Meet Michael Sutton, the BSO’s new Concertmaster

The Board of Directors of the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Sutton as its next Concertmaster. Sutton will begin his appointment at the beginning of the BSO’s 52nd season with a performance at Bloomington’s SummerFete on July 3.

BSO Artistic Director and Conductor Manny Laureano says, “I am very pleased that Michael Sutton has agreed to serve as concertmaster of the BSO. Michael’s reputation as being a fine musician precedes him with honor. I am sure that he will lead the strings of the BSO with the same fiery elegance and good humor that has distinguished him as my colleague in the Minnesota Orchestra for many years. Welcome, Michael!”

Michael Sutton - Bloomington Symphony Concertmaster

Michael Sutton – Bloomington Symphony Concertmaster

Michael Sutton has been a proud member of the Minnesota Orchestra for 16 years. Sutton grew up in Minneapolis, studying at MacPhail Center for Music. He left for Manhattan School of Music where he earned two degrees.

Next, Michael went to Miami Beach to join the New World Symphony. After living abroad for two summers each in Japan and Europe playing in music festivals–and getting New York and paradise out of his system, it was great to come full circle…back to the Twin Cities.

Sutton has been active with causes he believes in; he served on the board of directors of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies, and the Hamm Clinic for Mental Health in St. Paul. Michael is married to the ever-vivacious Beatrice Blanc, a Suzuki teacher at the MacPhail Center for Music.

 Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Michael! You can leave a comment or greeting in the comment area below.

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BSO to perform with Emily Saathoff, Violin in April 2014

April 13 seems a long time from now, but we are looking forward to the opportunity to play the first movement of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with Emily Saathoff at our concert, “Music in 3D.”

Ms. Saathoff was recently named the Grand Prize winner of MNSOTA (Minnesota String Orchestra Teachers Association) Mary West Solo Competition. Part of the prize is the chance to play with the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra – Minnesota. Please join us in congratulating Ms. Saathoff and come to hear her play one of the violin’s great concerti!

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BSO Names New Artistic Director and Conductor

The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra board is thrilled to announce the appointment of Manny Laureano as the BSO’s next Conductor and Artistic Director. Laureano has worked with a variety of ensembles, ranging from the Calhoun-Isles Community Band in Minneapolis and Music Director of the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, to several appearances in Young People’s Concerts with the Minnesota Orchestra. He has been in demand as a clinician for youth orchestras and bands throughout the state of Minnesota.

Manny Laureano

(Photo credit: Dawn Anderson)

In 2002, Manny and his wife Claudette were invited to guest-conduct the National Suzuki Youth Orchestra Festival Orchestra and were invited to serve again in 2004. Manny has served as Co-Artistic Director of the Minnesota Youth Symphonies (MYS) since 1988. He is the conductor of the MYS Symphony Orchestra, and is the brass and woodwind coach for the MYS Repertory Orchestra, conducted by Co-Artistic Director Claudette Laureano. Laureano served as Assistant Conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra during the 2005-06 season and served as conductor of the 2008-2009 Minnesota All-State orchestra. In recent years he has appeared regularly as guest conductor at Indiana University, as well as the Eastern Music Festival, St. Olaf College, and Bethel University. He is also in demand as a guest conductor of community orchestras all over the Twin Cities Metropolitan area.

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