One hundred and ten years ago next month, the Minnesota Orchestral Foundation was founded. Â Out of that came the Minneapolis Symphony, now known as the Minnesota Orchestra. Â However, with the year-long struggle between musicians and management, it becomes increasingly clear that this issue will not be settled without destroying the orchestra.
Some are beginning to say out loud what many have thought and said in private...it is time to start over in Minnesota.
Starting over may mean quitting.  When Music Director Osmo Vänskä resigned, many believe he took the soul of the orchestra with him.  On the other hand, it may be time for the rest of the orchestra to follow him.  As hard as it may be to walk away from this once glorious institution, it is being suggested that musicians should resign and regroup as a self-governing orchestra based on the Vienna Philharmonic model.  Yes, there will be growing pains, but it beats a slow death. Read more: The Minnesota Orchestra as we know it must die (Star Tribune) Watch: Osmo Vänskä's farewell comments and the Musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra perform Valse Triste http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9TZjLjE47w