Tracey Williams-Dillard, Sister Spokesman founder and host

The panel discussion covered topics ranging from finding culturally inclusive care, how to advocate for your loved ones with medical providers, and options for both older adults, as well as those with physical or mental disabilities. The live-streamed event can be found on Sister Spokesman’s Facebook page.

The remainder of the event included networking, games, and prizes, as well as a delicious lunch that was served.

Sister Spokesman’s next event will be “Celebrating Outstanding Moms,” on Saturday, May 6, from 12-3 p.m., at the Royal Foundry Craft Spirits, 241 Van White Memorial Highway, Minneapolis, MN.

Photos by Chris Juhn

David Afkham, conductor Emily Magee, soprano Minnesota Orchestra musicians will create a kaleidoscope of swirling sound in Claude Debussy’s classic portrait of the sea, La Mer. Richard Wagner’s Wesendonck Lieder is a set of five musical love letters, sung here by soprano Emily Magee, followed by Lili Boulanger’s introspective and melancholic Of a Sad Evening

BREA(D)TH

THU MAY 18 11AM

FRI MAY 19 8PM

SAT MAY 20 8PM

Jonathan Taylor Rush, conductor

Marc Bamuthi Joseph, librettist and soloist Steven Campbell, tuba Minnesota Chorale

29:11 International Exchange

Twin Cities Choral Partners

In a new work commissioned in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, composer Carlos Simon and librettist Marc Bamuthi Joseph tell a uniquely American story. As Simon and Joseph write: “ brea(d)th is a classical work, inspired by the enduring presence of George Floyd the Ancestor, asking America to consider an equitable future.” Rooted in the Minneapolis community, brea(dth considers the nation’s history, promise and possibilities. The concerts also include a performance of Wynton Marsalis’ Tuba Concerto.

GINASTERA, KODÁLY AND TCHAIKOVSKY

FRI JUN 9 8PM

Miguel Harth-Bedoya, conductor

Grace Roepke, harp

Miguel Harth Bedoya takes the podium, conducting Kodály’s Hungarian folk tune-inspired Concerto for Orchestra as well as the much-loved Dances of Galánta. You’ll also see Tchaikovsky’s brilliant Capriccio italien, and Ginastera’s Harp Concerto in a special performance by Chanhassen native Grace Roepke, winner of the FRIENDS of the Minnesota Orchestra Young Artist Competition.

JUNETEENTH: CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM

FRI JUN 23 8PM

André Raphel, conductor

Jevetta Steele, vocals

Alan C. Page, narrator

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, poet/actor

A program in honor of Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the emancipation of the last African Americans still enslaved in Texas. The concert includes two works that will be heard at Orchestra Hall for the first time: Adolphus Hailstork’s jubilant Three Spirituals and Duke Ellington’s lively Harlem Talented and esteemed guests lend their voices to this evening of celebration and remembrance.