As the Orchestra launched its 25/26 season last fall, two new leaders stepped up to the helm. William Miller, a partner at EY, began a two-year term as Board Chair, and Isaac Thompson joined the organization as its President and CEO, having most recently held the same role at the Oregon Symphony. FRIENDS posed five questions to these leaders to better understand their backgrounds and where they want to take the Minnesota Orchestra.
What was your path to the Minnesota Orchestra?
Isaac Thompson: My path started at the Minnesota Orchestra! I grew up in Minnesota and when I was 6, my parents brought me to the Minnesota Orchestra. I was totally blown away by the violin section and told them I wanted to study violin, so they signed me up for Suzuki violin lessons shortly after. In high school I played in Minnesota Youth Symphonies, took lessons from then-Minnesota Orchestra Concertmaster Jorja Fleezanis and attended a lot of concerts. The chance to now return to Minnesota and lead the Orchestra that was responsible for many of my formative musical experiences is a privilege and pleasure. Every day, I’m happy to be here.
Bill Miller: My early school experiences centered more around hockey, but there are actually a remarkable number of similarities between the dedication of professional athletes and musicians. I joined the Board in 2016 and was immediately drawn to the people, the music and the spirit of the Orchestra. I sat on many committees including—naturally!—the Audit Committee before serving as treasurer, vice chair and, beginning in September, chair. My wife Katie and I were also co-chairs, alongside Angela Pennington and Anders Folk, of the Symphony Ball in 2020 and 2021. (For better or worse, we were the only chairs to lead two successive Balls, due to the pandemic!) Probably like many FRIENDS volunteers, I feel that serving an organization that is dedicated to music education, great artistry and elevating the human spirit is an honor.
Under your joint leadership, what is ahead for the Minnesota Orchestra? What’s your vision?
Bill Miller: The Board has become accustomed to hearing me emphasize three core priorities: financial resilience, strategic innovation, and inspiration. The arts landscape is evolving, and so must we. We need to champion initiatives to expand our reach by bringing our Orchestra’s music to new audiences—and allowing the Orchestra to deepen its impact and build a broader, more diverse base of support. The work of FRIENDS is important in all of this!
Isaac Thompson: We’re in 100% agreement on that. In my experience, the more orchestras can understand the needs of the community in which they exist and be responsive to those needs, the more the orchestra can serve as a civic imperative, as opposed to a relic of the past. I think this is the key to what it means to be a thriving orchestra in the 21st century and it is where we are heading –embracing great artistry and deep community and educational connections.
Say more about how you see FRIENDS fitting into that vision?
Isaac Thompson: We are fortunate to partner with a volunteer organization that is actively supporting and expanding music education in our community with high quality programs. Kinder Konzerts set the gold standard in the orchestral industry for pre-school music programs, and the Sound Factory collaborations and ACCENT events are critical ways to help grow the organization’s reach. We are all united around the goal of wanting to bring classical music to more people—of all ages.
Bill Miller: I’d only add to what Isaac has said by thanking each and every FRIENDS volunteer. I’ve seen dedicated FRIENDS colleagues in action, and you get things done! We appreciate your work to expand the fan base for classical music.
Do you have a favorite Minnesota Orchestra performance –recent or historic?
Isaac Thompson: I’ve heard many high point concerts since joining in October, but I particularly loved our Nordic Soundscapes Festival in January. Those concerts captured the essence of what I think orchestras should be doing, which is offering really interesting musical programs performed at the highest level and offered with creative activities and enhancements that bring the whole experience to life. The good vibes and camaraderie at Orchestra Hall around the festival were outstanding. Plus, it was fun to dig out my Nordic sweater for the event…
Bill Miller: Like Isaac, I’ve heard a lot of great music this season but a memorable concert that immediately springs to mind for me came in 2023 in Austin, Minnesota. The Orchestra spent a week in Austin as part of our Common Chords initiative, and the musicians played all around the city in schools, coffee shops, senior residences and, yes, at the SPAM Museum! The week culminated with a concert in Knowlton Auditorium, which I attended, and there was something particularly meaningful about seeing the Orchestra embedded in this community, having a great time and playing their hearts out for an appreciative Austin crowd.
On a lighter note, share with us your favorite vacation spot in Minnesota? Or anywhere?
Isaac Thompson: My favorite spot in Minnesota, which my family has been going to ever since I can remember, is the North Shore of Lake Superior. It is so gorgeous, and of course, full of memories. Further afield, I loved visiting New Zealand, particularly the South Island. The landscape, the food, the wine – it was all perfect.
Bill Miller: Like Isaac, the North Shore is my favorite vacation spot in Minnesota. From hiking along one of the rivers that flow into Lake Superior to spending a day in Grand Marais, the North Shore is always relaxing. Outside of Minnesota, we spend many weekends in Boston since both of our children live there. Boston is such a walkable city, and we need to walk after having a big meal at one of the North End’s incredible Italian restaurants.