Sounds of the Season returns, featuring the orchestra in a joyous celebration of the holiday season. This festive concert weaves together a rich tapestry of holiday favorites, such as selections from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker with a jazz-infused twist, popular Christmas songs, classic carols, and of course, Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride. Join the orchestra for an audience sing-along and celebrate with music the whole family will enjoy!
A brilliant and collaborative conductor, Hannah Schendel is driven to perform and program compelling music that explores the human experience. Schendel serves as Cover Conductor with the Minnesota Orchestra where she has assisted Osmo Vänskä, Ruth Reinhardt, and Tito Muñoz, as Music Director of the Wayzata Symphony Orchestra, and as Interim Conductor of the Carleton Orchestra. Schendel has recently participated in masterclasses with renowned maestri including the Järvi Academy/Pärnu Music Festival with Paavo Järvi, LEAD Foundation!/Fiskars Summer Music Festival with Esa-Pekka Salonen, Jukka-Pekka Saraste, and Eva Ollikainen, and the Cabrillo Festival for Contemporary Music with Cristian MÄcelaru. Other highlights include serving as Assistant Conductor for Gregory Spears’ renowned American opera Fellow Travelers, as Cover Conductor for Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and was a semifinalist in the 2023 Sergey Kussewitzky International Conducting Competition.
Highlights of the 2024/25 season include performances of Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem with the Wayzata Symphony, Two Rivers Chorale, and Edina Chorale, collaborations with soloists Cassie Pilgrim and Gao Hong, and was reinvited to cover performances with the Minnesota Orchestra.
Schendel studied orchestral conducting at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music with Mark Gibson, and has been mentored by many others. (www.hannahschendel.com)
LaSonya Natividad is a dynamic and versatile musician whose vocal artistry transcends genres, drawing inspiration from the rich legacies of legendary artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, India Arie, Jill Scott, and Aretha Franklin. With a passion for music ignited at the tender age of 8, LaSonya's journey began in the warm, nurturing environment of her local Baptist church choir, where she honed her craft and developed a profound love for singing.
Over the years, LaSonya has performed with various community choirs, enriching her experience and solidifying her reputation as a skilled vocalist. Her ability to seamlessly blend elements from different musical styles has made her a sought-after performer in the local music scene. As a band leader and lead singer, LaSonya currently fronts three vibrant ensembles: Acoustic Soul, Madison Parish Ensemble, and The Soul Train – all based in the Rochester, MN area. Each group showcases her versatility and commitment to delivering unforgettable performances that resonate deeply with audiences.
LaSonya's musical journey is not just about performance; it's a testament to her dedication to her craft and her unwavering belief in the power of music to bring people together. Whether she's belting out soulful anthems or delivering heartfelt ballads, LaSonya Natividad continues to captivate and inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who experience her music.
With a promising future ahead, LaSonya is excited to expand her artistic horizons and connect with audiences far and wide, sharing her love for music and the stories that inspire her.