#115 25th Anniversary Concert

MPO concludes its twenty-fifth season with a celebration and a bang! From the lively and raucous Overture to Candide by Leonard Bernstein to a quiet and contemplative Soliloquy by Jennifer Higdon (and featuring founding member Matthew Kruger on Clarinet), this concert is one you’ll remember for a long time.

MPO’s commitment to the performance of new music is evident as we unveil a premiere by Minnesota composer and MPO principal oboist Diane Benjamin. Following the intermission, you’ll be transfixed as MPO performs one of the giants of the orchestral repertoire, Tchaikovsky’s memorable and evocative Fifth Symphony. With this large symphony, we celebrate our community coming together throughout the years.

As Tchaikovsky stated: “If within yourself you find no reasons for joy, then look at others. Go among the people. See how they can enjoy themselves, surrendering themselves wholeheartedly to joyful feelings.”

Conducted by Brian Dowdy

Works Performed

  • Bernstein, Overture to Candide
  • Higdon, Soliloquy for clarinet and orchestra with soloist Matthew Krueger, clarinet
  • Benjamin, Overture for the MPO – World Premiere
  • Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 5 in e minor, Op. 64t

Dates Performed

  • May 12, 2018
  • May 13, 2018