About the Orchestra
Conductor: Jeffrey Stirling
President: Paul Tidemann
Treasurer: Agnes Wolf
Secretary: Bev Kinsman
Manager: Bob Scott
History
The Northeast Orchestra grew from the love of classical music that led 6 members of the Fridley League of Women Voters in 1972 to begin to meet together to play the instruments that they had laid aside years earlier. They met in one another's homes. More and more players asked to join until almost immediately the group outgrew living rooms and became an orchestra. In the early years, the Orchestra used "Chamber" in its name to indicate a small orchestra. Today that description no longer fits - today the orchestra numbers some 60 players. And while the original core was women who lived in Fridley today both men and women come from every direction in the Twin Cities and their suburbs to enjoy music together. Fridley remains the orchestra's home area.
The first impetus was members playing for their own enjoyment. Soon, however, the orchestra began to give concerts, and for its more than 35 years the mission of the group has been dual - to provide an opportunity for amateur musicians to perform, while performing at a high level for the enjoyment of diverse audiences. Yearly the orchestra plays 4 concerts, one shared with the Fridley City Band. Concerts are usually in Fridley, but occasionally in other northern locations. Knowing that, as Peter Schickele said, "All musics are created equal", however, not all "musics" get equal exposure, especially to diverse audiences.
"Diversity" is a key word for this orchestra. Many of our members are retired, yet young players add their energies - our oldest member still plays trombone at the age of 90 while our youngest player is a 15-year old violinist. Some players, even some of advanced years, began to study their instruments only recently, while others have graduate degrees in music. Diversity also marks the music styles the orchestra has selected to perform. Concerts have been comprised of selections from over 300 years of Western music, and one concert was entirely music from mainland China.