Several Minnesota Orchestra board members resign

Gordon Sprenger  speaks with patrons at Orchestra
With Minnesota Orchestra principal trombone R. Douglas Wright, right, orchestra board chairman Gordon Sprenger speaks with patrons at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, Minn., Friday, Feb. 7, 2014.
Jeffrey Thompson/MPR News

Several members of the Minnesota Orchestra's board of directors have resigned, board chairman Gordon Sprenger confirmed today.

In a statement, Sprenger did not say how many board members have left.

But the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that eight wrote to Sprenger and said they were not happy former CEO and President Michael Henson was encouraged to resign.

"This has been a difficult time for the Minnesota Orchestra, as we emerge from a long labor dispute and face challenging issues," Sprenger said in the statement. "I was disappointed to receive any resignations — as these directors have all been very dedicated members of the board. I hope we are able to get some to reconsider, but I respect their opinions and decisions."

Henson announced last week that he was stepping down by mutual agreement on Aug. 31.

Near the end of a lengthy and contentious contract dispute between orchestra musicians and management, former music director Osmo Vanska said earlier this year that Henson had to leave for the orchestra to heal.

Vanska, who is in Minneapolis to conduct three concerts with the Minnesota Orchestra, said this week that he is negotiating a possible return.

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