The Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra Beginnings

In the early 1980s, a number of us had recently graduated from colleges where we had the opportunity to play in excellent orchestras. We were dissatisfied with the lack of focus on serious rehearsing and quality performance that we found in many community orchestras at that time. In the summer of 1982, several of us met and decided to start a group oriented to performing difficult repertoire very well.

We got the group off the ground thanks to committed players and to many others who believed in our vision. Volunteering his services during the first year, Steve Amundson of St. Olaf College became our founding Music Director. The St. Olaf Music Department, and especially Bob Johnson, helped with organization, alumni contacts, and many loans of music. Central Lutheran Church members Lois Rand and Klara Johnson and Music Director John Ferguson provided tremendous guidance and support and sponsored our relationship with Central. The Central Lutheran congregation itself has remained committed to a mutually beneficial and invaluable relationship for 20 years. Early orchestra board members, notably including Kent and Katherine Eklund as well as Lois, Klara, and many others, provided the organizational experience to help the orchestra establish a lasting presence.

We began rehearsals shortly after Labor Day 1982. Our first performances included a private function at Lutheran Brotherhood and accompanying at Christmas at Central. We first performed publicly as the Central Chamber Orchestra on February 25, 1983. The program included Beethoven's Symphony #2 in D; Prokofiev's Classic Symphony; and Handel's Organ Concerto in B flat, featuring John Ferguson.

Early on, we realized that a focus on the players only would not sustain us. Our mission quickly evolved to include a commitment to provide access to good orchestra music, free of charge, throughout the metropolitan area. This, plus our growth to symphony orchestra size, led to our current name. Through the years, we have been fortunate to develop relationships with congregations, corporate sponsors, and faithful audience members. Our fine music directors have nurtured the group and helped us play with world-class soloists on a regular basis. We have continued to attract committed players and board members. All of these people have been responsible for realizing our vision. The first 20 years have in many ways gone beyond even what we had hoped to achieve back in 1982, and we can't wait to see what the next 20 years will bring.

by Jim Waldo