Beethoven and Brahms
Thu Jul 10 — Sat Jul 12, 2025
Orchestra Hall
Johannes Brahms’ Second Symphony was written at a beautiful summer resort in Austria where he’d rented a couple of rooms and was surrounded by nature. When a friend played through the score he told Brahms, “It is all rippling streams, blue sky, sunshine, and cool green shadows.” Doesn’t that sound like a perfect day in Minnesota?
A Few Things to Know
Program
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WEBER
Overture to Der Freischütz
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BEETHOVEN
Romance Nos. 1 and 2 for Violin and Orchestra
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BRAHMS
Symphony No. 2
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Kensho Watanabe
conductor
Cecilia Belcher
violin
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.
Kensho Watanabe is fast becoming one of the most exciting and versatile young conductors to come out of the United States. Recently recognized as a recipient of a Career Assistance Award by the Solti Foundation U.S., he held the position of assistant conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra from 2016 to 2019, where he made a critically acclaimed subscription debut, taking over from his mentor Yannick Nézet-Séguin. He has since returned there for more subscription programs, including concerts in the 2021-22 season. Other recent highlights include his debuts at the Bravo! Vail Festival and numerous concerts at the Mann and Saratoga performing arts centers, as well as debuts with the London Philharmonic, Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, Szczecin Philharmonic, Charlotte Symphony and Sarasota Orchestra. He has led numerous operas with the Curtis Opera Theatre, most recently Puccini’s La Rondine and La Bohéme.
Violinist Cecilia Belcher, who joined the Minnesota Orchestra in 2014, was named assistant principal second violin in 2017. Previously, she performed with the St. Louis Symphony from 2008 to 2014, and also frequently performed with the Houston Symphony Orchestra and the New York City chamber orchestra The Knights. She has been principal second violin of ROCO in Houston and the Minnesota Bach Ensemble and, as concertmaster, she led the New World Symphony, Reno Philharmonic, Aspen Music Festival Opera Orchestra and Mississippi Valley Orchestra. She has enjoyed traveling the world for festivals and performances, including to Aspen, Tanglewood, Verbier, Banff, Beijing, the BBC Proms, South Africa, New Zealand and throughout Europe.
Plan your visit
- Pre-concert activities
- Valet Parking
- Pre-order Beverages
- Directions & Parking
- Helpful Tips
Half Off Half Hour
50% off wine, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages.
- For 7pm concerts: 5:30-6pm
- For 8pm concerts: 6:30-7pm
- For 11am concerts: 9:30-10am
- For 2pm concerts: 12:30-1pm
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.
Download the MinnOrch App
With our mobile app, you can pre-order intermission drinks, scan your ticket for entry and more. You'll also get exclusive deals just for app users!
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 2024-2025 Classical Season is presented by Ameriprise Financial.
