Submitted Photo Minot Symphony Orchestra

2025 is set to be a banner year for the Minot Symphony Orchestra as it celebrates 100 years of community and music in the Magic City.

Efrain Amaya, MSO music director since 2015, said the orchestra’s 100th season represents a significant milestone not only for the organization, but also for the citizens of Minot who have faithfully participated in and attended its performances for the last century.

“It is such an accomplishment for a city this size to actually have an orchestra that has been around for this long and actually that is thriving,” Amaya said.

Ellen Fenner, MSO executive director, said the organization hopes to achieve the goal of a $1 million dollar endowment during the centennial season.

Amaya said the endowment fund’s growth is thanks to MSO’s collaboration and partnership with Minot State University.

Before the MSO turns its attention to its centennial celebrations, it will wrap up the remaining concerts from the 99th season. The King of Instruments will be performed on March 22, including renditions of “Adagio for Organ and Strings” by Tomaso Albinoni and “Symphony No. 3, in C minor, Op. 78” by Camille Saint-Saens.

The 99th season will conclude on May 3, with a movie night screening of Walt Disney Animation Studio’s feature “The Lion King” with Hans Zimmer’s Oscar-winning musical score performed live to the film. Amaya said additional movie night performances are being considered for the future, as they can be a good draw for attracting audiences to the symphony.

While a majority of the historic 100th season is still being finalized, Amaya said it will include a number of appearances by “all-star” MSO alums and a variety of special projects. The first concert of the season will feature a new work commissioned from Minot State University graduate and Devils Lake native Sean Neukom.

Another featured project is the unveiling of the official Minot anthem. The music for the Minot theme song will be composed by Dr. Emerson Eads, while the lyrics will be determined by a poetry contest put on by the City of Minot. The winning lyrics will be announced on May 19 and the premiere performance by the Minot Symphony Orchestra and area choirs will be held in March 2026.

Amaya also said a children’s music book has been commissioned from local artist Max Patzner to commemorate the symphony’s centennial. A “Legacy Gala” is also in the works in the 100th season to serve as a homecoming celebration for past conductors and performers.

Fenner said there will be picture displays showcasing MSO’s history at the Minot Public Library and the Taube Museum of Art throughout the centennial season.

The dates for the six performances have not yet been finalized, but the public should expect the dates to be announced soon.