Minot Symphony Opens Centennial Season October 4th with International Guest Artist

Minot, ND – September 23, 2025 — The Minot Symphony Orchestra (MSO) proudly announces the opening concert of its landmark 100th season on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 7 pm in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall at Minot State University. This milestone performance will celebrate a century of symphonic music in the Magic City with both local legacy and international artistry.

The season opener will feature the world premiere of Pagan Holiday, a Centennial Commission composed by Sean Neukom, a MSU graduate, Devils Lake native, and former member of the Minot Symphony Orchestra. Commissioned especially for the 100th season, this work reflects the orchestra’s commitment to honoring its past while shaping the future of symphonic music. The commission was funded by the Minot Area Community Foundation’s Chuck and Madge Westlie Fund & the Edna Solheim Fund.

In addition, the MSO welcomes internationally renowned pianist Frederic Chiu to perform Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3, one of the most dazzling and virtuosic works in the piano repertoire. Chiu’s performances have been praised worldwide for their brilliance, sensitivity, and artistic insight.

The program also includes Sibelius’s beloved Karelia Suite, known for its sweeping melodies and Nordic spirit, setting the tone for an unforgettable opening night.

“We are thrilled to share this historic moment with our community,” said Ellen Fenner, Executive Director. “From honoring our alumni to welcoming a world-class soloist, this program represents everything the Minot Symphony stands for—excellence, tradition, and connection.”

Musicology, the study of music, will begin one hour before the concert starts. Concertgoers are encouraged to attend this 30-minute engaging overview of the works being performed, the story behind the music, the composer, and historical context. The talk is free with your concert ticket.

Single and multi-ticket packages are available at www.minotsymphony.com or through the box office at 701-858-4228. Advanced tickets are encouraged.

The Minot Symphony Orchestra will be hosting a community food drive with the Donation Station, a mobile food collection trailer provided by the Minot Area Community Foundation (MACF). All food collected will benefit The Lord’s Cupboard Food Pantry, helping provide meals for local families in need. As part of MACF’s 8th Annual Donation Station Challenge Grant, every pound of food collected will be matched with a $1 donation to the pantry through the Arnold I. Besserud Fund — doubling the impact of every contribution.

The pantry’s “Top-5” food needs include canned meats, peanut butter and jelly, canned vegetables, canned fruits (in juice, not syrup), nutritional cereal, and macaroni and cheese. Items can be dropped off in front of the hall in the Donation Station trailer.

The Minot Symphony Orchestra is a unique blend of student, community, and professional musicians from the Minot area. The symphony is directed by Maestro Efraín Amaya, Associate Professor of Performing Arts at Minot State University.

This project is supported in part by a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.