Ever since the last performance by the Minnesota Orchestra in Excelsior Commons—July 4, 2012 – we had been wishing, hoping and planning for an encore. At each of those 13 unforgettable July 4ths, we witnessed magic when the musicians rose to play The Star Spangled Banner. We were enveloped in beauty as summer breezes painted the Orchestra’s harmonies onto a magnificent sun-kissed panorama. We heard the gloriously perfect notes of trumpeters, violinists, harpist, timpanist—all white-suited, gleaming and focused on performing. More than 70 musicians and the conductor silhouetted against a sunset-shimmered, boat-filled, rippled lake. The setting. The music. The audience. All were touched by magic.

That magic? It never dissipated. It’s still floating in the breeze. Join us at the Excelsior Commons on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, and see, hear, experience and enjoy musical magic again. All are welcome.

Please take a moment to view the “Salute to Our Veterans” video that was filmed at the July 1st Fanfare for The Commons concert. [Adding soon. Stay tuned.]