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Kevin Kling and Pavielle French
Kevin Kling & PaviElle French | © Travis Anderson Photo
Holiday Concert

Joyful Echoes

with the Minnesota Orchestra

Thu Dec 16 — Sun Dec 19, 2021

Orchestra Hall

~2 hrs including a 20 min intermission

We join local artists PaviElle French and Kevin Kling to lead us through stories and music inspired by Minnesota's multitude of beloved holiday traditions. Our traditions are profound and poignant, truthful and often hilarious, and create the memories that we return to each year.

A Few Things to Know

  • This year, we've added creative powerhouse PaviElle French to the team. She has collaborated with Kevin Kling, Peter Rothstein, Sarah Hicks, and Robert Elhai to create new stories and songs.
  • The show features storytelling between Kevin and PaviElle, centered around their holiday memories of growing up in Osseo in the 1960s and St. Paul in the 1980s.
  • Hear new medleys of holiday songs, plus the world premiere of a new song by PaviElle called “The Gift.”

Date & Time

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Artists

Minnesota Orchestra

Sarah Hicks

conductor

Kevin Kling

writer and storyteller

PaviElle French

writer, storyteller and composer

Christina Baldwin

ensemble

Robert O. Berdahl

ensemble

Thomasina Petrus

ensemble

T. Mychael Rambo

ensemble

Your Concert Experience

Join us for Q&A’s, hosted discussions, exhibits and more. All free with your concert ticket!

Elixir Haus: Tinctures for the Bold

When: Pre-Concert and Intermission
Where: Cargill Commons

Indulge at the Elixir Haus outside Orchestra Hall. Bold shots and classic flavors, crafted to warm quickly. Also available: wine, prosecco, coffee and hot chocolate (with or without spirits).

Mary Louise Knutson Trio

When: Thu Dec 16 | 9:45am-10:45am
Where: Roberta Mann Grand Foyer

Enjoy jazz standards and original compositions by the Mary Louise Knutson Trio, featuring Knutson on piano, backed by bassist Gordon Johnson and drummer Phil Hey.

The Minnesota Chorale Holiday Heralds

When: Sat Dec 18 | 7pm-7:45pm
Where: Roberta Mann Grand Foyer

The Minnesota Chorale, Minnesota's preeminent symphonic chorus, has served as the Minnesota Orchestra’s principal chorus since 2004. The Holiday Heralds are Minnesota Chorale singers who perform during the holidays, bringing joyful seasonal music to audiences in community settings throughout the Twin Cities. 

Capri Big Band

When: Sun Dec 19 | 1pm-1:45pm
Where: N. Bud Grossman Mezzanine

Tap your toes, move your feet, and sway to the music as the Capri Big Band performs songs to get you in the holiday spirit. They will also intersperse some familiar standards for your enjoyment.

Simpson Housing Services Blanket Drive

When: Dec 16-19 | Pre and Post-Concert
Where: Roberta Mann Grand Foyer

Donate new twin, full, and queen size blankets to support Simpson Housing Services, a local nonprofit that helps thousands of people experiencing homelessness find the housing, support, and shelter they need in a time of personal crisis. Look for collection bins near the Christmas tree in the lobby. 

Creative Team

Peter Rothstein, stage director
Robert Elhai, PaviElle French and Peter Ostroushko, composers
Kelli Foster Warder, assistant director, choreographer
Eric McEnaney, musical preparation

Program details and biographies.

Video: Pavielle French: The Gift

The most beautiful and personal thing about this project for me was the looking back/looking forward aspect of it.

-PaviElle French

Accessibility Services

  • Assistive Listening Devices
  • Large Print Programs
  • Service Animals
  • Wheelchair & Accessible Seating

Additional services are available upon request.

Sponsors

MSAB
Delta
Target