Minn. Orchestra Lockout Gave Bump to Smaller Music Groups

Community orchestras and choruses in the Twin Cities saw a steady rise in attendance during the 15 months the Minnesota Orchestra was shut down by labor strife, according to the Pioneer Press of St. Paul.

The Minnesota Orchestra’s lockout of musicians ended earlier this month when musicians signed a new contract and the ensemble will return to performance on February 7. The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the region’s second-biggest symphony, was also silenced by a labor dispute from October 2012 to last May.

Small organization such as the St. Paul Civic Symphony and chorale group VocalPoint experienced an surge in interest as the major orchestras went quiet. “People were trying to find concerts to go to,” said Jennifer Anderson, head of VocalPoint and music director at Central Presbyterian Church in St. Paul.

Still, community players welcomed the return of Minnesota Orchestra, said Jeffrey Stirling, music director of the St. Paul Civic Symphony and the Northeast Orchestra of Fridley, Minn. “There [was] such a sense of loss on the part of the amateur music community,” he said. “All the people they have enjoyed hearing play, they do not get to hear. It is such an important part of their lives.”