Friends of the Minnesota Sinfonia

Overview Friends of the Minnesota Sinfonia, operating as the Minnesota Sinfonia, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1989. It is registered as a 501(c)(3) charity under the EIN number 41-1649587. The organization is dedicated to serving the musical and educational needs of Minnesotans, emphasizing families with young children, inner-city youth, seniors, and those with limited financial means[1][3].

Mission

The Minnesota Sinfonia's mission is to provide accessible, high-quality music experiences to diverse audiences across Minnesota. This includes a strong focus on educational programs that bring live orchestral music directly into inner-city schools, aligning with their broader goal of promoting musical education through performance[2][3].

Programs

• Concert Series: The organization offers over 60 free-admission concerts annually, split between public performances and educational programs in inner-city schools. Their repertoire includes challenging masterworks and features world-class soloists[1][2].
• Music in the Schools Program: This initiative is notable for being one of the most extensive outreach programs in the state, providing in-school concerts to reach students who might otherwise have limited access to live orchestral performances[2].

Funding

The Minnesota Sinfonia relies on funding from grants and contributions. Grants are received from various foundations and corporate supporters, while individual donations also play a crucial role in sustaining their programs. The organization is recognized for its fiscal conservatism, ensuring that a significant portion of donations supports their concerts and educational initiatives directly[2][3].

Accessibility

All venues used by the Minnesota Sinfonia are fully accessible, accommodating individuals with mobility needs. Additionally, they offer large print programs and support for those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing through services like ASL interpretation with advance notice[1].