Welcome to the 2023-2024 season of the Mesabi Symphony Orchestra! As we begin and make our way through our season, I want to thank you for your continued support of this organization. We have so many committed and passionate patrons, and the MSO wouldn’t be able to provide the Iron Range with amazing musical experiences without your support. On behalf of the musicians and of the Board of Directors, I thank you for helping the MSO thrive and remain a cultural pillar of our communities.

 When we talk about music, in its purest form, it can mean many things to people. It can conjure memories, it can evoke a wide range of emotions, it can musically describe and depict places and destinations, it can form a sort of musical painting, and the list goes on. The concerts this season all seek to answer the simple question, “Music is … “

 In October, we kick off the season with “Music is Colorful”. These concerts will feature works by composers that were experts in making intriguing use of the instruments of the orchestra. The timbres, sounds, and pictures they aurally paint make them real showstoppers. In December, our Christmas Pops Concert returns with “Music is Nostalgic”. The holidays are always a special time and holiday music can evoke one of the strongest emotions – nostalgia. Join us as we get in the holiday spirit for a mix of holiday pizazz and musical nostalgia. In February, our first concert of 2024 begins with a bang! Titled “Music is Exhilarating,” this concert will showcase some absolute sonic blockbusters. You won’t want to miss it! And for our season finale concerts, “Music is Comforting,” we collaborate once again with the Range of Voices chorus for special performances of Johannes Brahms’ A German Requiem. Brahms’ monumental work is not the heaven-storming, dramatic requiem in the vein of Giuseppe Verdi, nor is it the calm, sedate requiem such as Gabriel Fauré’s. Brahms wrote his German Requiem to comfort those who are grieving. Eschewing the traditional Latin texts, each movement features text and music that seek to soothe and allay the grief of loss in many different emotional ways.

 The Mesabi Symphony Orchestra is an integral part of the community of the Iron Range and Northern Minnesota. As I return for my 8th season as Artistic Director & Conductor, I, and every member of this organization, are honored to bring the performing arts and symphonic orchestra tradition to a wide range of audiences. Make sure to keep up to date by checking out our Facebook, Instagram, and website. As you make plans to attend our concerts, encourage your friends and family to join you and share in the orchestral experience!

As always, your friend & colleague in music,

Benjamin Nilles, MSO Artistic Director & Conductor  

Thank you to the organizations who support the work of the MSO.