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 commissioning and performing the music of our time.  In September 2025, Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård began his third season as music director.

Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård, who in September 2025 began his third 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. Highlights of his 2025-26 season in Minnesota include opera-in-concert performances of Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle, a festival of music from Nordic countries, collaborations with renowned soloists such as Joyce DiDonato, Yo-Yo Ma and Kirill Gerstein, and a Listening Project concert focused on the music of underrepresented composers. 

Benjamin Beilman, one of the leading violinists of his generation, has won international praise for his passionate performances and deep rich tone. His 2023-24 season includes his debut with the St. Louis Symphony and returns to the Minnesota Orchestra, Oregon Symphony and Pacific Symphony, with which he will perform and conduct a program of Vivaldi.