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To the Editor:

It is impossible to overstate the value that the Austin Symphony Orchestra and Chorus brings to southeastern Minnesota. Sunday’s concert featured world renowned and Minnesota native Kenny Broberg playing the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2. Mr. Broberg has been a medalist at several major international competitions, including the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Not only is this one of the world’s best-known works for classical piano, it is the source of inspiration for more modern works by Frank Sinatra and Eric Carmen’s “All by Myself.”

The second half of the concert featured the Austin Symphony Chorus performing the Requiem by John Rutter. Sonia Larson has directed this talented and dedicated group since 1997. This requiem featured brilliant soloist Stefanie Tranchida in her return performance with the ASO.

In addition to this remarkable performance, ASO’s 2024-25 season also featured the spectacular violinist Rachel Barton Pine, Michael Veldman and Friends, Stringworks with soloist Brandon Lawhead, and the popular children’s focused Animalia II.

I’ve lived in several major cities with prominent musical companies and served on the boards of directors for the Oklahoma Sinfonia and Chorale and Opera Columbus. As great as those music scenes are, there is no falloff in talent right here in Austin. The ASO deserves your support, both in attendance and with your financial support.

The Austin Area Foundation is a proud partner of the ASO and strongly encourages you to support this wonderful Austin treasure. The AAF has a long history of awarding grants to the ASO. In recent years, the AAF has provided the financial support that has allowed the ASO to present free concerts to thousands of area students to allow them the opportunity to experience first-hand the joys of music.

In addition to purchasing tickets to these performances, there are other opportunities to show your support. Consider becoming a supporter of the ASO and make a financial donation. There are several levels of donor recognition to consider. If you’re looking to make a more permanent impact, please consider making a donation to the Austin Area Foundation and dedicate it to the ASO Endowment Fund. Whether it’s cash, stock, mutual fund shares, or another type of asset, you can make a significant impact on the long-term future of this great organization.

The 2025-26 season will feature a family concert and costume party in October, A Hometown Christmas with newly-inducted AHS Music Hall of Fame member Brian Christianson, and two wonderful pianists in March and May—Osip Nikiforov and long-time favorite Roberto Plano.

Thank you to the Austin Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Stephen J. Ramsey for providing outstanding musical performances for the people of southeastern Minnesota.

Steve Barrett, Executive Director

Austin Area Foundation