Report: Minnesotans ‘frustrated, angered, disillusioned’ by orchestra lockout

A new report released today by the group Orchestrate Excellence finds that while Minnesotans believe having a world-class orchestra is important to the quality of life in Minnesota, they are embarrassed and dismayed by the lack of action on all sides of the Minnesota Orchestra lockout.

The 38-page report is based on a community forum on August 20 attended by more than 600 people.

The report's executive summary stated:

The community is anxious, confused, frustrated, angry and disillusioned. Their Minnesota Orchestra hasn’t played in almost a year. Many never knew the Minnesota Orchestral Association was facing financial difficulty prior to the sudden silence. In short, community members are embarrassed and dismayed by the lack of action by individual board members, individual musicians and our elected officials.

The report goes on to detail community responses to two questions: "Does Minnesota want a world-class orchestra, and why?" and "What will you, as a community member, do to support a world-class orchestra, and how?"

The report recommends an "urgent call to community action" demanding immediate resolution to the contract negotiations.

You can read the rest of the reports findings here.

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