Minnesota Orchestra's Remarkable 2023: New Initiatives, Performances, and Leadership

The Minnesota Orchestra had a significant year in 2023, marked by several notable events. The year began with a performance by erhu player Yiwen Lu at the Lunar New Year concert. Her performance was well-received, introducing many to the erhu's unique sound.

Conductor Dalia Stasevska had a successful year, leading the First Night of the BBC Proms and earning the title of BBC Music Magazine’s Personality of the Year. She also raised donations for resistance efforts in Ukraine.

Cellist Johannes Moser impressed audiences with his performance of Dmitri Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1. The orchestra, under Conductor Laureate Osmo Vänskä, made progress in their project to perform and record all ten of Gustav Mahler’s symphonies.

In May, the orchestra resumed community performances in Austin, Minnesota, marking the return of the Common Chords initiative after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. They also premiered a piece inspired by George Floyd, titled brea(d)th, at Orchestra Hall.

The orchestra expanded its Sensory-Friendly Concert series and launched a new program exploring anxiety and well-being through music, led by Principal Conductor Sarah Hicks. The year ended with the announcement of a partnership with First Avenue for a new Community Performing Arts Center, and the introduction of new music director Thomas Søndergård.

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