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.

As a conductor, Delyana Lazarova thinks of herself as a musician among musicians. Collaboration, openness, and sensitivity to the specific sound and character of every orchestra are the foundation of her work; all in service to the music. Orchestras worldwide appreciate her ability to communicate sound and create an environment in which music can simply unfold.

Born in Henan, China, Yi Zhao was offered a first violin position in the Minnesota Orchestra in June 2023, and in fall 2024 was appointed principal second violin. Prior to joining the Orchestra, Zhao was the assistant concertmaster of the Colorado Symphony for nine seasons. During her time in Colorado, Zhao appeared as a solo artist with major community orchestras and was frequently featured at the Englewood Arts, Walden Chamber Music Society (Salida) and Epic (Colorado Springs) Series. She is now looking forward to sharing her passion for music in the Twin Cities community.

Houston-born cellist Erik Wheeler began his musical studies with Diane Bonds at the age of five, and subsequently studied with Steve Laven, Lynn Harrell and Brinton Smith. He earned his undergraduate degree from Rice University, where his principal teacher was Desmond Hoebig, after which he spent a year at the Juilliard School with Richard Aaron. While at Rice, he performed Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations with the Shepherd School Chamber Orchestra as the winner of the school’s concerto competition, and served as principal cellist for the Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra. A member of the Minnesota Orchestra since 2019, in fall 2024 he took on the role of acting co-associate principal cello. 

Kate Wegener joins the Minnesota Orchestra full-time at the end of December 2023 as associate principal oboe. A native of Connecticut, she has recently been featured at the Marlboro Music Festival, the Spoleto Festival and with the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society. In addition to performing with the Juilliard Orchestra, she has appeared as a substitute musician with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the Florida Orchestra and the Apex Ensemble, among others. Wegener received her bachelor’s degree and is currently completing her master’s degree at the Juilliard School.

Texas native J. Christopher Marshall, a member of the Minnesota Orchestra since 1999, earned his master’s degree in bassoon performance at the New England Conservatory of Music. He holds two undergraduate degrees from Northwestern University: one in bassoon performance and the other in mechanical engineering. Before joining the Minnesota Orchestra, Marshall was a member of Florida’s New World Symphony.