FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER
February 2024
Upcoming Events
Feb 5: Kinder Konzerts in the Hall
Feb 12: Kinder Konzerts in the Hall
Feb 17: Lunar New Year
Feb 20: ACCENT, Nina Bernat
As we open the chapter of February, we're delighted to bring you the latest updates from the FRIENDS of the Minnesota Orchestra! This month, stay tuned for a symphony of Kinder Konzerts™ in the Hall, a Lunar New Year with the Minnesota Orchestra, and an ACCENT program that will celebrate more than 60 years of the Young Artist Competition, featuring special guest, Osmo Vanska!
ACCENT: Nina Bernat
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Schmitt Music Auditorium
This program features a special performance by 2022 Young Artist Competition Grand Prize Winner, Nina Bernat, bass. Adding to the excitement of the evening, Osmo Vanska, Conductor Laureate of the Minnesota Orchestra, will join Nina for an insightful conversation about the legacy of the Young Artist Competition, hosted by MPR’s Melissa Ousley.
Nina will perform a bass concerto by Giovanni Bottesini with the Minnesota Orchestra during the February 22-24 Osmo Vanska Returns concerts.
We recommend securing your tickets promptly to ensure your participation in this unique event.
Celebrating 75 Years of FRIENDS
SAVE THE DATE
For FRIENDS of the Minnesota Orchestra’s Annual Fundraising Luncheon!
May 22, 2024
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Lafayette Club
February is Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month, FRIENDS recommends attending the MN Orchestra’s concerts on February 9th or 10th. This concert features Billy Childs' Saxophone Concerto Diaspora. The work co-commissioned by the Orchestra highlights Black experiences in America, with inspiration from poets including Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou.
FRIENDS Recipe for Kinder Konzerts™
INGREDIENTS
1 Musical story
7 Minnesota Orchestra musicians
1 Professional music educator
40 Volunteers
2 Co-chairs
12 of each: Small violins, snare drums, rhythm makers, cellos, and other instruments
450+ pieces of music educational handout materials
2 Policemen
10 Orchestra Hall ushers
MIX IN
450 excited pre-school students with teachers and parents
YIELD
One joyous day of Kinder Konzerts™ in the Hall!
Bring a FRIEND to Kinder Konzerts™
The Kinder Konzerts™ volunteers have arranged a special opportunity for you to share the impact that our award-winning Kinder Konzerts™ has on children in our community.
Bring a friend (or two!) and enjoy the energy of children experiencing classical music and Orchestra Hall.
This special Member-only event is
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
10:30 am - Noon
Orchestra Hall
There are no admission fees
After the Kinder Konzert,™ FRIENDS will gather for lunch at The Local.
Note: Lunch is optional and self-funded.
Registration deadline is March 1
FRIENDS Member Benefit #2: Music Community
As a member of FRIENDS of the Minnesota Orchestra, you are a part of a
vibrant community of music lovers. Together we make the world a better place through music!
Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence
with 7 Benefits & 5 Membership Levels
FRIENDS is celebrating 75 years of service to the Twin Cities community. Please renew your membership, consider increasing your membership level for our Anniversary year, or become a new member. Your dues are 100% tax-deductible and support our goal of creating connections to music.
Family Friendly Event: Lunar New Year
The Minnesota Orchestra marks Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon, a two-week-long festival that encourages family and friends to gather together with a performance featuring music that honors family traditions and themes of unity and health.
Past Event: Relaxed Family Concert
Former Co-president of FRIENDS, Nan Nelson helps a future orchestra concert-goer make beautiful sounds on the Cello.
Click below to watch a video of some young conductors helping conduct the Minnesota Orchestra during the relaxed family concert on January 7th.
ACCENT: Janet Horvath
On January 18th, your FRIENDS attended a powerful ACCENT presentation by Janet Horvath with special guests, Emily and Sophia Alexander, who performed on their cellos.
February Birthdays
Ann Farrell - February 4
Chris Sachs - February 5
Nancy Gronseth - February 6
Heidi Holley - February 18
Margaret Carlson - February 19
Lauren Fichtel-Hewitt - February 22
Erika Neely - February 25
Luella Goldberg - February 26
Meg Gisslen - February 27
Terry Fox - February 28
