CUBA! May 15-16 , 2015
Watch a video of highlights and musings from the Cuba trip here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4MmxJ2UMHY&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop
Read stories about the Cuba trip here: http://www.saveoursymphonymn.org/may-2015/may-15-16-cuba
Watch a video of highlights and musings from the Cuba trip here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4MmxJ2UMHY&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop
Read stories about the Cuba trip here: http://www.saveoursymphonymn.org/may-2015/may-15-16-cuba
History-Making Cuba Trip and
Contract Extensions for Osmo Vänskä and Orchestra Musicians!
SOSMN Press Release May 20, 2015
AUDIENCE ADVOCACY GROUP CONGRATULATES MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA ON HISTORIC CUBA TRIP AND CONTRACT EXTENSION ANNOUNCEMENT
Minneapolis, May 20, 2015 – Save Our Symphony Minnesota (SOSMN) today congratulated the Minnesota Orchestra on its completion of an historic trip to Cuba, and for its accomplishment of contract extensions for Music Director Osmo Vänskä and its orchestra musicians.
“The Cuba trip was a stunning achievement for the orchestra,” said Mariellen Jacobson, SOSMN Chair. “It also gives the organization an incredible boost that propels it forward along the great path it is now on.”
According to Jacobson, “The orchestra’s visit to Cuba served as a catalyst for expanded international diplomacy, but also brought well-deserved attention to Minnesota and the important role of great symphony orchestras in our state and indeed the world.”
SOSMN also commended the orchestra on attaining important contract extensions with Vänskä and the musicians. “The extensions themselves are wonderful news,” said Jacobson, “but equally if not more important is what they reveal about the very encouraging way in which the musicians, staff, board members and donors are all working together with a shared vision and commitment to the future.”
SOSMN expressed its gratitude to the donors whose major contributions made both the Cuba trip and the contract extensions possible. Jacobson stated, “On behalf of the Minnesota Orchestra audience members and supporters, we are so grateful to Marilyn & Glen Nelson, Douglas & Louise Leatherdale, and Betty Jayne Dahlberg, whose incredible generosity made these things possible.”
Finally, SOSMN thanks Minnesota Orchestra President and CEO Kevin Smith for his sensitive and powerful leadership of the organization over the past 10 months, his vision for the Cuba trip and what it could mean for the organization, and his role in achieving these contract extensions.
SOSMN is optimistic that these latest developments, following numerous positive developments in the last year, will help spur continued interest in and enthusiastic support for the Minnesota Orchestra in the months and years ahead. Jacobson stated, “the historic Cuba trip and the outstanding music the Minnesota Orchestra presents throughout the year really speak to the vital importance of maintaining the health of this key component of our vibrant Minnesota culture.”
The mission of Save Our Symphony Minnesota (SOSMN) is to promote and support the world-class artistic excellence and stature of the Minnesota Orchestra and to ensure its preservation in our community for this and future generations. SOSMN currently has over 11,850 followers on Facebook.
Contract Extensions for Osmo Vänskä and Orchestra Musicians!
SOSMN Press Release May 20, 2015
AUDIENCE ADVOCACY GROUP CONGRATULATES MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA ON HISTORIC CUBA TRIP AND CONTRACT EXTENSION ANNOUNCEMENT
Minneapolis, May 20, 2015 – Save Our Symphony Minnesota (SOSMN) today congratulated the Minnesota Orchestra on its completion of an historic trip to Cuba, and for its accomplishment of contract extensions for Music Director Osmo Vänskä and its orchestra musicians.
“The Cuba trip was a stunning achievement for the orchestra,” said Mariellen Jacobson, SOSMN Chair. “It also gives the organization an incredible boost that propels it forward along the great path it is now on.”
According to Jacobson, “The orchestra’s visit to Cuba served as a catalyst for expanded international diplomacy, but also brought well-deserved attention to Minnesota and the important role of great symphony orchestras in our state and indeed the world.”
