YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION
This important announcement is to let you know of a change that FRIENDS of the Minnesota Orchestra is making regarding the Young Artist Competition.
At the June FRIENDS Board meeting the Board unanimously voted to discontinue the Young Artist Competition. This unanimous decision was reached following a recommendation from a special task force and the education committee. As a result of extensive discussions regarding the triumphs and challenges of continuing the Young Artist Competition, the following conclusions were made.
The Young Artist Competition currently:
Does not serve the community of young musicians as originally intended.
Does not align with FRIENDS’ current mission or strategic plan, which is as follows: The mission of FRIENDS of the Minnesota Orchestra is to serve as a community partner to create and bring music learning opportunities to children and families.
Is not financially sustainable.
A planning group will be formed to explore options to replace the Competition. This new program will encourage and support young musicians, align with FRIENDS mission and purpose, and benefit our community. You are invited to participate; we want your valuable ideas! We expect the planning group to begin their work this fall.
When the Competition began over sixty years ago the original focus was on recognizing and encouraging young, mid-west talent. Gradually, the Competition expanded to musicians throughout the United States and Canada, and the upper age limit was expanded to 25 years.
Post-COVID efforts by FRIENDS have been centered on Meet A Musician/ACCENT, Kinder Konzerts in the Hall and Kinder Konzerts outreach programming in line with our mission. Generous support by the Ciresi Walburn Foundation has enabled FRIENDS to provide, through Kinder Konzerts on the Road, artist residencies to under-resourced schools. FRIENDS is also offering a version of Kinder Konzerts to libraries and schools throughout the State, called Kinder Konzerts Out & About. These programs fulfill our mission and align our goals with the outreach goals of the Minnesota Orchestra. Through these efforts, FRIENDS continues to play an important role in instilling a love of music in Minnesota communities.
As to the financial viability of the Young Artist Competition, the program has become unsustainable for FRIENDS. Providing the competition in recent years has cost nearly $30,000 each time.
The decision to sunset the Young Artist Competition is bittersweet. FRIENDS is very proud of the incredibly talented competitors who have graced the Orchestra Hall stage throughout the years.
Additionally, you will be hearing much more about the history and legacy of the Young Artist Competition in an upcoming, celebratory edition of FRIENDS newsletter.
We are grateful for you, our members, and trust that your on-going support will enable this wonderful organization to continue to grow and thrive as we continue to bring the love of music to Minnesotans of all ages.
Task-force committee members:
Lisa Roehl, chr, Nan Nelson, Mary Ella Pratte, Judy Ranheim, Patricia Rice, Becky Shockley, Irene Suddard, and Jenni Salomon.
Any questions, comments, or concerns can be directed to the FRIENDS office by e-mailing friends@friendsofmnorch.org.