A drizzling traffic-congested ride to Orchestra Hall made me tense, knowing I was behind schedule. The moment I walked into the Lobby, I took a deep breathe and felt better. I was enthused about the potential for the evening and have been to Orchestra Hall numerous times so it felt blissfully familiar. I sought out Emma Smith, Minnesota Orchestra Associate Marketing Manager, for a friendly hug, gave her my apologies for being late, grabbed a drink from the bar and pulled out my Nikon with a 50mm lens.
The evening was a rare opportunity for local Instagrammers to meet Minnesota Orchestra musicians on stage and wander the gorgeous Hall to take pictures. A collaborative between Minnstameets and the Minnesota Orchestra with the following goals as outlined by Emma Smith:
· Curate an interactive social media experience that increases Instagram followers
· Collect professional photos for future Symphony in 60 marketing materials
· Develop relationships with amateur and professional photographers in the Twin Cities
All Musicians are full-time, learning new music and practicing independently. They are expected to arrive for final rehearsals fully prepared. On occasion, there is a single full symphony rehearsal prior to an evening performance! Only the best of the best are capable of that level of greatness. This gentleman is Associate Concertmaster, chamber musician, author and extraordinary soloist Roger Frisch.
Brilliant talent and charming Kristen Bruya, Principal Bass, joined the Minnesota Orchestra in February 2015.
The friendly Viola Player, Kenneth Freed, is a conductor, chamber musician, educator and social entrepreneur.
MN Youth Symphony Cello Student Ruth Stokes was enthused to meet Principle Cello, festival performer and educator Anthony Ross.
There are about 150 performers and administrative staff plus 350 Ushers. Ushers are paid and they are always looking for additional Ushers.
Principle Conductor Sarah Hicks and Julie Oliver
A heartfelt thank you to Emma for being a gracious planning partner. Emma has refreshing ideas and such enthusiasm for finding new ways to introduce people to the symphony experience. The organization is fortunate to have her!
If you have been to a concert at Orchestra Hall, you are well aware of the remarkable world-famous talent that comes together to form the Minnesota Orchestra. If you have not gotten to a concert yet there is no better time than now to look over their 2016-2017 season schedule and make plans to go.
Truly, there is something for everyone. I am already counting the years until I can take our grandchildren to their first concert at Orchestra Hall. In the meantime, tickets to 'Inside the Classics: Love in a Time of War (Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet)' with Sarah Hicks, Conductor, and Sam Bergman, Viola and Host, are on my January calendar.