James Ehnes Plays Dvořák
Thu May 15 — Fri May 16, 2025
Orchestra Hall
The Czech influence is deeply felt in this program. For Janáček, we pull out all the stops with his Sinfonietta. In Smetana, we go beyond The Moldau for another treasure from his collection, Má vlast. And James Ehnes, who was a teenager the first time he performed with the Minnesota Orchestra, returns to play Dvořák.
A Few Things to Know
- The reviews from Edward Gardner’s first Minnesota Orchestra appearance in 2016 were stellar, with Kathy Berdan of the Pioneer Press praising him as “an extraordinarily expressive artist, a graceful conductor who helped sculpt fascinating interpretations.”
- Antonín Dvořák’s Violin Concerto took nearly five years to reach the concert stage. After years of revisions and a change in intended soloists—it was planned for German violinist Joseph Joachim—Dvořák enlisted František Ondříček, an accomplished violinist from Prague, to finally give the work its long-overdue premiere.
- The Sokol gymnastics movement in Prague celebrated physical fitness and sports education. When asked to compose music for a Sokol festival, Leoš Janáček took inspiration from a military marching band and from the mental and physical strength required for both soldiers and athletes.
- Plan your visit to Orchestra Hall
Program
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WALKER
Folksongs
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DVOŘÁK
Violin Concerto
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SMETANA
Tabor, from Má vlast
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JANÁČEK
Sinfonietta
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Edward Gardner
conductor
James Ehnes
violin
The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra, now in its second century, ranks among America’s top symphonic ensembles, with a distinguished history of acclaimed performances in its home state and around the world; award-winning recordings, broadcasts and educational engagement programs; and a commitment to intentionally build concert programs to feature more works by composers of color, exploring music both contemporary and historic. This past fall, Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård began his tenure as music director.
Edward Gardner is principal conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and chief conductor of the Bergen Philharmonic, a position he will relinquish at the end of the 2023-24 season. From August 2024 he will undertake the music directorship of the Norwegian Opera and Ballet, having been their artistic advisor since February 2022.
Canadian violinist James Ehnes has established himself as one of the most sought-after violinists on the international stage. Gifted with a rare combination of stunning virtuosity, serene lyricism and an unfaltering musicality, he has performed with many top ensembles including the Boston, Chicago, London, NHK and Vienna symphonies; the Los Angeles and New York philharmonics; and the Cleveland, Philadelphia and DSO Berlin orchestras. This season he serves as the National Arts Centre of Canada’s artist in residence, performs with orchestras from London and Berlin to Seattle and Toronto, and tours the U.S. with the Ehnes Quartet.
Plan your visit
- Pre-concert activities
- Valet Parking
- Pre-order Beverages
- Directions & Parking
- Helpful Tips
Know Before You Go
An engaging performance awaits, and the fun doesn’t stop there. Make this visit your own with food and activity options. Browse these helpful tips, and when your concert date arrives, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy.
Directions & Parking
All the information you need to know for getting to and from Orchestra Hall. Parking is just steps away from Orchestra Hall in the city-owned and skyway-connected 11th and Marquette Ramp.
Download the MinnOrch App
With our mobile app, you can pre-order intermission drinks, scan your ticket for entry and more. You'll also get exclusive deals just for app users!
Accessibility Services
- Armless & Bariatric Chairs
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Large-Print Programs
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- Service Animals
- Wheelchair & Accessible Seating
Additional services are available upon request.
Sponsored by
The 2024-2025 Classical Season is presented by Ameriprise Financial.
