FRIENDS of the Minnesota Orchestra

FRIENDS of the Minnesota Orchestra Creating Connections to Music We coordinate 200+ volunteers, who donate more than 6,000 hours each year to fulfilling our mission.

Founded in 1949 as a separate non-profit dedicated to supporting the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, the original name of our organization was the Women's Association of the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, or WAMSO. Today, our name not only reflects the updated name of the Orchestra, but also the current composition of our members and volunteers: men and women from various backgrounds, from stude

nts to retirees. FRIENDS of the Minnesota Orchestra takes the broadest possible view of diversity. We value the visible and invisible qualities that make individuals who they are. We celebrate that every member, volunteer, and donor brings a unique perspective and experience to advance our mission: to make classical music and our Minnesota Orchestra accessible to every person in every community. We strive to include diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at the center of our volunteer work and our outreach programs, bringing music to our community and particularly to young children. Please join us in embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion for every person in every community.

06/11/2026

A quick preview of the Handbid app before the fun begins!

Browse auction packages, see FAQ’s, set your bids, and get ready to support bringing music to children throughout our community.

The countdown is on.

06/11/2026

Let the bidding begin! The Silent Auction is officially open.
Bid generously, bid often, and make an impact through music.

1. Download the Handbid app
2. Starting from the auction dashboard, swipe left or right to access categories and items.

And don’t forget to take a sneak peek at the exclusive LIVE auction items that will be available for bidding the night of the gala.

Event website: https://events.handbid.com/lp/the-sequin-tennial-gala-45260

Need assistance? Event website and registration-related questions can be sent to Sarah Mensen at [email protected]

Tonight is the night.Ticket sales for The Sequintennial Gala close today, Wednesday, June 10.Don't miss your chance to j...
06/10/2026

Tonight is the night.

Ticket sales for The Sequintennial Gala close today, Wednesday, June 10.

Don't miss your chance to join us at the historic Lafayette Club for an evening of American sound, spirit, and sequins.

Secure your seat now → https://events.handbid.com/lp/the-sequin-tennial-gala-45260/tickets?mc_cid=57f291b699

(P.S. The silent auction is still open—but tickets to the gala itself disappear at midnight.)

See you soon—in stars, stripes, or sequins.

Important Gala Information 🎻 We're just ONE week away!Our auction is now live on Handbid! Be sure to log in, browse the ...
06/10/2026

Important Gala Information 🎻
We're just ONE week away!

Our auction is now live on Handbid! Be sure to log in, browse the incredible packages, and place your bids before the event.

To help get you started ⬇️
Check out this helpful link to learn more about how to use Handbid, our auction app.
https://service.handbid.com/how-to-use-the-handbid-app

Happy bidding!

We’re just two weeks away from our Sequintennial Gala! Before we gather on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the historic Lafay...
06/05/2026

We’re just two weeks away from our Sequintennial Gala!

Before we gather on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the historic Lafayette club, you can browse an extraordinary collection of treasures and musical experiences. Every bid you place helps, bring the joy of music to children across our community.

View all silent auction items on our Handbid auction site.
https://events.handbid.com/lp/the-sequin-tennial-gala-45260

See you on the June 16th 🎶

05/27/2026

Right now, thousands of Twin Cities children are discovering orchestral music for the very first time through FRIENDS educational programs. These programs come at little or no cost to their families and schools. You helped make that possible. And on June 16th, you can ensure it continues.

Your presence at the Sequintennial Gala helps share these first time experiences, it’s a gift you can give for years to come.

We’ll see you for an unforgettable celebration where harmony, philanthropy, and 250 years of American spirit converge 🎶

Event details can found on our website. If you have already purchased your tickets you can visit the Handbid link to see program details, silent auction items, and more!

Music has a way of bringing us together, lifting us up, and reminding us what it means to be part of something bigger th...
05/07/2026

Music has a way of bringing us together, lifting us up, and reminding us what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves.

That’s exactly why people like YOU show up.

Whether you’ve been a FRIENDS of the Minnesota Orchestra fan for years or just discovered us, your support keeps our Kinder Konzerts going and accessible for our entire community.

This year, we’re gathering again and we’d love for you to be part of it.

Join us at our annual Gala on June 16th, for an evening of connection, celebration, and music that matters.

Together, we make a difference. 🎶

Sequintennial Gala Early Bird Ticket pricing ends soon - Friday, May 15th.

Visit our website or click the link below ⤵️
🔗 https://handbid.app.link/YzBOdwDMm2b

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of American sound and spirit—where harmony, philanthropy, and history converge....
04/28/2026

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of American sound and spirit—where harmony, philanthropy, and history converge.

Your experience includes: cocktail reception, seated dinner, live program and entertainment, and access to the silent auction.

Evening Program:
5:00 PM - 6:15 PM: Cocktail Reception, Themed Activities & Silent Auction in the Lake Room
6:30 PM: Dinner Seating in the Ballroom/Welcome
7:30 PM: Program, Live Auction, Fund-a-Need & Entertainment
8:30 PM: Silent Auction Closes & Raffle Drawing
9:00 PM: Check Out Opens
10:00 PM: Event Concludes

We can’t wait to see you on Tuesday, June 16, 2026
at the Lafayette Club.

Tickets & Sponsorships Available Now
🔗 https://handbid.app.link/YzBOdwDMm2b

YOU’RE INVITED 🗓️ Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026Time: 6:15 PM Reception | 7:00 PM ProgramLocation: Orchestra Hall, 1111...
01/02/2026

YOU’RE INVITED 🗓️
Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Time: 6:15 PM Reception | 7:00 PM Program
Location: Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
Tickets: $60 General Admission | $45 FRIENDS Member (make sure to login to access this discount).

This international superstar violinist James Ehnes will be appearing for FRIENDS of the Minnesota Orchestra ACCENT series on Tuesday, January 6 at Orchestra Hall.
In the days following he will be performing in concert with the Orchestra on January 8, 9 & 10.

FRIENDS of the Minnesota Orchestra has proudly claimed James as one of our own, as he won the grand prize in the FRIENDS Young Artist Competition in 1992 at the age of 15. Since then he has become an international super star, a two-time Grammy winner, a three-time Gramophone Award winner, and the recipient of 12 Juno Awards. In 2022 James served as the honorary chair of the 60th Young Artist Competition.
James has a packed itinerary with the Minnesota Orchestra the week of January 5, with three concerts, but he has graciously made room for an ACCENT evening. Come support him, hear of his latest appearances and experiences, and cheer him on in his stellar career trajectory.

The ACCENT event will be hosted by Melissa Ousley, host of YourClassical MPR and of the Friday evening live Minnesota Orchestra broadcasts since 2019.

Ticket Link: friendsofminnesotaorchestra.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bef0a162dcc323df688dc005b&id=d4804dde7e&e=a1be8b58d8

Address

1111 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN
55403

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

(612) 371-5694

Website

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