Holst's The Planets
Thu Oct 10 — Sat Oct 12, 2024
Orchestra Hall
A modern concerto by a Finnish composer, written for an ancient Chinese instrument and played by a jaw-dropping virtuoso sounds like a tall order. That’s exactly what you’ll get in Jukka Tiensuu’s humorous and theatrical Teoton. Then, to Gustav Holst under the spell of astrology in his bold and luminous suite, The Planets.
A Few Things to Know
- Do you have a curiosity about unusual orchestral instruments? You’re in luck. Over the course of this concert, you will hear a rainstick, a slide whistle, a bass flute, a bass oboe, a euphonium and the sheng, which is one of the oldest known Chinese instruments, dating back more than 3,000 years.
- Finnish composer Lotta Wennäkoski studied Hungarian folk music at the Béla Bartók Conservatory in Budapest. After graduating, she played violin on the streets of Helsinki, using the art of busking and the pace of city life as inspirational sources for her future compositions.
- Jukka Tiensuu intentionally keeps the stories or meanings behind most of his music unclear; it is vitally important to him that each listener hears his music with only their own experiences as context.
- A powerful advocate for new music, in a lecture he presented at the University of California San Diego in 2000, Jukka Tiensuu advised that “we can escape the present, to the world of historical or folk music, but to face it, we need compositions that are born out of our own time.”
- Plan your visit to Orchestra Hall
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Dima Slobodeniouk
conductor
Wu Wei
sheng
Minnesota Chorale
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. This past fall, Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård began his tenure as music director.
Lauded for his deeply informed and intelligent artistic leadership, Dima Slobodeniouk has held the position of music director of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia since 2013, which he combines with his positions as principal conductor of the Lahti Symphony Orchestra and artistic director of the Sibelius Festival following his appointment in 2016. Linking his native Russian roots with the cultural influence of his later homeland Finland, he draws on the powerful musical heritage of these two countries.
He works with orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic, Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Amsterdam Concertgebouw Orchestras, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Chicago Symphony, Baltimore Symphony and the Sydney and NHK symphony orchestras.
The artistry of internationally renowned Sheng virtuoso Wu Wei reaches far beyond the traditional boundaries of his more than 3,000-year-old Chinese instrument and brings it well into the 21st century.
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.
Plan your visit
- Pre-concert activities
- Valet Parking
- Pre-order Beverages
- Directions & Parking
- Helpful Tips
Pre-Concert Discussion
with Phillip Gainsley
When: Thu Oct 10 | 45 mins before performance
Where: On Stage
Phillip Gainsley previews The Planets providing insights for the audience into Holst's work and life.
Pre-Concert Discussion
with Valerie Little
When: Sat Oct 12 | 45 mins before performance
Where: Target Atrium
Valerie Little previews The Planets providing insights for the audience into Holst's work and life.
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.
