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.

Following “a company debut of astonishing vibrancy and assurance” (San Francisco Chronicle) in Rusalka, Korean conductor Eun Sun Kim was named the Caroline H. Hume Music Director of San Francisco Opera, where she began her tenure in 2021. She is a regular guest conductor at the world’s most important opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, Wiener Staatsoper, Bayerische Staatsoper, Semperoper Dresden, Staatsoper Berlin, Opéra national de Paris and Teatro alla Scala in Milan.

Mei Gui Zhang opens the 2024-25 season debuting the role of Oscar in Un ballo in maschera with San Francisco Opera, followed by appearances as Pamina in Mozart’s The Magic Flute with both the Atlanta Opera and Opera Carolina. She then reprises her “warm, honeyed” Barbarina with the Metropolitan Opera in The Marriage of Figaro.

Taylor Raven is a “vocal sensation” (Washington Classical Review) and quickly establishing herself in opera, concert and recital. In the 2024-25 season, she debuts with the Metropolitan Opera in the company premiere of Adams’ Antony and Cleopatra (Charmian) and with Pacific Opera Victoria for La clemenza di Tito (Sesto). On the concert stage she debuts with the Minnesota Orchestra for Mozart’s Requiem, Duisburger Philharmoniker for Julia Perry’s Stabat Mater, the United States Naval Academy for Messiah, Buffalo Philharmonic for Sanctuary Road and Quad City Symphony Orchestra for Giddens’ Omar’s Journey (Fatima).

Jack Swanson, a native of Stillwater, Minnesota, is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after young tenors in the opera world. His distinctive high lyric voice is known for singing the acrobatic arias of Rossini and the legato melodies of Donizetti.

The Minnesota Chorale has served as the Minnesota Orchestra’s principal chorus since 2004 and is now in its 29th season under the leadership of Kathy Saltzman Romey. Founded in 1972, the Chorale is Minnesota’s preeminent symphonic chorus, with a roster of over 200 singers. Best known for its work with the two major orchestras of the Twin Cities, the ensemble is equally dedicated to programs that build and enrich community. A seasoned artistic partner, the Chorale continues to explore new artistic directions and collaborative opportunities, while earning the highest critical acclaim for its work on the concert stage. In 2018, members of the Chorale traveled to South Africa to perform alongside the Minnesota Orchestra in its historic concerts in Soweto and Johannesburg.