Mankato Symphony Orchestra

MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT:

The mission of the Mankato Symphony Orchestra and its board of directors is to create emotion-packed, high-quality classical music experiences and promote music education in and for the greater Mankato community.

Our vision is to expand the audience for and appreciation of classical music in the greater Mankato area.

ANNUAL PROGRAMS:

• Symphonic Series-Five (5) concerts with full orchestra
• Music on the Hill-Four (4) chamber music concerts
• Pops at the Kato-Three (3) jazz concerts
• Handel with Care-Four (4) FREE family concerts
• FREE summer pops concert Rockin’ Fourth of July, formerly Rockin’ in the Quarry
• Youth Concerts-Three (3) FREE performances
• Music Appreciation at the Elementary School Level (MAESL) education program
• FREE masterclasses and clinics with guest artists open to youth and adults
• Tours to rural Minnesota communities and outreach programs at twelve (12) regional libraries
• Annual collaboration with Mankato Ballet for five (5) performances of  The Nutcracker
• Triplet-Symphony benefit
• Kevin Kanne Memorial Young Artist Competition

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS:                

• 2015 Minnesota Music Hall of Fame Inductee
• Winner of 2013 Eide Bailly Resourcefullness Award for outstanding efforts in creative fundraising
• Nominated for ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming in 2012 and 2013
• Two-time recipient of NEA Challenge America grant
• Executive Director and Music Director selected for intensive Essentials of Orchestra Management training by League of American Orchestras in 2012 and 2014
• Executive Director nominated for Helen M. Thompson Award for outstanding early career administrator
• New string quartet “Waníyetu” by Marc Mellits commissioned and premiered 2015
• Music Director Kenneth Freed received Grammy award for his work with the Minnesota Orchestra

BROADCASTS:  All Symphonic Series performances are recorded and rebroadcast on KMSU Radio (50,000 reach). This past season select performances were broadcast statewide, to a reach of over 1,000,000. Select concerts are available on our website, allowing us to reach a much wider audience.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS:

Symphonic Series

Now in its 66^th season, the Symphonic Series showcases the full symphony and prominent guest artists. The 2015-16 season features some of our own outstanding musicians, guests from the Minnesota Orchestra, and Minnesota Opera for a season of classics, big band jazz, Broadway, and more. Kenneth Freed, a Grammy winning Minnesota Orchestra violist, conducts all Symphonic Series concerts.

Music on the Hill-Chamber Music Series

These intimate concerts feature the MSO’s former concertmaster, Lydia Miller Choorapuzha, and small ensembles ranging from 2-6 world-class musicians. Recent guest artists have included famed violinist Jorja Fleezanis, members of the Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet, and the Bakken Trio.

Pops at the Kato-Jazz and Pops Series

A new concert experience-eat, drink, and dance while you listen. The region’s finest jazz musicians perform in the unique retro atmosphere of the historic Kato Ballroom. These musicians have worked with the stars, including Whitney Houston and Prince.

Handel with Care-Family Concert Series

Each season the MSO provides four shows designed to introduce young children (infant to early elementary) to the delights of classical music hosted by an actor in costume and the MSO String Quartet. The name of the series changes based on the featured composer.

Rockin’ Fourth of July Concert

The full symphony and local rock bands collaborate for an unforgettable family friendly pops concert held at Riverfront Park.

Youth Concerts Educational Program

Open to students in grades 3-6 in southern Minnesota. All Mankato fourth and fifth graders attend. For many students, this is their first opportunity to hear a live performance. Approximately 2,500-3,000 attend each year.

Music Appreciation at the Elementary School Level (MAESL) Educational Program

All third grade students in the Mankato school district participate in this program which gives an introduction to musical instruments and music making which also involves high school students as demonstrators. This program was founded in 1969 and demonstrates MSO’s history of being deeply involved in its community and music education. Founders Mary Dotson and Hazel Faust were recognized in Washington D.C. for their efforts.

Masterclasses

Some of the top names in classical music have given masterclasses open to all ages and ability levels, free of charge. Recent masterclasses included Charles Lazarus (jazz trumpet), Michael Gast (horn and brass), and Sebastian Bäverstam (cello).

Community Outreach, Tours, and Collaborations

The full orchestra or a small ensemble visits underserved communities to share the joy of live performance. This year MSO will be partnering with the Mankato Ballet for five performances of the Nutcracker with live musical accompaniment and sending the Blazing Star Winds out to regional libraries. You can also find MSO musicians performing in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and giving demonstrations at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota.

Triplet-Symphony Benefit

An evening of live music matched to food and wine, chosen by Chef Matt Zigich, Sommelier Mike Cords, and Music Director Ken Freed. The best of three worlds brought together for your enjoyment.

Kevin Kanne Memorial Young Artist Competition

Open to students K-12 through higher-ed. Young artists have the opportunity to have their performance evaluated by professionals and winners may appear as a guest artist with the MSO.

The Mankato Symphony Orchestra consists of approximately 80 musicians; mostly from the Greater Mankato area (though some travel from as far as Northfield, Faribault, Blue Earth, and the Twin Cities to perform in the group). Some are professional musicians, some are gifted amateurs; many are music educators, all are devoted to delivering quality performances.

The mission of the Mankato Symphony Orchestra is to create emotion-packed, high-quality musical experiences and promote music education in and for the greater Mankato community.

Our vision is to expand the audience for and appreciation of classical music in the greater Mankato area.