Søndergård Conducts Alpine Symphony
Thu Sep 21 — Sat Sep 23, 2023
Orchestra Hall
There was immediate and powerful chemistry when Thomas Søndergård and the Minnesota Orchestra first performed the music of Richard Strauss together in 2021. Now, the Orchestra and its new music director present a program bookended by works from a composer whose music helped ignite this special partnership. The 2023–24 season leaps into action with Strauss’ heroic Don Juan and epic Alpine Symphony. At the center of the program, Principal Oboe Nathan Hughes makes his solo debut playing Mozart’s Oboe Concerto.
A Few Things to Know
- In addition to his recent appointment as music director of the Minnesota Orchestra, Thomas Søndergård was just named the recipient of the 2023 Carl Nielsen and Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen Foundation honorary award.
- Strauss’ Alpine Symphony is unconventional in myriad ways. It originally called for as many as 130 musicians to perform onstage at one time, and the piece is formed from 22 connected sections that depict a climber’s journey to the peak of a mountain.
- Nathan Hughes, newly appointed as the Minnesota Orchestra’s principal oboe, grew up in the Twin Cities and is proud to return to his hometown orchestra. Read our recent q&a with him.
Program
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R. STRAUSS
Don Juan
1 min noteOne Minute Note
This symphonic poem tells of Don Juan’s romantic exploits, disillusionment with life and ultimate death in a swordfight; notable are the work’s mighty horn calls, sweeping violin writing and gorgeous cantilena for solo oboe.
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MOZART
Oboe Concerto
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Mozart’s lone concerto for oboe shows the instrument at its most lyrical, with the soloist playing gracefully above a quietly-murmuring orchestra, then engaging in an energetic Rondo.
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R. STRAUSS
An Alpine Symphony
1 min noteOne Minute Note
The Alpine Symphony paints a vivid musical picture of a climb through Strauss’ beloved Bavarian Alps, employing dazzling orchestral colors and demanding phenomenal feats of virtuosity from the musicians.
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Nathan Hughes
oboe
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.
Nathan Hughes is the new principal oboe of the Minnesota Orchestra and a member of the faculty at the Juilliard School. He is a native of St. Paul, Minnesota, and previously served as principal oboe of the Metropolitan Opera as well as the Seattle Symphony and has recorded, toured, and made guest appearances as principal oboe with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra and San Francisco Symphony.
Plan Your Visit
- Pre-concert activities
- Valet Parking
- Pre-order Beverages
- Directions & Parking
- Helpful Tips
Charles Lazarus and his band
When: All Performances | Pre-concert
Where: N. Bud Grossman Mezzanine
Celebrate our new season with music by Minnesota Orchestra musician Charles Lazarus and his band; Tommy Barbarella on piano, Gary Raynor on bass, and David Schmalenberger on drums.
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.
Video: Inside the Score: Søndergård Conducts Alpine Symphony
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.
