Minnetonka Civic Orchestra Welcomes Musicians At All Levels

The Minnetonka Civic Orchestra is a non-auditioned ensemble that welcomes adult musicians who want to play their instrument in a relaxed and supportive environment. Most members participated in orchestra or band in high school or college and sought to recapture that community and musical experience. The orchestra, part of the Music Association of Minnetonka (M.A.M.), performs high-quality classical literature under the direction of Dr. William (Bill) Mayson, a nationally-recognized teacher and musician. On Sunday, November 22, the orchestra will present a free performance at 3:00 at First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis. The program includes Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21, featuring soloist Joseph Caswell.

Just twelve years old, Caswell is already an award-winning pianist with a distinguished performance history. Most recently, he was awarded Honorable Mention in the MTNA Junior Piano Performance Competition for the state of Minnesota. His appearance with the Minnetonka Civic Orchestra offers the group the opportunity to play a classical concerto with an exceptional soloist. The partnership was made possible by Anneli Borst, a flute player in the orchestra.

Borst is a Regulatory Affairs Specialist for Medtronic who played the flute in high school and college. She is also a volunteer Board Member for Mano a Mano International Partners, a non-profit that creates partnerships with impoverished Bolivian communities that improve health and increase economic well-being. Recently, Borst participated in a silent auction benefit for Mano a Mano and “won” a personal piano performance with Caswell. Instead of keeping the performance private, Borst reached out to Dr. Mayson to ask if Caswell could join them on stage for their fall performace. “I couldn’t keep Joseph’s talent just for my family and friends, I wanted to share his gorgeous playing with as many people as possible!” said Borst.

Dr. Mayson agreed to feature Joseph at the Civic Orchestra’s fall concert. Based on the orchestra’s rehearsals with Joseph, the decision has proven to be a good one. “Joseph is a delight to work with! He is a very talented and musical pianist, amazingly so for his age. It is obvious to me from the podium that the orchestra members are very focused on his playing, which makes my job that much easier. There is a magic in combining the efforts of this gifted youth with that of the Minnetonka Civic, an orchestra open to all players,” says Mayson.

Pam Carl, a violist in the Civic Orchestra, echoes Mayson’s statement about the non-auditioned ensemble.“After a 20+ year hiatus (from playing the viola), my skills were a bit ‘rusty’. I knew that playing with an orchestra would help me grow musically, but facing an audition was not an option. I was delighted when I discovered the Minnetonka Civic Orchestra. The group welcomes all players, regardless of where they are in their musical journey. I’m in my second season with these dedicated players and have immensely enjoyed making music with them!”