MISSISSIPPI VALLEY ORCHESTRA
Founded in 1976, Mississippi Valley Orchestra is an excellent civic orchestra that plays incredible music east and west of the Mississippi River in the Minneapolis - St Paul metro area.
Henry Charles Smith III, Conductor Emeritus (1931-2021)
Henry Charles Smith leading a concert with the Mississippi Valley Orchestra.
We are saddened to learn about the passing of Maestro Henry Charles Smith III on Wednesday, September 8, 2021. Maestro Smith—Henry was the Artistic Advisor and then Artistic Director of the Mississippi Valley Orchestra from 2013 to 2016. After stepping down from that position, he remained very active in the organization, frequently attending the orchestra’s concerts and continuing to serve as our Conductor Emeritus.
Anyone who had the good fortune to interact with Henry will remember the many stories he told about his time as Resident Conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra and as the Principal Trombonist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, under Eugene Ormandy. In addition to conducting orchestras in Minnesota, he conducted many major orchestras around the country. As a trombone player he made a series of recordings for solo trombone, baritone, and bass trumpet, that display his musicality and virtuosity. He also won a Grammy Award in 1969 for a famous recording of Gabrieli canzonas with the brass players from the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony, and the Cleveland Orchestra.
He brought a wealth of invaluable experience to MVO and elevated the orchestra’s artistic standards to new heights.
But perhaps more importantly, Henry is most remembered as being the epitome of a gentleman. He was always the bigger person in the room and always lived up to the highest moral compass. His humility and love of music increased those capacities in every musician in the orchestra. He made everyone feel important. To quote one of our musicians: “he would have been a wonderful leader in any field he chose.” Luckily, he chose music, and even luckier for us, he led MVO.
We will remember Henry’s lessons and continue to make more beautiful music in his honor. He will be deeply missed.
To learn more about Henry and MVO: www.minnpost.com/arts-culture/2015/04/mississippi-valley-orchestras-henry-charles-smith-truly-musicians-conductor/
Anyone who had the good fortune to interact with Henry will remember the many stories he told about his time as Resident Conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra and as the Principal Trombonist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, under Eugene Ormandy. In addition to conducting orchestras in Minnesota, he conducted many major orchestras around the country. As a trombone player he made a series of recordings for solo trombone, baritone, and bass trumpet, that display his musicality and virtuosity. He also won a Grammy Award in 1969 for a famous recording of Gabrieli canzonas with the brass players from the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony, and the Cleveland Orchestra.
He brought a wealth of invaluable experience to MVO and elevated the orchestra’s artistic standards to new heights.
But perhaps more importantly, Henry is most remembered as being the epitome of a gentleman. He was always the bigger person in the room and always lived up to the highest moral compass. His humility and love of music increased those capacities in every musician in the orchestra. He made everyone feel important. To quote one of our musicians: “he would have been a wonderful leader in any field he chose.” Luckily, he chose music, and even luckier for us, he led MVO.
We will remember Henry’s lessons and continue to make more beautiful music in his honor. He will be deeply missed.
To learn more about Henry and MVO: www.minnpost.com/arts-culture/2015/04/mississippi-valley-orchestras-henry-charles-smith-truly-musicians-conductor/
|
Announcement: MVO 2021-2022 SEASON!
Mississippi Valley Orchestra is returning in October 2021 with its full force! The season celebrates the music of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor in every concert, features two SPPTA piano performances (of course!), wonderful new and returning soloists, a violin solo with our own Sarah Grimes, two world premieres, and an opera. Find out why we're so excited about the season's repertoire and fantastic guest artists HERE! |
|
MVO Crewtet at the Baseball Field!
360 N Broadway Street, St. Paul, MN 55101 Friday, August 20 - 7:05 p.m. Come join us as MVO Crewtet makes our sporty debut at CHS Field in the game of St. Paul Saints vs. Iowa Cubs! Also stay behind for the fireworks powered by Xcel Energy. Visit here for St. Paul Saints' schedule. |
|
|
Outreach: Lakeshore Players Theatre
4941 Long Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 Sunday, August 29 - 2:00 p.m. MVO Crewtet will partner with Capital City Brass Quintet for a musical presentation and Q&A session for students of the Children's Theatre Company. |
|
MVO 2021 Summer Crewtet Series
The popular MVO Crewtet Series is returning this summer bigger than ever with 9 performances in 3 esteemed Twin Cities local breweries. Mark your calendar so that you won't miss these interactive and fun live music performances of your favorite tunes!
The popular MVO Crewtet Series is returning this summer bigger than ever with 9 performances in 3 esteemed Twin Cities local breweries. Mark your calendar so that you won't miss these interactive and fun live music performances of your favorite tunes!
|
Bauhaus Brew Labs
1315 Tyler St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 Thursday, May 20 - 6 p.m. Thursday, June 17 - 6 p.m. Thursday, July 15 - 6 p.m. Thursday, August 19 - 6 p.m. |
|
|
Lake Monster Brewing
550 Vandalia St #160, St Paul, MN 55114 Tuesday, June 8 - 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 6 - 6 p.m. Tuesday, August 3 - 6 p.m. |
|
|
MVO Season Finale 2020-21: William Grant Still's "Danzas de Panama"
Led by Artistic Director Ho-Yin Kwok, MVO found ways to make music during the pandemic of 2020-21. Released for our community near and far on the day that would have been our season finale concert—May 23, 2021—our performance of William Grant Still's warm, hopeful Danzas de Panama was recorded on May 11, 2021 after four socially distant one-hour rehearsals.
Thank you to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Shoreview, Minnesota, for your hospitality; to Mary Madson, our manager, who made it possible to have rehearsals at all; and to recording engineer Phillip O'Toole.
Led by Artistic Director Ho-Yin Kwok, MVO found ways to make music during the pandemic of 2020-21. Released for our community near and far on the day that would have been our season finale concert—May 23, 2021—our performance of William Grant Still's warm, hopeful Danzas de Panama was recorded on May 11, 2021 after four socially distant one-hour rehearsals.
Thank you to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Shoreview, Minnesota, for your hospitality; to Mary Madson, our manager, who made it possible to have rehearsals at all; and to recording engineer Phillip O'Toole.
|
Contribute to our mission through Donorbox. Your donation supports concerts and performances throughout the Twin Cities.
|
|
