It’s been a bittersweet series of lasts for Osmo Vänskä; he led his final This Is Minnesota Orchestra livestream last Friday, and gears up to lead Gustav Mahler’s 8th Symphony in his final performances as music director this weekend. As we get ready to witness the end of an era, we’re sharing our final farewells—check out Osmo’s own reflections on an incredible tenure.
This June, a remarkable era in the Minnesota Orchestra’s history comes to a close, when Osmo Vänskä conducts the final performances of his 19-year tenure as the ensemble’s music director. To mark the occasion, we’ve invited a cross-section of Orchestra musicians, staff and board members to share their favorite memories of the tenure and reflect on the legacy Osmo will leave in Minnesota for the years ahead.
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“Of the many, many memories I have of Osmo’s time with the Orchestra, the three that are most potent for me are the silence after our concert in Ted Mann Concert Hall, the jubilation of the National Anthems in Cuba, and the deafening joy in Soweto, South Africa. Each highlights the true power of music, and each happened largely thanks to Osmo. Thank you for challenging us to be better every time you’ve taken the podium and for leading us to ever greater heights over these past 19 years. I wish you much luck and continued success in all that you do!”
—R. Douglas Wright, principal trombone
“Osmo will be remembered not only for his deep respect for the musicians of our enormously talented Orchestra, but also for his willingness to get everyone out of their comfort zones and try new things.”
—Joseph T. Green, Board chair
“One of Osmo’s underrated talents has always been the way that he transfers his enthusiasm for particular composers and works directly to the audience. Watching him conduct is a visceral experience, and his intensity on the podium is both a magnet for the audience’s eyes and a mirror of the Orchestra’s collective intensity. You can never come away from an Osmo Vänskä concert with any doubt about how hard everyone on stage is working to convey the emotional content of the music.”
—Sam Bergman, viola
“The relationship with BIS recordings will be an enduring legacy of Maestro Vänskä that will be spoken of for many years to come. This Orchestra grew tremendously making those recordings. The tours come next, as they were important and helped shape the way orchestras in the U.S. think about touring and how our goals have changed to the good.”
—Manny Laureano, principal trumpet
“When I was serving as concertmaster of the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, a community orchestra in the Twin Cities, I asked Osmo if he would participate in conducting the Symphony in an outreach side-by-side service with a Bloomington youth orchestra. He was very gracious and accepted the invitation—despite turning down work with the San Francisco Symphony. Imagine how thrilled all involved were to have Osmo as their conductor! Osmo has always been dedicated to community outreach, working with young performers, and holding fast to his commitments. I have always appreciated his selfless focus on making music and sharing it with others!”
—Milana Elise Reiche, violin
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Osmo Vänskä working with composer Missy Mazzoli in advance of the first Future Classics concert in December 2006.
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Vänskä leading a rehearsal at the Regina Mundi Church in Soweto, South Africa, in August 2018.
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Vänskä making an appearance on the Orchestra’s pops series in March 2006, leading a program of the music of ABBA with guest ensemble Rajaton while wearing a suit custom-designed for the occasion by Mark Caligiuri.
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Vänskä and leaders from the Orchestra and community unveiling the Orchestra’s first Grammy Award for Best Orchestral Performance in September 2014.
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“I’ll always remember an evening of ABBA music, and Osmo in full festive attire! Bring out the white tuxedo again!”
—Helen Chang Haertzen, violin
“I will always remember the first European tour with our final stop at Sibelius Hall in Lahti, Finland. The tour schedule had been relentless and the timing for the last leg was tight. We boarded the plane in Glasgow, Scotland, and the plane announced a delay that lasted a couple of hours. We landed in Helsinki with snow falling and we were quite delayed. Buses arrived in Lahti, stage crew swiftly set-up; musicians quickly grabbed a bite to eat while changing into concert attire; Osmo was swept away for some quick media interviews and to get ready. In the whirlwind, I took my seat with a huge exhale and listened to one of the most memorable concerts by Osmo and the Orchestra—it was a magical moment to be there, and it set the tone for what Osmo had in store for all of us. Osmo’s legacy will be one of deep commitment to the Minnesota Orchestra family and audiences.”
—Michael Pelton, artistic planning manager and executive assistant to the music director
“Any music director could have come in and made wonderful music with a fantastic orchestra like the Minnesota Orchestra, but I think Osmo will be remembered for always pushing the orchestra to do more and be more than it already was, being both a champion and a leader at every opportunity to make our orchestra grow, from within and from without.” —Greg Milliren, associate principal flute
“Osmo’s legacy is reflected in the membership of the Orchestra itself. He has brought so many talented musicians into the ensemble, developing a remarkable artistic cohesiveness and integrity, which will carry forward for years to come. What a great gift for all of us.” —Michelle Miller Burns, President and CEO
The Minnesota Historical Society is announcing the reopening of Historic Fort Snelling after a two-year renovation project,
which includes a refurbished visitor’s center inside a 1904 cavalry barracks.
