Bedřich Smetana’s distinctly Czech symphonic poem is a miniature orchestral drama based on the tale of the legendary Amazon of Bohemian folklore, telling of the young heroine Šárka—her romantic betrayal, rage and vengeance.

Seven selections from Sergei Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet, chosen for these performances by Ruth Reinhardt, summon vivid images of Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy, from a masked ball to a violent duel to the lovers’ tragic end.

In this rarity—a concerto for saxophone and orchestra—Billy Childs’ music draws inspiration from the poetry of Nayyirah Waheed, Claude McKay and Maya Angelou to tell a unique story of Black experiences in America.

Thirteen of Edward Elgar’s closest friends, as well as the composer himself, are depicted in this musical portrait gallery. A highlight is the poignant Nimrod, which starts quietly and builds to a sonorous emotional climax.

This work was performed January 5 and 6, 2024.

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Idyll is an airy and dreamlike musical landscape, highlighting the sweet-singing capabilities of the woodwinds and horns and the lyrical beauty of the string section.

Used with permission from A-R Editions. For more information about this new edition of Samuel Coleridge...

This ballet reveals Classical myth as seen through the lens of French impressionism. Daphnis and Chloe (“Chloé” in French) dance to opulent music, spurning all rivals—but pirates attack and carry off Chloe. The god Pan responds to the entreaties of onlookers and, with a flash of the supernatural,...

A sleeping faun, represented by a languid, sensual flute solo, dreams of a romantic tryst with forest nymphs. Like the poem it is based on, this music is impressionistic—offering a series of sensations without formal structure.

Contemporary composer Lera Auerbach’s Icarus is abstract music, but its title beckons the listener to reflect on the mythical Icarus, his fatal flight and the human desire to transcend limits.

Although his name isn’t as famous as his most popular music, James P. Johnson played a key part in the Jazz Age and Harlem Renaissance, with his crucial contributions including pioneering the influential Harlem Stride Piano style, composing music for more than 40 musicals and, in 1921, performing...

Justice Alan C. Page is a Minnesota legend—both as an athlete and a former member of the Minnesota Supreme Court. Page joined the Orchestra for our Celebration of Juneteenth as narrator in Aaron Copland's Lincoln Portrait; we talked with him about his incredible career and preparing for these per...

Hailstork's Three Spirituals for Orchestra, composed in 2005, casts a spotlight on three pieces from a vast and proud tradition: Everytime I Feel the Spirit, Kum Ba Ya and Oh Freedom.

Lincoln Portrait has become one of Copland’s most-performed works, familiar to generations of audiences at patriotic occasions. The narration has been delivered by many celebrities and political figures, including Barack Obama, who read the part with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 2005 in a pe...

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Petite Suite de Concert offers a variety of charming ideas in each of its brief yet affective four movements,
showcasing the composer’s immense talents in capturing the romanticism and sentimentality of early 20th-century British musical tastes.

In the world premiere of brea(d)th, with music by Carlos Simon and libretto by Marc Bamuthi Joseph—who performs as spoken
word artist—the murder of George Floyd is situated in the context of the United States’ centuries-long oppression of Black Americans,
asking the audience to consider how we he...

The rarely spotlighted tuba takes center stage in a recent concerto by the eminent composer, jazz trumpeter and bandleader Wynton
Marsalis—fusing traditions ranging from classical to bebop to boogaloo. Of note are a passage in which the soloist plays the tuba and sings
simultaneously, and a blist...

Trumpeter Charles Lazarus and vocalist Tonia Hughes perform “When the Saints Go Marching In” with Tommy Barbarella on piano, Jeff Bailey on bass and David Schmalenberger on drums.

Trumpeter Charles Lazarus and vocalist Tonia Hughes perform George Gershwin's “Summertime” with the Minnesota Orchestra, led by conductor Sarah Hicks. Featuring Tommy Barbarella on piano, Jeff Bailey on bass, and David Schmalenberger on drums.

Trumpeter Charles Lazarus performs “Offertory” from Leonard Bernstein’s Mass, with the Minnesota Orchestra, led by conductor Sarah Hicks. Featuring Tommy Barbarella on piano, Jeff Bailey on bass and David Schmalenberger on drums.

Trumpeter Charles Lazarus and vocalists Tonia Hughes and T. Michael Rambo perform Duke Ellington's “It Don’t Mean a Thing” with the Minnesota Orchestra, led by conductor Sarah Hicks. Featuring Tommy Barbarella on piano, Jeff Bailey and bass, and David Schmalenberger on drums.

Trumpeter Charles Lazarus performs Spencer Williams' “Basin Street Blues” with Tommy Barbarella on piano, Jeff Bailey on bass, and David Schmalenberger on drums.

Trumpeter Charles Lazarus and vocalist Tonia Hughes perform "Amazing Grace" with the Minnesota Orchestra, led by conductor Sarah Hicks. As a special introduction, Tonia sings an a cappella rendition of the well-known spiritual Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.

This suite, comprising selected movements from the composer’s Suites No. 1 and 2 selected by conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto, are a mosaic of vibrant dances and colorful melodies infused with the character and charm of the Spanish countryside.

Venezuelan-born Gabriela Montero’s Latin Piano Concerto—performed this week with the composer as soloist—merges the European classical concerto form with idioms, traditions and characteristics of her native continent. Montero notes that her concerto reflects South America’s complexities and contr...

Ravel grew up familiar with traditional Spanish music, and he drew on this for his Rapsodie. An understated Malagueña and a vigorous Habanera lead to a vigorous finale that overflows with melodic invention.