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.

Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård, who in September 2024 began his second season as music director of the Minnesota Orchestra, is a highly regarded conductor in both the orchestral and opera spheres. He has earned a reputation for incisive interpretations of works by composers from his native Denmark, a great versatility in a broad range of standard and modern repertoire, and a collaborative approach with the musicians he leads. His 2024-25 season in Minnesota began with two weeks of season opening concerts featuring Yunchan Lim and Leila Josefowicz. Other season highlights include performances of Mozart’s Requiem and Puccini’s Turandot, a January festival of music from Nordic countries and the return of the Minnesota Orchestra Composer Institute.

A 2012 winner of Operalia and of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Janai Brugger’s recent season engagements include her highly successful role and Houston Grand Opera debut as she inaugurated the role of Mary Jane Bower in the world premiere of Jake Heggie’s Intelligence, winning accolades from audiences and critics alike.