SOSMN also commended the orchestra on attaining important contract extensions with Vänskä and the musicians. “The extensions themselves are wonderful news,” said Jacobson, “but equally if not more important is what they reveal about the very encouraging way in which the musicians, staff, board members and donors are all working together with a shared vision and commitment to the future.”
SOSMN expressed its gratitude to the donors whose major contributions made both the Cuba trip and the contract extensions possible. Jacobson stated, “On behalf of the Minnesota Orchestra audience members and supporters, we are so grateful to Marilyn & Glen Nelson, Douglas & Louise Leatherdale, and Betty Jayne Dahlberg, whose incredible generosity made these things possible.”
Finally, SOSMN thanks Minnesota Orchestra President and CEO Kevin Smith for his sensitive and powerful leadership of the organization over the past 10 months, his vision for the Cuba trip and what it could mean for the organization, and his role in achieving these contract extensions.
SOSMN is optimistic that these latest developments, following numerous positive developments in the last year, will help spur continued interest in and enthusiastic support for the Minnesota Orchestra in the months and years ahead. Jacobson stated, “the historic Cuba trip and the outstanding music the Minnesota Orchestra presents throughout the year really speak to the vital importance of maintaining the health of this key component of our vibrant Minnesota culture.”
The mission of Save Our Symphony Minnesota (SOSMN) is to promote and support the world-class artistic excellence and stature of the Minnesota Orchestra and to ensure its preservation in our community for this and future generations. SOSMN currently has over 11,850 followers on Facebook.
Read the Minnesota Orchestra Press Release about the contract extensions here:
http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/about/learn-more/press-room/1178-minnesota-orchestra-contract-extensions
http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/about/learn-more/press-room/1178-minnesota-orchestra-contract-extensions
YOU DID IT!
Announcement January 2. 2015
$125,000 from the community in December plus $125,000 from the Board members' challenge yielded $250,000 for our beloved Orchestra!
More info here: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/give/december-match
THANK YOU and Happy New Year!
HELP THE MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA ACCESS SPECIAL MATCHING FUNDS!
Announcement December 19, 2014
The Minnesota Orchestral Association (MOA) didn't hold back post-lockout when restarting concerts and designing the 2014-2015 Season. Let's match their confidence.
Many, many of us in the community asked for the Orchestra to return in full force, with stimulating repertoire, soloists, conductors, and our brilliant musicians. Osmo Vänskä and the Orchestra listened and responded with a fabulous and fascinating full season. Obviously, this is an expensive undertaking, but the Orchestra heard us say that we would respond with ticket purchases and contributions, and they responded accordingly.
MOA Board members recently re-signaled their support of this ambitious season by establishing a special $125,000 December Board Challenge Match, contributing funds above and beyond their annual commitments. During the month of December this Fund will match all new and increased donations to the Orchestra - up to $125,000. Thank you, Board members!
Here's how it works:
* First-time donations to the Orchestra will be matched, dollar for dollar
* If you haven't donated since 2012, your entire gift will also be matched
* If you have given recently, every dollar you give over your previous gift will be matched (call the Orchestra at 612.371.5687 to inquire about your previous gift)
We at SOSMN encourage all of you to donate what you can before the end of 2014 to express your support and appreciation to the MOA Board, management and artistic leadership - and to help preserve our world-class Orchestra for this and future generations.
Here’s how to give:
* Donate online at minnesotaorchestra.org/DecemberMatch
* Call 612.371.5600 to inquire about donating stock or to make your gift by phone
* Mail your donation to: Minnesota Orchestral Association, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
THANK YOU!
Announcement January 2. 2015
$125,000 from the community in December plus $125,000 from the Board members' challenge yielded $250,000 for our beloved Orchestra!
More info here: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/give/december-match
THANK YOU and Happy New Year!
HELP THE MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA ACCESS SPECIAL MATCHING FUNDS!
Announcement December 19, 2014
The Minnesota Orchestral Association (MOA) didn't hold back post-lockout when restarting concerts and designing the 2014-2015 Season. Let's match their confidence.
