Symphonic Storytelling
Sun Mar 15, 2026
Orchestra Hall
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How do composers use music to tell a story that has already been written? Join Music Director Thomas Søndergård as we dive into pieces that, through purposeful orchestration by the composer, take widely known stories and put their own unique spin on them through symphonic music. Hear selections from Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite (Conversations of Beauty and the Beast), Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, Carlos Simon’s A Folklore Symphony and much more!
This one-hour relaxed concert format is designed for audiences of all ages, including individuals with autism or sensory sensitivities.
Program
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SIMON
Motherboxx Connection from Tales: A Folklore Symphony
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SMYTH
Overture from The Boatswain's Mate
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RAVEL
Conversations of Beauty and the Beast from Suite of Five Pieces from Mother Goose (Ma Mère l'Oye)
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BERNSTEIN
Prologue, Somewhere, Scherzo, & Mambo from Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
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SIMON
John Henry from Tales: A Folklore Symphony
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Thomas Søndergård
conductor
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.
Plan Your Visit
- Running Time
- ~1 hour with no intermission
- Doors Open
- 1 hour, 30 mins prior to performance
A Few Things to Know
- Free child tickets are available through our Hall Pass program. Learn more
- This concert will feature a variety of music—some soft and some loud—because we know that different audience members like different levels of sound. Review our tip sheet (available one month before the concert) to read about quiet spaces, noise-canceling headphones and other options which are available for tailoring the concert experience to fit your family's preferences.
- Come early to participate in lobby activities, including opportunities to try instruments, engage in creative movement, make art, learn more about the program and meet Minnesota Orchestra musicians.
With this concert we gratefully recognize Angela Pennington and W. Anders Folk as Lead Sponsor for this program.
The Family Concert series is made possible by
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
