle movements, eye contact and breath, though everyone plays a role in keeping the ensemble together.
- New York City-based composer Anthony Barfield’s Invictus, a piece for 12-member brass ensemble, highlights the hope, resilience and community of the people of New York during the COVID-19 pandemic and recent protests for racial justice.
Program
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R. STRAUSS
Feierlicher Einzug
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BARFIELD
Invictus
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BARTÓK
Divertimento for String Orchestra
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RAVEL
Pavane for a Dead Princess
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FAURÉ
Sicilienne from Pelléas and Mélisande
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FAURÉ
Pavane
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BIZET/Shchedrin
Carmen Suite for Percussion and Strings
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
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. This past fall, Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård began his tenure as music director.
Plan your visit
- Pre-concert activities
- Valet Parking
- Pre-order Beverages
- Directions & Parking
- Helpful Tips
Minnesota Orchestra musicians pre-concert panel
When: Thu Nov 9, Fri Nov 10 | 45 Minutes Prior
Where: Target Atrium
Join a panel of Minnesota Orchestra musicians as they share what it's like to perform without a conductor.
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 Minnesota Orchestra App when you arrive at Orchestra Hall.
On why this concert is her pick
An orchestra is essentially a large chamber music ensemble, and working together in this way further hones our ears and ensemble skills, demanding that we rely even more on one another...”
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.