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“Our guiding vision for the Historic Fort Snelling revitalization has been to inspire a better future by providing a place to learn, share and connect to all of the complex stories that shape history in Minnesota,” said Kent Whitworth MNHS director and CEO in a statement. “Historic Fort Snelling has been a site of diplomacy and conflict; pride and tragedy; service and sacrifice. Today, the site reveals more of this remarkable history with spaces for visitors to study, reflect, connect and learn.”
The first National Historic Landmark in Minnesota, Fort Snelling underwent $34.5 million in improvements—$19.5 provided by State of Minnesota appropriations and $15 million in private funding. The new Plank Museum and Visitor Center was originally constructed in 1904 as U.S. Army Cavalry barracks and later converted to an outpatient VA Clinic forty years later, but has been vacant since 1989 without power, water, or an HVAC system. According to the Historical Society, floors were covered in asbestos and lead paint adorned many walls. Water damage accrued throughout the building from roof leaks, causing wood floors to warp and ceilings to cave in.
The renovation now includes more than 19,000 square feet of public accessible space, event and meeting spaces, an upgraded museum store, and a gallery for traveling exhibits.
With scenic views located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, known as Bdote, the Fort became a point of convergence—for the Dakota, Ojibwe, and enslaved people, to fur traders, immigrants, soldiers and veterans—all contributing to its complicated history.
Fort Snelling was the site of a concentration camp for 1,600 Dakota after the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. While Minnesota was a free territory, federal army officers enslaved African Americans, including Dred and Harriet Scott, within the Fort’s walls. It was also where the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment launched, with 25,000 soldiers who fought against slavery in the Civil War. Fort Snelling was also an induction center for more than 300,000 soldiers in World War II, and home to a Military Intelligence Service Language School where Japanese Americans, many whose families were held in domestic concentration camps, used language skills to aid the war effort.
While Fort Snelling is normally closed in winter, the new visitor center will host “expanded musical and theatrical performances and explorations of the site’s changing landscape throughout the seasons.”
Sharing the knowledge of carving spoons and related handcrafts, while creating an inclusive gathering for all!
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Milan Village Arts School: Join us June 2nd, 3rd & 4th in Milan, Minnesota for 3 enjoyable days of wood spoon carving, green woodworking, demonstrations, workshops, presentations, networking, and friendship. Check our website for pre-event courses.
What started as a small gathering of passionate wood spoon carvers in St. Paul, Minnesota has evolved into a vibrant festival of spoon carving, green woodworking and the decorative arts. Attracting spoon carvers from across the United States and abroad, the Spoon Gathering today offers a family friendly event catering to both novice and experienced carvers.
Apart from ample carving time, expect to experience a variety of demonstrations, workshops and presentations from some of the best in their field, including bowl carving, kuksa carving, kolrosing, chip carving, incising, tool sharpening, and of course spoon carving.
Free camping facilities are available. The Spoon Gathering is a carving weekend, so bring your spoon blanks and carving tools or just come to watch and enjoy the weekend. Blanks are available on site.
The Mission of the Milan Village Arts School is to engage people in the practice of traditional, contemporary and folk arts, fostering prosperity, community and culture in our region.
History Of School
The idea of an arts school in Milan began at a 1988 community economic planning meeting hosted by Community Education Director, Bev Struxness. Milan was no different then many small rural towns in western Minnesota that were losing population to better economic opportunities elsewhere. Local businesses were closing as the economic realities of agriculture called for larger and fewer farms. But, Milan residents were determined to keep the quality of life they valued alive and flourishing.
Citizens throughout the region valued their Scandinavian heritage and the artists who practiced the ethnic folk arts that was a part of this heritage. A decision was made to help the many artists in the area by starting an arts school. The husflids or folk schools of Norway became the model for the Milan Village Arts School. Since 1988, the school has hosted classes for over fifty teachers, with student enrollments well into the thousands.
In 1995, Milan Village Arts School purchased the District 49 country schoolhouse built in 1915 for $50. The city of Milan generously donated land and the school was moved to its current location. Volunteers spent hundreds of hours helping to refurbish the old schoolhouse. Aaron and Arvid Swenson of Flom, MN, refurbished the school’s porches and bell tower in traditional Norwegian style. Dr. Frank and Linda Brathen donated the country school bell that adorns the building. Metal worker, Gene Sandau of Madison crafted the clapper. Area artists painted the building in its attractive Scandinavian inspired colors.
Through class tuitions, grants, memberships, donations and volunteer energy, the school has brought people to the community, helped to make it a better place to live, and made the appreciation of art an integral part of the community. The school offers a venue for local citizens and people from all over the United States to take classes. MVAS also participates in community events such as Syttende Mai in May to highlight the creative heritage of our community, and the Upper Minnesota River Art Crawl in the fall to build a market for our region’s arts.
