Beethoven, Prince -- and football: MN Orchestra plays Vikings-Packers halftime show
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
More than 65,000 fans cheered for the Minnesota Orchestra during the first halftime show at U.S. Bank Stadium — its largest live audience ever.
Seventy of the orchestra's musicians hustled onto the field and into their positions at the 50-yard line in less than two minutes to start the show with the four most famous notes in music history: the opening to Beethoven's "Symphony No. 5."
Led by conductor Osmo Vänskä, the orchestra also played "Purple Rain" as a tribute to Prince. It was arranged by Prince's long-time collaborator Tommy Barbarella, and the orchestra was accompanied by gospel group, The Steeles.
Click on the audio player above to hear the full story.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
