About the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra
The Bemidji Symphony Orchestra (BSO) excels in perseverance, dedication and inclusiveness, creating high quality orchestral experiences that inspire audiences and musicians of northern Minnesota.
The BSO is a thriving community orchestra servicing the region of North Central Minnesota. Being the only ensemble of its kind in the region and guided by its mission statement, the BSO strives to inspire northern Minnesotans through performance and music education. The BSO performs seven concerts each season. Our Youth Enrichment Program offers opportunities for student musicians to participate in a side-by-side performances, concerts for youth biennially, and workshops with guest artists.
History
Established in 1938 by Milton Dieterich under the auspices of Bemidji State University, the BSO separated from the University in 2000 and became an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization. During the 2003-2004 season, the BSO held a national search for its first independent conductor and hired Dr. Beverly Everett who became the BSO's first resident conductor in the 2004-2005 season. For over 20 years Everett has been in the forefront of the inclusion of women within the ranks of orchestra leadership in a very male-dominated field.
Musicians in the BSO are selected through an audition process. The roster includes professional musicians, community members, university students, university faculty, and highly qualified high school students. The BSO also collaborates with acclaimed guest artists, some of whom have further enriched the community through special master classes and chamber recitals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did you know...
We are an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
How long has Bemidji had an orchestra?
The BSO will perform in its 88th season during the 2026-2027 season.
How many concerts are performed each season?
We perform seven concerts each season starting with a summer pops concert.
When I donate, where does my donation go?
It costs an average of $20,000 to produce just one concert. The largest portion of our annual revenue comes from tax-deductible donations from individuals and businesses. Your donation supports musician stipends, venue, sound, and technology expenses, music rentals and purchases, and any other needs for producing a stellar concert!
Who conducts the orchestra?
Our conductor, Dr. Beverly Everett, is widely respected in her field, having received awards and requests to participate in prestigious events throughout the country. Her professional connections bring world caliber guest artists such as André Watts, Murry Sidlin, and Carol Wincenc to Bemidji.
How can I support the BSO?
Support comes in many forms. Someone looking to support can consider doing so with their time, energy, and talents as a volunteer or monetarily as a donor. Simply spreading awareness of all we have to offer helps so much. Inviting a friend to experience a concert goes a long way, too!
Who are the musicians?
Our musicians are passionate community members, teachers, university and high school students, retirees, and professional musicians. Some musicians have been with the BSO since the beginning! As of the 2022-2023 season, all musicians are paid a stipend to offset their costs.
What else does the BSO offer?
We have started an education initiative coined 'YEP' (Youth Enrichment Program) through which we provide free concerts just for youth, side-by-side performance opportunities for student musicians, and exclusive workshops with guest artists. We collaborate with other area organizations to do out-of-the-ordinary programming.