Browse through this year’s list of classes, sign up and join in the appreciation of the prairie, its heritage and take the opportunity to learn and practice creative and artistic pursuits of all kinds.
This image is an illustration of the final design of the pavilion area, created by project architect @cuninghamcreates.
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Minneapolis Parks: Construction on a new concessions pavilion area at Bde Maka Ska begins next week! The project will create two new buildings, including new, all-gender accessible restrooms and ample outdoor public seating to replace the building that burned down in 2019.
Work will start Monday, May 23 at the site of the former pavilion and continue throughout the year. The new buildings are scheduled to open next summer. Please stay away from construction areas and follow all onsite signs.
The boat launch next to the construction site will be closed June 6-September 16. No trailered boats will be allowed on or off the lake during this time period. The boat launch is currently open every day 6 am-10 pm through May 30, then 2-8 pm May 31-June 5.
The former Bde Maka Ska concessions pavilion, also called a “refectory,” was built in 1930 and was operated seasonally until it burned down in 2019. The site was paved over to provide a temporary gathering space at the popular northeastern corner of the lake and utilities were repaired to allow vendors to continue operating.
Join us on the lawn for a unique mix of emerging talent, provocative creativity, and an enthusiasm that can only be found at MCAD! Enjoy craft cocktails courtesy of Bacardi and a delicious array of bites by renowned local chefs; view the incredible artwork up for sale; bid at the live auction; experience incredible local artists DJ Tricky Miki, Sam Larom ’19, and Aaron Dysart, all while supporting MCAD Scholarships.
This year, in addition to the incredible selection of artwork up for bidding, celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern is graciously donating a private dinner for twelve to the Auction. The winning bidder and their guests will enjoy a memorable evening at Andrew’s studio over a delicious meal prepared by Andrew Zimmern and his team. This experience will be a part of the live auction and only available for bidding by in-person event guests.
Can’t make it to the event? Join us online from May 20–23 for the silent auction and bid on more than 40 pieces of work from the comfort of your home.
While MCAD students share a passion for creativity, they come to us from all walks of life. With more than 97% of our students receiving some form of financial aid, scholarships are critical in ensuring that our students feel supported as they pursue their dreams.
Now in its ninth year, The Auction has raised more than $1.5 million for MCAD Scholarships. All proceeds from the event directly benefit emerging artists and designers on their paths toward graduating.
The health and safety of our students, guests, staff, and community is our top priority. In an effort to better minimize risk and the spread of Covid-19, all Auction attendees must present proof of a full course of Covid-19 vaccinations or a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of the event.
Proceeds benefit the Minneapolis College of Art and Design Scholarship Fund.
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The Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Your contribution to MCAD is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
The Ard Godfrey House is Minneapolis’ oldest surviving wood frame house, built in 1849, and located at the corner of University and Central Avenues SE in Chute Square Park in Minneapolis.
Dandelion Day celebrates Harriet Godfrey’s introduction of dandelion seeds to the St. Anthony Falls area. Participants can learn how to make dandelion necklaces, bracelets, and crowns, just as Harriet Godfrey did as a child. Participants can also take home a complimentary recipe booklet which includes recipes for dandelion tea and salad. There are free Godfrey House buttons for the kids, and everyone can enjooy a guided tour of the charming Godfrey House led by docents dressed in 1850’s period costume.
Event
Sunday, May 15th 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission is free but donations are welcome!
Reservations are necessary, and available at eventbrite.com
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About
The Woman’s Club oversees the maintenance of the interior of the house, and its members also serve as volunteers and guides. The Club offers events and guided tours throughout the year. Visitors can admire the artifacts that characterize the time period when Ard Godfrey and his family still occupied this house.
History
Ard Godfrey came to Minneapolis in 1847 to supervise the first commercial dam and lumber mill at St. Anthony Falls. He built this 1 1/2-story wood frame house in 1848, where he and his family lived until 1853. After they moved out, various other families occupied the house until 1905 when it was sold to the Hennepin County Territorial Pioneers Association.
The Association moved the building to its current location on Chute Square in 1909 and gave it to the City of Minneapolis. It served as a museum of historical artifacts until 1943. As a gift to the city of Minneapolis in honor of its bicentennial, The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis undertook the renovation of the Ard Godfrey House in 1976. The Club opened the house to the public in 1979 and remains as the oldest wood frame house in Minneapolis.
Activities
One of the events held at the site in May is Dandelion Day. Visitors learn how Harriet Godfrey first brought dandelion seeds to the St. Anthony Falls area in 1849. Also, visitors can find out how to make dandelion coffee and tea. The house proudly displays the Godfrey children’s walnut cradle and the family’s Chickering Rosewood piano.
