Minnesota Orchestra musicians perform a streamed performance at Orchestra Hall.
“Yet one more loss to mourn this year is that of the holiday concert…. However, that doesn’t mean that our classical music organizations aren’t reaching out to offer comfort and exhilaration via cyberspace,” writes Rob Hubbard in Thursday’s (12/3) Star Tribune (Minneapolis). “If you miss Orchestra Hall, the Minnesota Orchestra’s ‘Midwinter Gathering’ livestreamed concert will take you there, employing various locales within the venue for carols and Christmas songs, storytelling … and a collaboration with Border CrosSing…. St. Paul Chamber Orchestra’s ‘Messiah’: Among the most memorable of recent local takes on Handel’s oratorio came [in 2018] when Jeannette Sorrell … leader of Cleveland baroque orchestra Apollo’s Fire led the SPCO, the Singers and four outstanding vocal soloists in a series of thrilling performances that will be reprised via streaming…. Not least among our COVID-related losses has been the opportunity to experience the charismatic conducting of Minnesota Orchestra music director Osmo Vänskä…. The wait will be over on New Year’s Eve when he leads an as-yet-to-be-announced program from Orchestra Hall.” Also included are virtual holiday concerts by Twin City groups including Skylark Opera Theatre, VocalEssence, Cantus, and Minnesota Opera, plus the National Lutheran Choir Christmas Festival.
