ACCENT / Meet a Musician evenings provide insider access to the world of classical music through an intimate interview with a classical musician, conductor or ensemble.
The ACCENT program debuted on February 2, 2008 and featured Kathy Kienzle, then the Minnesota Orchestra’s principal harpist. Since that first evening, this presentation of musician interviews and intimate performances have become must-see events for FRIENDS members and guests. Hosted by MPR's Melissa Ousley since 2019, this series has featured discussions with Minnesota Orchestra musicians, visiting soloists, composers, conductors, and even Music Directors.
FRIENDS schedules four to five ACCENT / Meet a Musician events each season. ACCENT evenings are open to the public, however FRIENDS members receive discounted pricing. All tickets include light food and beverage hospitality during the social hour, and the program of a musician interview and performance. The current locations are Schmitt Music headquarters' auditorium or have been held at Orchestra Hall's Target Atrium.
ACCENT / Meet a Musician evenings offer an outstanding value for one of the Twin Cities most unique musical events.
Upcoming ACCENT Events
No events at the moment
ACCENT ARCHIVES
Through the years, many musicians have been featured artists for ACCENT programs. A partial list appears below:
04/01/2025
ACCENT: Celebrating Manny Laureano’s Career
After 17 years of ACCENT evenings, choosing the best is nearly impossible, but the April 1 Salute to Manny Laureano stands out as one of the most memorable. The sold-out audience experienced Manny's life story as only he could tell it. Though retiring after 44 years with the Minnesota Orchestra, Manny plans to stay active in the Twin Cities music scene. He's also collaborating on his upcoming biography, Agradecido - A Life of Gratitude, The Manny Laureano Story. Congratulations Manny on your next chapters!
01/07/2025
ACCENT: Gabriel Campos Zamora, Principal Clarinet
The ACCENT / Meet a Musician series featured Gabriel Campos Zamora, principal clarinetist of the Minnesota Orchestra, in an evening of conversation and performance hosted by MPR’s Melissa Ousley. A native of San José, Costa Rica, Gabriel shared his musical journey and insights into Carl Nielsen’s dramatic Clarinet Concerto, which he performed in full during the event.
The evening began with a social hour featuring light food and beverages, followed by an engaging interview and Gabriel’s stunning performance of the concerto. This unique event offered an intimate look into the artistry of one of classical music’s brightest talents, making it a standout experience in the Twin Cities’ cultural calendar.
11/19/2024
ACCENT: Celebrating Sisters
FRIENDS gathered on November 18th at Schmitt Music in Bloomington to enjoy performances by Minnesota Orchestra musicians and sisters Emily & Sarah Switzer and Sarah & Lydia Grimes. The evening also featured engaging conversations with the sisters conducted by MPR’s Melissa Ousley
04/30/2024
Thomas Søndergård
Thomas Søndergård, the newly appointed Musical Director of the Minnesota Orchestra.
02/20/2024
Nina Bernat
Nina Bernat, bass, former grand prize winner of the Young Artist Competition.
11/14/2023
Erich Rieppel
Erich Rieppel, Principal Timpani
04/20/2023
Sarah Hicks
Sarah Hicks, Principal Conductor of Live at Orchestra Hall.
06/05/2023
Grace Roepke
Grace Roepke, Grand Prize winner of FRIENDS 2019 Young Artist Competition.
02/01/2022
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year with China Center.