History
Founded in 1972, the Minnesota Chorale is Principal Chorus of the Minnesota Orchestra and ranks among the foremost professional choruses in the United States. Led by artistic director Kathy Saltzman Romey since 1995, the Chorale is best known for its work with the Twin Cities’ two major orchestras, but is equally dedicated to fostering and deepening relationships through its award-winning Bridges community engagement initiatives, educational activities, and independent presentations of choral works. A seasoned artistic partner, the Chorale continues to explore new artistic directions and collaborative opportunities, while earning the highest critical acclaim for its work on the concert stage.
Now comprising ensembles for singers from ages 8 to 80-plus, the Minnesota Chorale is a multi-generational umbrella organization. With the founding of the Minneapolis Youth Chorus in 2007, the Chorale deepened its community connections by creating this choral opportunity for Minneapolis Public School students in grades 6 through 10 to develop their musical gifts in an environment dedicated to the celebration of diversity and the pursuit of artistic excellence. MYC’s Prelude choir, for children in grades 3 through 5, provides an introductory choral experience for younger singers. Voices of Experience, established in 2010 in partnership with the MacPhail Center for Music, offers mature singers opportunities to achieve vocal excellence and enrich the community through song.
Strategic Priorities
Managing leadership transitions, with the impending retirement of key personnel in the next three years; raising sufficient funds to compensate employees fairly, eliminate debt, and increase the size of the reserve fund; increasing the scope of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access initiatives in all aspects of operation and organizational culture.
Annual Budget: $400,000 – Earned Income, Foundations, Individual Contributions, Government Grants or Contracts
Skills
Minnesota Chorale is seeking board members with skills in the following areas:
- Fundraising
- Legal
- Management and Leadership
- Marketing and Communications
Information
- Number of members currently: 9
- Meeting time and frequency: 10 meetings annually
- Meeting location: Virtual
- Does nonprofit carry liability insurance? Yes
Expectations
- Time Expectation: Up to 8 hours/month
- Financial Contribution Required: Yes
- Service on Committee Required: Yes
- Committees: Finance, Governance, Fundraising, Other
- Length of Term: 3 Years
- Renewable: Yes