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.

Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård, who in fall 2023 began his tenure 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 inaugural season began in September 2023 with two weeks of historic concerts highlighted by Richard Strauss’ Alpine Symphony and, with the Minnesota Chorale, Ravel’s complete ballet score Daphnis and Chloe. Another season highlight will come in June 2024, as he conducts season finale concerts of music by LGBTQ+ composers.

First prize winner of the 18th Chopin Piano Competition 2021 in Warsaw, Bruce Liu’s “playing of breathtaking beauty” (BBC Music Magazine) has secured his reputation as one of the most exciting talents of his generation and contributed to a “rock-star status in the classical music world” (The Globe and Mail).