Collection
Minnesota Orchestra
While Minnesota Public Radio has broadcast Minnesota Orchestra performances for listeners for decades, it has also broadcast numerous stories on the many aspects of the renowned classical music organization. This collection highlights a number of memorable moments.
36 Collection Items
- Thomas Sondergard talks about becoming Minnesota Orchestra new music director
The Minnesota Orchestra Thursday named Danish conductor Thomas Sondergard as its 11th music director. All Things Considered’s Tom Crann takes a moment to chat with Sondergard about his upcoming new role. Topics of interview include Minnesota Orchestra’s future model and diversity within the orchestra and performances.
- Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, Minnesota Orchestra's conductor laureate, dies at 93
MPR’s Euan Kerr shares this profile of a Minnesota classical icon. Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, Minnesota Orchestra Conductor Laureate, died at the age of 93 in St. Louis Park.
- Minnesota Orchestra looks ahead after triumphant Cuban tour
As members of the Minnesota Orchestra returned tired and triumphant from their whirlwind tour of Cuba Sunday night, MPR’s Euan Kerr reflects on the significant concert performance.
- Bruce Cho working hard for clarinet dreams
MPR’s Karl Gehrke profiles classical clarinetist Bruce Cho, who plays the Mozart Clarinet Concerto with the Minnesota Orchestra as part of the Young People's Concerts. Gehrke interviews Cho, his music teacher, and a music colleague.
- Voices of Minnesota: Jorja Fleezanis & Beatrice Ojakangas
Midday presents a program highlighting two masters: one of the concerto, the other the cookbook. Voices of Minnesota visits two women who have risen to the top of two rather different fields: Minnesota Orchestra Concertmaster Jorja Fleezanis, and prolific cookbook author Beatrice Ojakangas.
- Osmo Vanska as a clarinet player
Minnesota Orchestra Music Director Osmo Vanska played the clarinet for many years until a busy life as a conductor made it difficult for him to continue. Now after after several years away from the instrument, Vanska makes his Orchestra Hall debut as a clarinetist.
- Minnesota Orchestra's version of "The Handmaid's Tale"
MPR’s Marianne Combs reports on the Minnesota Opera's interpretation of the "The Handmaid's Tale." Not only has Poul Ruders’ modern opera been embraced by audiences and critics alike, it is also timely. Based on Margaret Atwood's novel, the production tells of a world where religion is used to justify political agendas and women are stripped of their rights.
- Minnesota Orchestra hoping to learn from its mistakes
MPR's Stephanie Curtis reports that the Minnesota Orchestra is celebrating its centennial year with its new music director, Osmo Vänskä , finally in place. He is the orchestra's tenth music director and like others, he will be compared with his predecessors. Some critics say they hope the orchestra doesn't repeat mistakes made when it appointed Eiji Oue as music director.
- Osmo Vänskä takes over Minnesota Orchestra
An interview excerpt of Osmo Vänskä as he prepares to lift the baton for the first time as music director of the Minnesota Orchestra. The Finnish conductor arrives as the orchestra celebrates its centennial. Vanska says he realizes he has to live up to many expectations.
- Minnesota Orchestra names Tony Woodcock its new president
MPR’s Lorna Benson interviews Tony Woodcock, who has been chosen to lead the Minnesota Orchestra as the new president replacing the retiring president, David Hyslop. The orchestra also begins an entirely different movement this fall with a new music director, Osmo Vänskä.