Looking Back and Looking Forward: Investing in the Future

“As we examined the patterns of connections, relationships and events in our history, we recognized that all roads seemed to lead us to the Minnesota Orchestra. With this realization, it became abundantly clear that a gift to the Orchestra should play a big role in our estate plan. As Laureate Society members, we are making the music we love part of our legacy.”

Ken and Stephen began their musical journeys as young students in Nebraska and Iowa, respectively; Ken began violin and piano lessons at age five while Stephen played services for the local Episcopal Church in 6th grade, later studying string bass in high school. He attended his first Minnesota Orchestra concert in Orchestra Hall in 1979. Ken’s first encounter was in 1962 at Northrop and again in 1972 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC when he was concert pianist with the US Navy Band. Over the years, many of their musician friends joined the Minnesota Orchestra and they remain treasured relationships.

Subscribers since 1987, they also reveled in hearing the Minnesota Orchestra on tour in Carnegie Hall in the 90s when Stephen was Minister of Music at the Church of the Holy Trinity in New York City. It was clear that their beloved orchestra could hold its own with any other world-class ensemble.

Throughout their careers in the arts, Stephen, a touring concert organist, and Ken, an esteemed Carleton College music professor and concert pianist, have shared their passion for music with everyone. With the Minnesota Orchestra, they have volunteered their time and talent through student field trips and mentoring, marketing and research assistance, committee work and contract negotiations. They believe the future looks bright for this great orchestra and are thrilled to continue their immersion in those waters along with their orchestral soulmates as “the beat goes on!”

For more information about how you can make the Minnesota Orchestra part of your legacy, please contact Emily Boigenzahn at (612) 371-7138 or plannedgiving@mnorch.org.