About This Concert
Just in time for Christmas, join us as we screen the Oscar®-winning classic film It’s a Wonderful Life accompanied live by the Minnesota Orchestra and the Minnesota Chorale.
Everyone’s must-watch holiday movie becomes a heartwarming live concert event as the Minnesota Orchestra performs Dimitri Tiomkin’s entire score alongside the movie. James Stewart plays down-on-his-luck George Bailey who is rescued on Christmas Eve by his guardian angel Clarence, who shows George what his town would be like if he had never existed.
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Artists
- Minnesota Orchestra
- Sarah Hicks, conductor
- Minnesota Chorale
Fun Facts
- A box office flop in 1946, It’s a Wonderful Life was revived in the 1970s through annual broadcasts on network television during the Christmas season, and was ranked number one by the American Film Institute in its 2006 list of the most inspiring films ever made.
- The soundtrack features lush classic Hollywood string arrangements, festive brass tunes, a jazzy riff on “Buffalo Gals” and much more.
- Four-time Oscar®-winner Dimitri Tiomkin was a Russian émigré to Hollywood, best known for his scores for High Noon, Dial M for Murder and The Guns of Navarone.
- Director Frank Capra was joined by writing legends Dorothy Parker, Dalton Trumbo and Clifford Odets in creating the movie script.
Accessibility at Orchestra Hall
The Movies & Music series is made possible by U.S. Bank.
1111 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis
MN
55403
Holiday
It’s a Wonderful Life Live in Concert
Complete Film with the Minnesota Orchestra
Tickets
Other Performances
It’s a Wonderful Life Live in Concert
Plan your visit
Pre-pay Valet Parking (Save $3)
Concert Duration
Approximately 2.5 hours including a 20 minute intermission.
Pre-Concert
Doors open 6pm
Pre-Concert Interview
Holiday Heralds Performance
Simpson Housing Services Hats & Mittens Drive
About This Concert
Just in time for Christmas, join us as we screen the Oscar®-winning classic film It’s a Wonderful Life accompanied live by the Minnesota Orchestra and the Minnesota Chorale.
Everyone’s must-watch holiday movie becomes a heartwarming live concert event as the Minnesota Orchestra performs Dimitri Tiomkin’s entire score alongside the movie. James Stewart plays down-on-his-luck George Bailey who is rescued on Christmas Eve by his guardian angel Clarence, who shows George what his town would be like if he had never existed.
Read More:
Artists
- Minnesota Orchestra
- Sarah Hicks, conductor
- Minnesota Chorale
Fun Facts
- A box office flop in 1946, It’s a Wonderful Life was revived in the 1970s through annual broadcasts on network television during the Christmas season, and was ranked number one by the American Film Institute in its 2006 list of the most inspiring films ever made.
- The soundtrack features lush classic Hollywood string arrangements, festive brass tunes, a jazzy riff on “Buffalo Gals” and much more.
- Four-time Oscar®-winner Dimitri Tiomkin was a Russian émigré to Hollywood, best known for his scores for High Noon, Dial M for Murder and The Guns of Navarone.
- Director Frank Capra was joined by writing legends Dorothy Parker, Dalton Trumbo and Clifford Odets in creating the movie script.
Accessibility at Orchestra Hall
The Movies & Music series is made possible by U.S. Bank.
Listen on Spotify
Pre- and Post-Concert Experiences on Saturday December 21 / SEE ALL UPCOMING EXPERIENCES

Pre-Concert Interview
When: 7-7:25pm
Where: Auditorium
Join Phillip Gainsley for an interview focusing on the life and career of one or two of this concert’s featured artists. This concert preview is free; however, a concert ticket is required for entry.

Holiday Heralds Performance
When: 7:00pm-7:45pm
Where: Target Atrium
Holiday Heralds is a group of singers from the Minnesota Chorale, the official chorus of the Minnesota Orchestra. They enjoy spreading holiday cheer in private and public venues, as well as senior care facilities during the holidays.

Simpson Housing Services Hats & Mittens Drive
When: Pre-concert Where: Roberta Mann Grand Foyer Donate new or gently used thermal long underwear and wind resistant winter hats, mittens, and hand warmers for adults to support Simpson Housing Services, a local nonprofit that helps thousands of people experiencing homelessness find the housing, support, and shelter they need in a time of crisis. Look for collection bins near the Christmas tree in the lobby.