Many, many of us in the community asked for the Orchestra to return in full force, with stimulating repertoire, soloists, conductors, and our brilliant musicians. Osmo Vänskä and the Orchestra listened and responded with a fabulous and fascinating full season. Obviously, this is an expensive undertaking, but the Orchestra heard us say that we would respond with ticket purchases and contributions, and they responded accordingly.
MOA Board members recently re-signaled their support of this ambitious season by establishing a special $125,000 December Board Challenge Match, contributing funds above and beyond their annual commitments. During the month of December this Fund will match all new and increased donations to the Orchestra - up to $125,000. Thank you, Board members!
Here's how it works:
* First-time donations to the Orchestra will be matched, dollar for dollar
* If you haven't donated since 2012, your entire gift will also be matched
* If you have given recently, every dollar you give over your previous gift will be matched (call the Orchestra at 612.371.5687 to inquire about your previous gift)
We at SOSMN encourage all of you to donate what you can before the end of 2014 to express your support and appreciation to the MOA Board, management and artistic leadership - and to help preserve our world-class Orchestra for this and future generations.
Here’s how to give:
* Donate online at minnesotaorchestra.org/DecemberMatch
* Call 612.371.5600 to inquire about donating stock or to make your gift by phone
* Mail your donation to: Minnesota Orchestral Association, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
THANK YOU!
THANK YOU to all who helped make September’s Opening Weekend and other events so memorable.
Have you seen the statistics?
Have you seen the statistics?
- 15, 000 guests attended one of the six opening events including: Starry, Starry Night; Lake Harriet; Season Sampler; and Opening Weekend Concerts.
- 9,670 tickets were issued to September opening concerts at Orchestra Hall.
- Over 40% of the ticketed guests attended a Season Opening concert in September had not been to a performance at Orchestra Hall in the past five years and/or this was the first Minnesota Orchestra concert they had ever attended.
- Over 1,000 individuals became subscribers to the Minnesota Orchestra in September.
- Over 5,000 guests attended the Lake Harriet concert.
- Guests picked up over 4,000 Minnesota Orchestra buttons and over 700 Minnesota Orchestra Lawn Signs at concerts in September.
- A dozen community groups, totaling over 50+ local artists performed for Season Opening guests in the Orchestra Hall Lobby.
- 1,300 people had their picture taken at concerts to participate in the Mosaic Photo Project.
- 1.000 people “liked” MOA’s Facebook Photo of the I-35W bridge lit in blue and white to support the City resolution declaring September 26-28 Minnesota Orchestra days in Minneapolis.
- Over 3,000 guests witnessed the reading of a state proclamation and city resolution at opening concerts.
- 100+ volunteers assisted with the Season Opening events by: distributing buttons and brochures and ticket promotions; taking patron photos, performing in the lobby, and organizing and staffing activities in the Target Atrium including: Trivia Contests, Mosaic Project, Notes to Musicians, etc…
- The Season Opening program involved: 110 orchestra musicians, 140 chorus members, 3 soloists and 1 conductor
- Musicians had 19 rehearsals for 9 concerts during September.
- Musicians traveled 450 miles to and from Bemidji.
- 22 different Common Chords events were held over 4 days in Bemidji, serving over 5,000 people.
- Over 15,000 individuals viewed MOA’s Facebook Photo album featuring photos from all of the Season Opening Weekend festivities.
SOSMN's Ongoing Role
Announcement January 17, 2014
We at SOSMN want the public to understand that although the Minnesota Orchestra lockout is over, our organization will not disappear – our work continues unabated and, indeed, is as critical as ever. We remain committed to our role as a community audience advocacy group, and as before, will do whatever is needed to ensure that all stakeholders’ concerns about the future of the Minnesota Orchestra are addressed by the responsible parties (including the Minnesota Orchestral Association [MOA] management and Board, city officials, and state legislators).
