Parker, Schumann and Tchaikovsky
Fri Jul 25, 2025
Orchestra Hall
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When Jon Kimura Parker was appointed Creative Partner of Summer at Orchestra Hall, we knew he was high-energy. Six years later, this true entertainer is still going strong and has become a favorite among Minnesota Orchestra audiences. Parker’s performance of Schumann’s concerto anchors this concert of 19th-century gems, including Tchaikovsky’s sublime and dream-like Swan Lake Suite.
Program
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MENDELSSOHN
Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage Overture
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Felix Mendelssohn’s Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage blends poetic inspiration, youthful brilliance and innovation—bridging Goethe’s words and music in a vivid orchestral journey.
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SCHUMANN
Piano Concerto
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Solo and orchestral parts are intimately entwined in this concerto. At the core of the opening movement is a tender discourse between piano and clarinet; the understated Intermezzo leads to a celebratory finale.
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TCHAIKOVSKY
Suite from Swan Lake
1 min noteOne Minute Note
In Swan Lake, Prince Siegfried triumphs over an evil sorcerer, rescuing his beloved Odette and other maidens who had been transformed into swans. This suite includes the famous Waltz marking the Prince’s birthday celebration, the delicate Dance of the Swans and a Hungarian Czardas, among other evocative movements.
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Jonathan Taylor Rush
conductor
Jon Kimura Parker
piano
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 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. He debuted with the Minnesota Orchestra in May 2023, leading world premiere performances of brea(d)th by Carlos Simon and Marc Bamuthi Joseph—a recording of which has been released on Decca Classics.
Known for his passionate artistry and engaging stage presence, pianist Jon Kimura Parker has performed regularly at the Berlin Philharmonie, Carnegie Hall, London’s South Bank, the Sydney Opera House and the Beijing Concert Hall. In 2019 he was appointed the Minnesota Orchestra’s first-ever creative partner for Summer at Orchestra Hall, a new role in which he is serving as a creative force behind the Orchestra’s summer festival and appearing each summer as a host, performer and personality.
Plan your visit
- Running Time
- ~2 hours, including intermission
- Doors Open
- 1 hour, 30 mins prior to performance
- Come early for Sounds + Bites!
6:30 PM - $7 Happy Hour
6:45-7:45 PM - Free entertainment in Target Atrium: Ginger Bones
Plus, enjoy food vendors inside Orchestra Hall and shop wares from local vendors.
View the food menu.
Sponsored by
The 2024-2025 Classical Season is presented by Ameriprise Financial.
