Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra’s ‘Pulse’ Concert Embraces the Joy of Dance

On a vibrant Saturday evening, the Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra brought rhythmic life to The O’Shaughnessy with 'Pulse', a performance infused with the essence of dance. The selection of music, ranging from Latin Danzón rhythms to the animated scores of ballet, invited audiences to experience a concert where every beat was designed to move you.

Exploring the Rhythms of Dance

The night was anchored by the energetic pulses of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major, a piece so rich with rhythmic vitality that composer Richard Wagner deemed it 'the apotheosis of dance'. The MPO also ventured into Latin musical territory with Arturo Márquez’s Danzón No. 2, a composition that fuses African and European influences into a piece full of dynamic syncopation and zest.

LGBTQ Advocacy and History

With a 30-year tradition of centering LGBTQ personalities in its storytelling, the MPO honored its roots while extending its focus to embrace a broader spectrum of communities and backgrounds. Interestingly, the concert's title 'Pulse' could evoke memories of the tragic nightclub shooting in Orlando; however, the concert did not center around the event, focusing instead on music’s power to bring joy and unity.

Highlighting Underrepresented Composers

The Philharmonic isn't just about performance—it actively engages in advocacy through its musical choices, often shedding light on underrepresented composers. This was evidenced by the upcoming premiere of a piece by Yaz Lancaster, a Black nonbinary composer, adding valuable diversity to the orchestral repertoire.

A Walk Through Musical Memories

The 'Pulse' concert also featured Samuel Barber’s 'Souvenirs' Ballet Suite, a work that delves into the nostalgic atmosphere of the Hotel Plaza interspersed with moments of dissonance and light-hearted melodies, showcasing diverse musical narratives from the early 20th-century American composer.

Look Ahead: MPO’s 'Throughlines'

Looking forward, the Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra continues to bring compelling performances to the stage, with the next concert titled 'Throughlines' scheduled for May. This event teases a promising lineup including a world premiere from Yaz Lancaster, along with compositions by Franz Liszt and Emilie Mayer, promising another evening of diverse and emotive orchestral works.

Minnesota, Philharmonic, Pulse