American Orchestras meet in Twin Cities

Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Image courtesy of the artist

A large gathering of musicians and classical music professionals are debating how to keep live performance alive and healthy. Almost a thousand are attending the League of American Orchestras conference in the Twin Cities this week.

The classical music world recently was rocked by a strike at the Detroit Orchestra and the bankruptcy declaration by the Philadelphia Orchestra.

League President Jesse Rosen says he expects some difficult conversations this week.

"It is a tough time and we want to confront it head on and for those for whom it hasn't sunk in yet that the world is changing we are going to hold up the mirror and show them."

Rosen says in the past orchestras could focus solely on musical excellence, but now audience service and development have become vital. He praised programs developed in recent years by the Minnesota Orchestra and St Paul Chamber Orchestra.

Minnesota Orchestra President Michael Henson says he's looking forward to the conference discussions.

"They tend to be milestones in setting initiatives, challenges going forward," he said.

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