When we formed in August 2013, our stated mission was first, to help end the lockout and second, to preserve a world-class Minnesota Orchestra in the present and the future.
The first goal has now been accomplished – thanks in large part to community voices such as yours and ours being raised. We thank you for your previous involvement and contributions!
However, the second goal of preserving a world-class Minnesota Orchestra still remains. There are many obstacles and questions ahead. While the MOA tends to focus on the financial challenges (which are very real indeed), there are other challenges that need just as much attention. These include transforming the MOA into a transparent, trustworthy, and inclusive non-profit organization that
1) invites all stakeholders to participate (beyond making donations and purchasing tickets),
2) serves the public interest,
3) cultivates new audiences and provides innovative community outreach,
4) and most importantly, supports a world-class destination orchestra with a focus on superb live symphonic music as its goals.
Whoever leads the MOA both at the Board and management level must understand and embrace these goals. In fact, SOSMN is certain that if the MOA, the Musicians, and the community are not all on the same page, the Orchestra will be doomed to fail – an outcome that no one wants.
SOSMN has almost 10,000 Facebook followers: an impressive reach. For this and other reasons, we believe that we are in a unique and powerful position to contribute to the rebuilding of the Minnesota Orchestra. Consequently, as we have done since our inception, we will continue to provide information to the public that may have not been available elsewhere, and work both in the public eye and behind the scenes. Your help will be more important than ever, and we will resume requests for our readers to be informed and respond to calls to action. We will also be asking for your feedback and ideas.
SOSMN believes that with the new collective bargaining agreement, the promised new MOA leadership, and a renewed commitment to excellence and collaboration in all respects, the Minnesota Orchestra will again become a beacon among Minnesota non-profits and regain its world-class stature. Join SOSMN in helping these goals become a reality!
Announcement January 17, 2014
We at SOSMN want the public to understand that although the Minnesota Orchestra lockout is over, our organization will not disappear – our work continues unabated and, indeed, is as critical as ever. We remain committed to our role as a community audience advocacy group, and as before, will do whatever is needed to ensure that all stakeholders’ concerns about the future of the Minnesota Orchestra are addressed by the responsible parties (including the Minnesota Orchestral Association [MOA] management and Board, city officials, and state legislators).
When we formed in August 2013, our stated mission was first, to help end the lockout and second, to preserve a world-class Minnesota Orchestra in the present and the future.
The first goal has now been accomplished – thanks in large part to community voices such as yours and ours being raised. We thank you for your previous involvement and contributions!
However, the second goal of preserving a world-class Minnesota Orchestra still remains. There are many obstacles and questions ahead. While the MOA tends to focus on the financial challenges (which are very real indeed), there are other challenges that need just as much attention. These include transforming the MOA into a transparent, trustworthy, and inclusive non-profit organization that
1) invites all stakeholders to participate (beyond making donations and purchasing tickets),
2) serves the public interest,
3) cultivates new audiences and provides innovative community outreach,
4) and most importantly, supports a world-class destination orchestra with a focus on superb live symphonic music as its goals.
Whoever leads the MOA both at the Board and management level must understand and embrace these goals. In fact, SOSMN is certain that if the MOA, the Musicians, and the community are not all on the same page, the Orchestra will be doomed to fail – an outcome that no one wants.
SOSMN has almost 10,000 Facebook followers: an impressive reach. For this and other reasons, we believe that we are in a unique and powerful position to contribute to the rebuilding of the Minnesota Orchestra. Consequently, as we have done since our inception, we will continue to provide information to the public that may have not been available elsewhere, and work both in the public eye and behind the scenes. Your help will be more important than ever, and we will resume requests for our readers to be informed and respond to calls to action. We will also be asking for your feedback and ideas.
SOSMN believes that with the new collective bargaining agreement, the promised new MOA leadership, and a renewed commitment to excellence and collaboration in all respects, the Minnesota Orchestra will again become a beacon among Minnesota non-profits and regain its world-class stature. Join SOSMN in helping these goals become a reality!