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.

Scotland-based American conductor Kellen Gray has earned a reputation as a versatile and imaginative artist, celebrated for his diverse array of traditional and experimental programming, thrilling performances, and provocative multimedia concert experience curation. He is one of the foremost experts and interpreters of the music of African-diasporic composers, for whom he is a passionate advocate and champion.

Shekela Wanyama (she/her/hers) is a freelance conductor-educator based in Minneapolis. Currently, she serves on the faculty of the University of Minnesota and Hamline University, and on the music staff at Unity Church-Unitarian. Recent conducting engagements have included programs with the Minnesota Chorale, Singers in Accord and Vocalpoint. She sings with Border CrosSing and the Minnesota Chorale, and has previously performed with choirs in the United States and Germany.