Thomas Søndergård has been at the helm of the Minnesota Orchestra for 15 months. His debut concerts in 2023, when downtown Minneapolis was adorned with the Danish flag, set a remarkable tone. This weekend's concerts are a testament to his ability to create special occasions.

Unveiling the Minnesota Orchestra's Musical Masterpieces

Mozart's Presence in the Minnesota Orchestra

Mozart doesn't often feature prominently in Orchestra Hall programs. His music is often associated with smaller groups. However, Søndergård has chosen Mozart's "Requiem" for his first Minnesota Orchestra concerts with a choir and vocal soloists. This choice showcases his diverse programming. The performance on Friday was solemn and prayerful, demonstrating the orchestra's versatility. Four outstanding soloists brought out the drama and beauty within the Latin text, making it a rewarding experience.

Mozart's mass for the dead was just one part of the program. Complementing it was Olivier Messiaen's "Les Offrandes Oubliées," a work inspired by Catholic faith and exuding meditative melancholy. Another piece was Gabriela Ortiz's "Tzam," a 2022 composition that highlighted her as an imaginative orchestrator. The orchestra showcased its skills, with the quietest moments made magical by glissandos in the violins, chiming brass, and fluttering woodwinds.

The main attraction of the concert was Mozart's "Requiem," which found its way into pop culture through the 1984 film "Amadeus." While the 87-voice choir sometimes overpowered the orchestra, the four soloists were exceptional. Bass-baritone Dashon Burton demonstrated his talent, bringing power to every phrase. This work is soaked in sadness, and Mozart expressed grief eloquently.

Søndergård's Preference for Larger-Scale Works

Søndergård seems to favor larger-scale works, as seen in his programming of Richard Strauss, Igor Stravinsky, and Maurice Ravel. His choice of Mozart's "Requiem" for these first Minnesota Orchestra concerts with a choir is a departure from his usual style. It shows his ability to adapt and bring different works to life.

The Minnesota Orchestra has a reputation for going big, having recently released recordings of Gustav Mahler's complete symphonies. This demonstrates their ability to handle large-scale orchestral music. Søndergård's programming choices add to this reputation, showing that he is not afraid to take on challenging works.

His decision to include Mozart's "Requiem" and other works in this concert showcases his artistic vision and his ability to bring out the best in the orchestra. It also highlights the diversity of the Minnesota Orchestra and their ability to perform a wide range of music.