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 commissioning and performing the music of our time.  In September 2025, Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård began his third season as music director.

Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård, who in September 2025 began his third season as music director of the Minnesota Orchestra, is a highly regarded conductor in both the orchestral and opera spheres. He has earned a reputation for incisive interpretations of works by composers from his native Denmark, a great versatility in a broad range of standard and modern repertoire, and a collaborative approach with the musicians he leads. 

A 2012 winner of Operalia and of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Janai Brugger’s recent season engagements include her highly successful role and Houston Grand Opera debut as she inaugurated the role of Mary Jane Bower in the world premiere of Jake Heggie’s Intelligence, winning accolades from audiences and critics alike.

Henry Dorn is a composer and conductor originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, who was a 2022 participant in the Minnesota Orchestra Composer Institute and now serves as assistant professor of music and conductor of the St. Olaf Band at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. In May 2026 he hosts the Minnesota Orchestra's Listening Project concert.