In Wednesday’s (12/12) Star-Tribune (Minneapolis), Kristin Tillotson writes, “The locked-out musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra aren’t the only classical music lovers feeling left out in the cold. So are those who attend their performances, year in and year out. Some subscribers may be seeking their classical ‘fix’ elsewhere—a few classical groups have noticed a spike in ticket sales. Others are staying home and mourning the loss of a seasonal tradition. Longtime Minnesota orchestra subscribers Bill and Nancy Jones of St. Paul were looking forward to enjoying every concert from their seats in the front row. And it’s not just the music they pine for. ‘We miss the social aspect of it, too,’ Bill Jones said. … SPCO fan Paul Tidemann of St. Paul said he is missing the season but gets his ‘fix’ playing horn with the Fridley-based Northeast Orchestra, one of many community orchestras that put on at least a few concerts each year. … The cancellation of one perennial favorite in particular leaves a big hole in the holiday schedule: the Minnesota Orchestra’s performances of Handel’s ‘Messiah.’ Oratorio Society of Minnesota conductor Matthew Mehaffey has attempted to fill that hole with a specially organized ‘Messiah’ concert to be held Friday at Central Presbyterian Church in St. Paul.”
Posted December 12, 2012
