An American Songbook
with John Holiday and the Minnesota OrchestraSat Aug 8, 2026
Orchestra Hall
Buy Tickets
-
Sold Out
{{perf.Date}}, {{perf.Time}}
{{perf.Date}}, {{perf.Time}}
Not On Sale{{perf.Date}}, {{perf.Time}}
Few artists move as fluently between opera, classical, gospel, jazz and popular music as countertenor John Holiday. Renowned for his commanding artistry and unmistakable presence, Holiday has appeared in leading roles on opera stages around the world, captivating audiences with performances of remarkable intensity and expressive range. Joined by celebrated Twin Cities vocalists Jearlyn and Jevetta Steele, Holiday and the Minnesota Orchestra bring the summer festival to a close with a vibrant program drawn from the American Songbook, featuring music by Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Billie Holiday and more.
Program
-
TRADITIONAL
Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round
-
MILLER/MILLER
Let There Be Peace on Earth
-
TAYLOR
Shed a Little Light
-
WILLIAMS
Safety
-
TRADITIONAL/BONDS
1 min noteOne Minute Note
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
-
TRADITIONAL
This Little Light of Mine
-
SIMON
Bridge Over Troubled Water
-
BENSON/CLEVELAND/GAYE
What’s Going On?
-
MEEROPOL
Strange Fruit
-
TRADITIONAL
Study War No More
-
ELLINGTON
Heaven
-
WONDER
As
-
RODGERS
You’ll Never Walk Alone
-
WARD
How We Got Over
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Jonathan Taylor Rush
Conductor
John Holiday
Countertenor
Jearlyn Steele
Vocalist
Jevetta Steele
Vocalist
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.
Jonathan Taylor Rush, hailed as “a continually rising talent in the conducting world” by the Baltimore Sun, brings passion, unique interpretation and a refreshing energy to the orchestral experience. Rooted in his musical upbringing within the church, Rush’s approach to conducting is imbued with elements of gospel and soul music. Previous conducting highlights include performances with the likes of Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Nashville Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera. The 2025-26 season includes Rush’s subscription debut with Nashville Symphony and his European orchestra debut with Danish Philharmonic, in addition to performances with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, Rochester Philharmonic and Minnesota Orchestra.
Countertenor John Holiday has established himself as “one of the finest countertenors of his generation” (Los Angeles Times). His voice has been praised as “a thing of astonishing beauty” (The New Yorker), “arrestingly powerful, secure and dramatically high” (The Wall Street Journal), and “timeless” (The Washington Post).
Jevetta Steele is a member of the internationally acclaimed musical family The Steeles. She is most noted for her Academy Award-nominated performance of Calling You from the motion picture Bagdad Café, which was certified Gold in several European countries. Steele is an original cast member of the Broadway, national and international touring hit The Gospel at Colonus, a recipient of four Gold records and an author of two plays, the autobiographical musical Two Queens, One Castle and Point of Review; she served as a contributor for the latter play with Don Cheadle.
Video: A message from John Holiday
Plan Your Visit
- Running Time
- ~ 2 hours, including intermission
- Doors Open
- 1 hour, 30 mins prior to performance
- Post-Concert - CD Signing
John Holiday will be signing copies of his CD "Over My Head" after this evening's performance.
Sponsored By
