The reputation of the music scene in the Twin Cities metropolitan area is extraordinary. Not out of duty, but to your benefit, we encourage all of our members to attend local music events, support their colleagues, and celebrate the special message of music available in this town. Consider the following examples of the incredible music experience and skill we all have the privilege to witness, as performed by our supremely talented members.
Two of the finest jazz clubs in the United States are located right here in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The Artists' Quarter features music legends and the mainstay of the local jazz scene as well as adventurous new performers on a nightly basis. The Dakota Jazz Club features internationally recognized stars, often supported by the best of the best who reside here, and also places on display locally-based ensembles with a national reputation.
The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra features many of the most highly recognized classical instrumentalists in the world, and this Grammy Award winning chamber ensemble possesses a timbre and presence unlike any other orchestra.
Years ago, the Minnesota Opera Company and its predecessor organization were identified as a metropolitan freelance group; this is now one of the best operated and high quality opera companies in the United States, with reviews constantly acknowledging the fine contributions of the Minnesota Opera Orchestra -- a tenured core of specialized players.
A recent review in the New Yorker magazine lauded the Minnesota Orchestra on tour at Carnegie Hall as the finest orchestra performing in the world. Recent recordings will quickly attract worldwide attention as unequaled accomplishments in the current symphony business.
Both orchestras are featured on public radio and their internet streaming and downloading options are at the forefront of the classical music industry.
One could travel throughout the United States and never find a better example of a Children’s Theater than that which performs adjacent to the Minnesota Institute of Arts complex throughout the year. Where else would you see a dedicated group of highly skilled live AFM musicians performing regularly for a children’s audience in large budget professional projects with child actors and vocalists on stage?
The Broadway musical scene continues to thrive in both of our cities, with venues of outstanding esthetic stature, including the historic State Theater, the historic Orpheum Theater, the Pantages Theater, the Ordway Theater and the associated McKnight Theater, and the upcoming Schubert Theater. The quality of show musicians in our community is as strong as any city in the United States.
The musicians in this town are largely responsible for the success of many smaller budget and independent theater presentations, including those at Theater Mu’, Theater Latte Da’, and the Mixed Blood Theater.
The longest standing dinner theater in the United States, and the only one featuring a regular tenured orchestra, is the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. Its new management is fully committed to energetic performances with a live music accompaniment. There are three music shows performing simultaneously at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater this month.
The educational role of our musicians is unequaled, with heralded performances by the Minnesota Sinfonia and numerous classical and jazz ensembles.
The big band scene may be dead as a commercial market, but it retains a visible presence in the Twin Cities. The JazzMN Big Band, the Classic Big Band, The Russ Peterson Big Band, and the Cedar Avenue Big Band all take on the challenges of demanding jazz ensemble work.
And finally, the true mainstay of this industry can be found as our members perform at private parties, concerts, company engagements, weddings, centers of faith, and for local sports teams.
As we look forward to a renovated Minnesota Orchestra Hall, the developing Schubert Theater, and the proposed concert facility in the Ordway complex, there can be no doubt that the future of live music is secure in Minnesota. Check it out.
