The Minnesota Orchestra is Coming to SW Minnesota

The Minnesota Orchestra gave their first concert on November 5, 1903.  They have in the next 104 years performed concerts throughout Minnesota, across the United States, in Canada, Australia, Europe, the Far East, Latin America, and the Middle East.  They have achieved distinction as a world class orchestra.  The orchestra is made up of 98 members who perform about 200 concerts a year.  The musical director of the Minnesota Orchestra is Osmo Vänskä.  Director Vänskä, a renowned conductor from Finland, has been praised for his intense and dynamic performances.  He has developed a warm rapport with the members of the orchestra as he continues the distinction of leading one of America’s best symphonic ensembles. 

The Minnesota Orchestra which changed its name from the Minneapolis Orchestra in 1968, has been known for their excellent recordings and live broadcasts over Minnesota Public Radio.  They were actually one of the first orchestras to be heard on recordings in the early 1920s.  One of their most legendary recordings was the 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky in which the Yale University's Harkness Carillon was used along with a French single muzzleloading cannon shot (dubbed in 16 times).  In honor of its centennial season in 2003, the Minnesota Orchestra released Minnesota Orchestra at One Hundred: A Collection of Recordings and Broadcasts, an acclaimed 12-CD set featuring recordings and broadcasts dating from between 1924-2003.

Don’t miss the chance to hear this magnificent orchestra in Southwest Minnesota.  They will be performing at the JCC Performing Arts Center in Jackson on February 21, 2008.  Ticket information is available at: www.jccschools.com (click on the Community Education link).  They will also be performing at the Schwan Community Center for the Performing Arts in Marshall on February 22, 2008.   Ticket information is available from the MAFAC website:  www.mafac.net.  These concerts are made possible in part by a grant from SMAHC with funds appropriated by the State Legislature.