Sir James MacMillan with the Minnesota Orchestra
Fri Mar 28 — Sat Mar 29, 2025
Orchestra Hall
Composer-conductor James MacMillan’s religious faith is at the core of his music. In his Minnesota Orchestra conducting debut, you’ll hear two powerful examples. He’ll also conduct one of the most popular hits by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, who, despite not being religious, wrote the Russian Easter Overture that concludes with what he called “the unbridled pagan religious merry-making of Easter Sunday.”
A Few Things to Know
- More than a decade ago, Sir James MacMillan was called into a private meeting and asked to compose a piece of music based on Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite scripture passage. The piece sat quietly for years until 2022, when it was performed for the first time by the Choir of Westminster Abbey at the Queen’s funeral.
- Cellist Sonia Mantell’s earliest powerful musical inspiration came from watching the opera rendition of Where the Wild Things Are, based on the children’s book by Maurice Sendak, and being moved by the music’s ability to communicate emotion so vividly.
- Sir James MacMillan started exploring the idea of being a conductor—in addition to his work as a composer and educator—in his 30s.
- The Woman of the Apocalypse refers to a mysterious woman depicted in the Bible’s Book of Revelation.
- Plan your visit to Orchestra Hall
Program
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WAGNER
Good Friday Spell, from Parsifal
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MacMILLAN
Kiss on Wood for Cello and String Orchestra
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RIMSKY-KORSAKOV
Russian Easter Overture
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RACHMANINOFF
Isle of the Dead
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MacMILLAN
Woman of the Apocalypse
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Sir James MacMillan
conductor
Sonia Mantell
Acting Co-Associate Principal Cello
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 begins his second season as music director.
Sir James MacMillan is one of today’s most successful composers and performs internationally as a conductor. His musical language is flooded with influences from his Scottish heritage, Catholic faith, social conscience and close connection with Celtic folk music, blended with influences from Far Eastern, Scandinavian and Eastern European music.
Illinois native Sonia Mantell joined the Minnesota Orchestra cello section in September 2020, and in fall 2024 took on the role of acting co-associate principal cello. She studied at New England Conservatory and DePaul School of Music under the tutelage of Natasha Brofksy and Brant Taylor, respectively. She was appointed co-principal cellist of the NEC orchestras and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. While attending DePaul, she won the Concerto Competition with violinist Ari Urban and performed the Brahms Double Concerto with the DePaul Symphony. She has attended summer festivals at Aspen, National Orchestral Institute, Music Academy of the West and Tanglewood Music Center.
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.
