Minnesota Orchestra Musicians’ Incredible Gift

The Minnesota Orchestra held its Annual Meeting on December 3rd and not only announced a surplus of $15,000 but accepted an amazing gift from the musicians. The players, who formed the non-profit Musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra while there were locked out for 16 months, have dissolved this organization and donated the monies raised from self-produced concerts and donations received during the lockout – an amazing $250,000 – to the Orchestra Association. The funds, donated in memory of Lee Henderson, a moderate force during the labor strife, are earmarked for educational and community programming.

According to Board Chair Warren Mack, “The 2014-15 season was a year of coming together for the Minnesota Orchestra and this is exemplified by the musicians’ announcement today. Their gift … reflects the valuable leadership role musicians now play.”

Click here to read the article in the Minnesota Star Tribune.

— Ann Drinan