John Holiday and Beethoven’s Fifth
with the Minnesota OrchestraJohn Holiday will be signing copies of his CD "Over My Head" after this evening's performance.
Fri Aug 7, 2026
Orchestra Hall
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Countertenor John Holiday returns to Orchestra Hall to perform Carlos Simon’s orchestral song cycle Songs of Separation, a setting of texts by the 13th-century Persian Sufi mystic and poet Rūmī that meditates on loss, longing and the human experience of separation. Tracing a deeply expressive emotional arc—from grief and sorrow toward hope and affirmation—the work is brought vividly to life by Holiday, whose extraordinary, genre-defying voice has been praised by audiences and critics alike for its power, nuance and unmistakable individuality.
Video: A message from John Holiday
Program
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MONTGOMERY
Coincident Dances
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SIMON
Songs of Separation
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HAHN
A Chloris
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HAHN
L'Enamouree
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BEETHOVEN
Symphony No. 5
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Jonathan Taylor Rush
conductor
John Holiday
countertenor
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).
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.
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