The Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra plays free concerts throughout the Twin Cities area. I started as a board member with the MSO in 1996. I began playing in the MSO's percussion section a year later, and now serve as its Principal Percussionist and its Executive Director. We play challenging music at a professional level, even though our musicians are not paid to play. In fact, our musicians donate money to the MSO, as well as their time and talent. Our last season started with Rite of Spring and ended with Beethoven's Eroica, with Shostakovich 5 and Mahler's Resurrection Symphony in between. Minnesota Public Radio broadcast our Mahler concert, which was heard live by 1600 people, and on the radio and through the internet by many thousands more. In our upcoming season, every one of our concerts will feature a piece by a living Minnesota composer. By playing this music for free, we provide a great opportunity for everyone to hear this great repertoire.
I have volunteered with and donated to MSO for over 30 years, ever since the orchestra was founded. The musicians all give their time rehearsing and performing high-quality classical music to audiences for free. MSO's small staff works on an honorarium basis, including Music Director William Schrickel, who is a member of the Minnesota Orchestra. We are very fortunate to have this first-class volunteer symphony orchestra in the Twin Cities, and rest assured your donation will be put to good use!
The MSO has made some programming choices that show a lack of sensitivity to Christian venues and to children IMO. The most recent was a performance of the Stravinsky Rite of Spring (which is about the pagan sacrifice of a maiden) in a Lutheran church during the afternoon. This is a piece one would think of as best suited to a secular venue in the evening.
Review from Guidestar