When was the Minnesota Sinfonia founded?
Founded in 1989, The Minnesota Sinfonia is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community-supported organization operating under the legal name “Friends of the Minnesota Sinfonia.”
What is the Sinfonia’s mission?
The Minnesota Sinfonia’s mission is to serve the musical and educational needs of the Minnesotans with special emphasis given to families with young children, inner-city youth, seniors, and those with limited financial means. All concerts are offered free of admission charges, and children are welcome and encouraged to attend any and all performances.
Are you a community orchestra?
No. The Minnesota Sinfonia musicians are some of the most highly sought-after professional musicians in the region. Many perform with some of the state’s other top orchestras, including the Minnesota Opera Orchestra. Many teach in area colleges and universities, and most have prestigious private teaching studios.
How can you afford to offer free concerts?
Minnesota Sinfonia concerts and programs are funded through grants from government, corporate, and private foundations, as well as contributions from individuals.
Who do you serve?
The Minnesota Sinfonia serves the people of Minnesota. Our concerts attract audiences ranging in age from babes in arms to seniors, and include a diversity of ethnicity and socioeconomic status. A majority of the inner-city schools participating in the Music in the Schools program report that 70% or more of their students are on free or reduced-price lunches, a marker for poverty. In some schools, that figure is well over 90% With more than 250 languages spoken in Twin Cities schools, our program uses music — the “Universal Language” — to excite kids about core academic subjects.
How often do you perform?
The Minnesota Sinfonia performs 60 or more free-admission concerts every year. Half of these concerts are performed for the general public during seasonal Concert Series and community “Family Pops” concerts. The others are performed in inner-city public schools as part of the Music in the Schools program.
Accessibility?
- Wheelchair Access: All venues and parks are fully accessible for people using wheelchairs or persons with limited mobility.
- Minnesota Relay Service: People who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call for information using the Minnesota Relay Service, 7-1-1.
- Large Print Programs: Large print programs are available at every concert.
- Other Accommodations: Please contact The Minnesota Sinfonia if you need any special accommodations. ASL interpretation is provided with three week’s advance notice, and special seats with clear views of the interpreter may be reserved.
- Contact Info: Office: 612-871-1701, mnsinfonia@mnsinfonia.org
Where do you perform?
The Minnesota Sinfonia plays at accessible Twin Cities and greater Minnesota venues, including:
- The Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis
- Caponi Art Park, Eagan
- Como Park, St. Paul
- Fairmont Opera House, Fairmont
- First Covenant Church, St. Paul
- Harding High School, St. Paul
- Holy Cross Church, Minneapolis
- Lake Harriet Band Shell, Minneapolis
- Metropolitan State University, St. Paul
- Paramount Theater, St. Cloud
- Roseville Lutheran Church, St. Paul
- Stone Arch Bridge Festival, Minneapolis Riverfront
- Temple Israel, Minneapolis
- Temple of Aaron, St. Paul
- Webber Park, Minneapolis
- Worthington Performing Arts Center, Worthington
The Minnesota Sinfonia is always seeking new venues and audiences. Suggestions? By all means, please contact us at 612-871-1701 or mnsinfonia@mnsinfonia.org.