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. 

American pianist Evren Ozel is described as “an absolute wow” (Third Coast Review) and “an artist capable of lifting everyone to another level” (LaScena Musicale). He is the Bronze Medalist of the 17th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition (2025), where he also received the prize for Best Performance of a Mozart Concerto. He performs widely across the United States and internationally, and is the recipient of a 2023 Avery Fisher Career Grant. He is represented by Concert Artists Guild as an Ambassador Prize Winner of their 2021 Victor Elmaleh Competition.