Mesabi Symphony Orchestra

Friends and supporters - For over 45 years, the Mesabi Symphony Orchestra has been bringing the brilliance of orchestral music to the Iron Range and beyond. It is an impressive feat - one only made possible by the generosity of music lovers like you! The MSO is unique in many ways, but what makes it special is the impact we have in such a big geographic area. MSO musicians come from Virginia, Eveleth, Ely, Hibbing, Grand Rapids, Duluth, and elsewhere. Our musicians are your neighbors, business owners, teachers, professionals, and students. What also differentiates the MSO from other orchestras is that we travel to you! 

                                          

                                         Artistic Director & Conductor, Benjamin Nilles                                                 

This season, the MSO performs in Virginia, Duluth, and Ely, to bring music right to your community. As we make our way through our 2025-2026 season, and celebrate my 10th year leading this wonderful organization, your Mesabi Symphony Orchestra is committed to being part of the thriving arts scene we enjoy in this region. There's nothing more powerful than a live orchestral concert performance - a stage full of musicians, an audience full of arts lovers, and a concert hall alive with music. The MSO relies on the generosity of our supporters to make our programs & concerts possible. 

Your donation to the Mesabi Symphony Orchestra will help us raise $12,000 so that we can continue our tradition of bringing entertaining and meaningful orchestra performances to people of all ages. Thank you for our past, present, and future.

  Your Gift Helps Us Fulfill Our Mission

We strive to keep orchestral music alive and thriving in the Iron Range. 

 $25 - Help us buy our office supplies

With your help, the MSO will continue to present wonderful music to our audiences.

$100 - Our conductor can choose music specifically for your enrichment

Your donations will inspire future generations to appreciate music presented in our region.

$250 - Students in the area can enjoy a concert at no cost

Donating to the MSO helps ensure that you can attend orchestral music concerts close to home.

$500 - Cover the average cost to rent a performance venue

"The MSO is a truly unique group. When I look around at a rehearsal, I see musicians who are of high school age, all the way up to post-retirement. The younger people learn from their veteran partners, who share tips and hints for improvement. This is a unique means of learning that helps to develop musicians of the future.  More importantly, it’s fun and challenging. 

We are a community of musicians and friends who have grown together over the years. I first began my association with this orchestra in the early 90’s, after a move from Chicago. I have had the pleasure of both playing and conducting during those years.  After a lengthy hiatus away, I came back to renew old friendships and form new ones. I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing beautiful music and helping to carry on the legacy of MSO.       - Jeri Spampinato, MSO Board member

$750 - Aspiring young artists have an opportunity to play with the MSO during our Young Artist Competition

The MSO is an economic driver for the Iron Range. Your donations help employ locals!

$1,000 - This donation level pays for a lighting and sound technician for a season

Because of your support, the MSO can attract the best talent in the region, who all want to play for you.

$2500 - The MSO can pay for a Principal and Assistant Principals for a concert series

Every donation made goes back to the community. You make everything possible.

$12,000 - Underwrite one concert series for the season