June 22, 1973 - MPR’s Lawrence Dulcie reports on groundbreaking for Orchestra Hall. Segment features Minneapolis Mayor Charles Stenvig, Councilman John S. Pillsbury Jr., former Governor Elmer L. Andersen and Maestro Stanislaw Skrowaczewski.
October 18, 1973 - A plaza may surround the Minnesota Orchestra Concert Hall building now being built. The Peavey company is giving money towards this project, which will be eventually be called the Peavey Park Plaza. The concert hall will finish being constructed first, and is scheduled to open in October 1974. Donald P. Engle, President of the Minnesota Orchestral Association, says he can see possibilities for presenting summer concerts in this space.
October 23, 1973 - MER’s Dennis Rooney interviews Joseph Roche, a member of Minnesota Orchestra, about the death and legacy of Pablo Casals. Roche shares experience of being a part of Casals Festival.
October 21, 1974 - During on-air intermission of the Dedication Concert of the new Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis, MPR’s Dennis Rooney presents a recorded interview with Cyril M. Harris, the acoustic engineer involved in the design of hall. Harris discusses the importance of acoustics and avoiding the multi-use concept. Despite it’s contemporary feeling, he states Orchestra Hall is quite traditional.
April 7, 1978 - During intermission of an Minnesota Orchestra performance with Neville Marriner as guest conductor, MPR’s Dennis Rooney interviews the esteemed English orchestra conductor. Marriner discusses his future plans, including potentially becoming music director of the Minnesota Orchestra.
August 28, 1978 - MPR’s Don Manildi interviews Charles Rosen, visiting Minnesota Orchestra pianist, who discusses his work as an artist. Rosen performs Beethoven prior to interview.
January 28, 1982 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan interviews German-born conductor Max Rudolf, who claims he can teach almost anybody to lead a fine orchestra in as little as four weeks. His rules are simple: keep to the score and stay out of the way of the musicians. Hardly the expected advice of a world-renown conductor…but Max Rudolf, at age 80, is not a believer in the cliched image of the pompous maestro.
January 6, 1984 - During intermission of a Minnesota Orchestra performance with guest solo pianist Emanuel Ax, MPR’s Don Manildi interviews the prize-winning musician. Ax discusses his evolution of playing Brahms, appreciation of Arthur Rubinstein, favorite composers, and his musical discipline.
March 20, 1984 - During intermission of Festival of American Orchestras Concert, the first collaborative performance between Minnesota Orchestra and The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, MPR’s Brian Newhouse presents a historical overview of the two orchestras and interviews members the both organizations.
October 18, 1985 - During intermission of a Minnesota Orchestra performance with guest violinist Nigel Kennedy, MPR’s Don Manildi interviews the English musician. Kennedy discusses his classical background and shares his love for other genres of music, including the improvisation form of jazz.