Nonprofit Spotlight: Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis
Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 2:08AMArticle by Becky Fillinger, photos provided
A Discussion with Carol Margolis, Concertmaster
Carol MargolisThe Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis celebrates its 70th season of music with the 2022-2023 concert season. I highly recommend you make plans to attend their upcoming concert - performances are offered free of charge and the musicians are exceptionally talented. We spoke to Carol Margolis, Concertmaster, about the history of the Orchestra, her many responsibilities and how to support this cherished institution.
Q: Please tell us the history of the Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis.
A: I’d love to. In autumn of 1952, a group of Twin Cities’ musicians organized the Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis under the baton of Henry Denecke, timpanist with the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra. The fledgling orchestra had its first concert that following spring on Tuesday, May 5, 1953.
In its early years, Civic rehearsed in the auditorium of Schmitt Music. Tom Nee, Assistant Professor of Music at Hamline University, assumed leadership of the Civic in 1954 and helped to build the ensemble into a leading community orchestra. Under his direction, Civic established a commissioning fund to support the composition of new music, commissioning its first work in 1957.
Long noted for its innovative programming, the Orchestra has received eleven awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), a prestigious number for a community orchestra of its size. This tradition is ongoing, with new compositions currently in the works.
The Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis continues today as the oldest community orchestra in Minneapolis. We perform under the direction of Cary John Franklin, Music Director since 1994.
Q: You are the Concertmaster for the Orchestra. Could you tell us about your responsibilities in this role?
A: You know, I'm glad you asked that question! There are many!
First of all, I am responsible for scheduling auditions for the violins with the Music Director and then for deciding what our requirements are for members. How well can they sight read? What is their technical proficiency? How committed are they to playing all rehearsals and concerts?
Secondly, once I know who is in the violin section, I need to seat the players in both the first and second violin sections according to ability and preference. I do try to rotate the players between the first and second sections to give them variety and an understanding of the importance of each section.
Next, I am responsible to make sure the bowings of both sections are consistent with each other and work technically and musically for the repertoire we are playing. I do try to keep bowings as simple and appropriate for the composition at hand as possible.
Civic Orchestra
Lastly, and most important, I lead the violin sections in rehearsals and performances. Obviously, the first priority for orchestra members is to follow the conductor, but the violins always have their eyes on me as well. They follow my bowings and phrasal entrances and finishes as we rehearse and perform.
Q: A little bit off course, but you also teach English to adult refugees and immigrants. Do you have time management tips to share?
A: The dual careers of teaching English as a second language as well as keeping up a busy performance/jobbing schedule with the Lake String Quartet and the Civic Orchestra can be daunting!!! I love them both but have had to make some changes as the years have accumulated! Fifteen years ago, I could keep up with thirty hours of teaching, weekend gigs and Civic rehearsals and performances. Now, however, I have had to modify my schedule. A couple of years ago I retired from teaching, and now volunteer once a week at the school I formerly taught at. In making that decision, as hard as it was to give up full-time teaching, my volunteer work has kept me happily active in the ESL community. I still enjoy performing and jobbing with the quartet as much as ever and love playing with the Civic Orchestra.
I have served as Concertmaster with the Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis for almost 10 years now and the position and the privilege of playing with a group of such talented musicians has given me more joy and gratitude than I can express! We all come to our orchestra dedicated to playing beautiful music with each other and to sharing it with audiences. It is truly a delight!
Q: Are there upcoming performances?
A: Yes, we are preparing for our next concert which will be held at the Ted Mann Concert Hall. It features Gao Hong premiering her new work for Pipa and Orchestra composed specifically for the Civic Orchestra. Here’s information on the full program:
March 5, 3:00 PM - Musical Journey for Pipa and Orchestra
- Adolphus Hailstork – An American Fanfare
- Gao Hong – Musical Journey for Pipa and Orchestra, World Premiere
- Antonín Dvořák – New World Symphony
Mark your calendars and come hear our performance! Please check our website for other upcoming concerts.
Q: How may we support this community treasure?
A: We are so thankful for your donations. There are so many ways to support us: click here to select from among the different options. Also, please follow us on social media, Instagram and Facebook.
