Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

The Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is a classical music ensemble based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Founded in 1983, the orchestra has become a prominent fixture in the Twin Cities music scene, known for its high-quality performances and commitment to community engagement. The MSO was founded by William Schrickel, a renowned bassoonist and conductor who had previously served as the principal bassoonist for the Minnesota Orchestra. Schrickel envisioned the MSO as a way to provide opportunities for talented amateur musicians to perform alongside professional musicians, and to bring classical music to audiences who might not otherwise have access to it. The orchestra's first concert was held in 1984, and featured works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky. From the beginning, the MSO was committed to performing a wide range of repertoire, from the classics to contemporary works. The orchestra quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality performances, and began to attract top-notch musicians from the Twin Cities area. Over the years, the MSO has had a number of notable members, including concertmaster Jorja Fleezanis, who went on to become the concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra, and principal cellist Anthony Ross, who also played with the Minnesota Orchestra for many years. Other notable members have included violinist David Perry, who went on to become the concertmaster of the Madison Symphony Orchestra, and bassoonist John Miller, who has performed with a number of major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic. One of the MSO's most notable performances came in 1991, when the orchestra was invited to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The concert, which was part of the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage series, featured works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms, and was broadcast live on National Public Radio. The performance was widely praised for its energy and precision, and helped to raise the MSO's profile on the national stage. In addition to its regular concert series, the MSO has also been involved in a number of community outreach programs over the years. One of the orchestra's most successful initiatives has been its "Side-by-Side" program, which pairs MSO musicians with young musicians from local schools and community organizations. Through this program, young musicians have the opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside seasoned professionals, gaining valuable experience and inspiration. The MSO has also been recognized for its commitment to new music. In 2001, the orchestra commissioned a new work by composer Libby Larsen, which was premiered at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul. The piece, titled "Symphony: Water Music," was inspired by the Mississippi River and featured a variety of water-themed musical motifs. The performance was a critical and popular success, and helped to cement the MSO's reputation as a champion of contemporary music. Over the years, the MSO has received a number of awards and accolades for its performances and community outreach efforts. In 2010, the orchestra was awarded the prestigious "Arts Access Award" by the Minnesota State Arts Board, in recognition of its commitment to making classical music accessible to all members of the community. The MSO has also been recognized by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) for its performances of contemporary music.

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