Nature is at the core of this program as Samuel Barber elevates a poem by James Agee to conjure nostalgic childhood memories of long summer evenings. Then, we’ll wander the countryside with Beethoven as he captures how it feels to listen to a nearby brook, gather with friends and experience a thunderstorm in his Pastoral Symphony.
Program
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TATE
Pisachi (Reveal)
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BARBER
Knoxville: Summer of 1915
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BEETHOVEN
Symphony No. 6, Pastoral
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Molly Turner
Conductor
Ellie Dehn
Soprano
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.
Beginning in September 2026, American conductor Molly Turner will take up a one-year appointment as the Minnesota Orchestra’s associate conductor. In her new post, she’ll lead a variety of performances, including the 2027 Lunar New Year celebration, Young People’s Concerts and Symphony for the Cities performances. She will make her Minnesota Orchestra subscription concert debut in July 2027.
American soprano Ellie Dehn has been praised by critics as "a revelation" (Chicago Sun-Times), acclaimed for her "great stage presence and a voice combining metallic clarity and sensual richness" (The Wall Street Journal). In the 2025–26 season, Dehn continues her longstanding relationship with the Metropolitan Opera, singing Estelle in the world-premiere performances of Mason Bates' The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, covering the title role in Arabella as well as Musetta in La Bohème. Elsewhere, she will cover the title role in Salome at Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Plan your visit
- Running Time
- ~2 hours, including intermission
- Doors Open
- 1 hour, 30 mins prior to performance
Sponsored by
The 2026-2027 Classical Season is presented by Ameriprise Financial.
