About the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra
The mission of the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra is to enrich and educate musicians and audiences of northern Minnesota through innovative orchestral experiences.
The Bemidji Symphony Orchestra is a thriving community orchestra servicing the region of North Central Minnesota. We bring classical music to new audiences and provide performance experience for musicians. 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 2005.
Musicians in the BSO are selected through an audition process. The roster comprises both professional and amateur musicians alike, and includes community members, university students, university faculty, and highly qualified high school students. The BSO collaborates with acclaimed guest artists, some of who have further enriched the community through special master classes and chamber recitals. Among the guest artists that the BSO has welcomed to the stage over the years are:
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 87th season during the 2025-2026 season. We are an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and are considered a civic treasure!
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 put on just one concert. The largest portion of our annual revenue comes from tax-deductible donations from individuals and businesses like yours.
Are musicians volunteers?
The 2022-2023 season was the first season we were able to pay a stipend to help offset musician costs. Otherwise, our musicians have been passionate volunteers. Our musicians number more than 70. Ranging from teenagers to adults in their seventies.
How many concerts are performed each season?
We perform seven concerts each season starting with a summer pops 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.
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.