Northern Symphony Orchestra

03/14/2026

Many thanks to Lila for meeting with Chi Chi, Ed, and Ben. It's amazing to be a part such a passionate civic orchestra! Check out this interesting read. Also note the photos from Darrell Owens Photography!

Twenty-four years ago, Anoka-Hennepin orchestra instructors Michael Halstenson and Ed Schaefle thought it would be fun to invite a group of district music teachers, former students and a few community

02/23/2026

Check out the the action at NSO's 2nd rehearsal. There is magic happening!

The Northern Symphony Orchestra presents a spring concert on Saturday, March 21st at 7:30pm at Anoka High School.

Photo ninja Darrell Owens Photography captures these amazing moments. See more pictures here: https://flickr.com/photos/darrellowens/albums/72177720329816614

02/19/2026

Can you feel the energy from NSO's first rehearsal this year?

The Northern Symphony Orchestra is keyed up for a spring concert on Saturday, March 21st at 7:30pm at Anoka High School.

Darrell Owens Photography captures these amazing moments. See more pictures here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/darrellowens/albums/72177720329816614

11/23/2025

Thank you to all of those who shared NSO's Transformations concert last night! Chi Chi Bestmann, NSO's new conductor, was a thrill to watch slicing through the air as well as the talented musicians. Many thanks to Darrell Owen's Photography for capturing these moments. Here's a sneak peek of some of those photos.

11/20/2025

Give to the Max Day is this Thursday, November 20th and early giving is already underway! https://www.givemn.org/organization/Northern-Symphony-Orchestra

Keeping music accessible is one of the key missions of NSO. In order to continue offering free tickets to students under 18, purchasing new music, and being a dues-free orchestra, we need your support!

Asking someone else to support NSO with a donation is a way that we can all help NSO reach our goal of $5000 this year.

Much of our annual budget comes from generous gifts, and we hope to continue making music with your support.

Give now to support accessible orchestral music: https://www.givemn.org/organization/Northern-Symphony-Orchestra

Darrell Owens Photography captures these amazing moments. See more pictures here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/darrellowens/albums/72177720329816614/

11/01/2025

Check out photos from Northern Symphony Orchestra's 2nd rehearsal this season. Can you feel the energy?

Come see Chi-Chi Lin Bestmann, NSO's new conductor, direct NSO at the upcoming performance at Anoka HS on Saturday, November 22nd.

Darrell Owens Photography captures these amazing moments. See more pictures here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/darrellowens/albums/72177720329816614/

10/23/2025

Welcome to the 2025-2026 season with the Northern Symphony Orchestra and their new conductor Chi-Chi Lin Bestmann! Here is a taste of some of the smiles and vibrant music from the first rehearsal this season. You cannot miss the upcoming performance at Anoka HS on Saturday, November 22nd. We'll see you there!

Many thanks to Darrell Owens Photography! See more pictures here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/darrellowens/albums/72177720329816614/with/54868534781

05/07/2025

Please join the Northern Symphony Orchestra in welcoming Chi-Chi Lin Bestmann to the podium as our new conductor! Her appointment follows a year-long conductor search by the musicians of the orchestra. The planning for NSO's 2025-26 season will begin soon, so look for more information in June about concert dates and repertoire for our first full season together!

Multifaceted conductor and violist Chi-Chi Lin Bestmann bridges classical tradition with contemporary innovation. A graduate of Manhattan School of Music and Mannes College of Music (NYC), she holds advanced degrees in Orchestral Conducting and Viola Performance. Originally from Taiwan, she has graced prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall, collaborating with artists across diverse musical genres. Currently, Ms. Bestmann conducts the JCC Symphony of Minnesota and MacPhail's Northside Youth Orchestra while serving on the faculty at the MacPhail Center for Music. As founder of Petite Concerts, she enriches young children's musical experiences through live performances, nurturing the next generation of classical music enthusiasts. Based in Minnesota with her family, she maintains a vibrant career as a performer, educator, and entrepreneur.

Many thanks to Darrell Owens Photography for capturing Chi Chi and NSO! See more pictures here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/darrellowens/albums/72177720323273918/

03/29/2025

Come see James Chang as a guest conductor with the NSO! Don't miss the Spring Concert at 7:30PM, April 5th @ 3939 N 7th Ave, Anoka, MN 55303.

𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘀
See more of the amazing works of Darrell Owens Photography here on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/darrellowens/albums/72177720324249268/with/54416675003

03/11/2025

At NSO, we have been thankful to have the opportunity to work with James Chang as a guest conductor. Don't miss the Spring Concert at 7:30PM, April 5th @ 3939 N 7th Ave, Anoka, MN 55303.

𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘀
Check out works by the master photographer Darrell Owens Photography here on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/darrellowens/albums/72177720324249268/

03/10/2025

Look for more photos of NSO's Spring Concert rehearsals later this week. Thank you Darrell Owens Photography for catching these amazing moments!

03/05/2025

The NSO has been busy working on Tchaikovsky with James Chang.

Concert is April 5th, 7:30PM
3939 N 7th Ave, Anoka, MN 55303

Many thanks to Darrell Owens Photography for capturing amazing moments at our last rehearsal!

Check out the Flickr album and slideshow here:
https://www.flickr.com/.../darre.../albums/72177720324249268