The Minnesota Orchestra is embracing the spirit of April Fool's Day, announcing a tour to Antarctica in January 2020.
The orchestra shared a link to purchase tickets for one day only — April 1 — to a series of concerts taking place around the southernmost continent, the first visit by a professional American orchestra.
Music director Osmo Vänskä referenced the orchestra's previous tours to Cuba and South Africa.
"We were all thinking what should come next, and a tour to Antarctica seemed like a very good challenge, not to mention an opportunity to go somewhere with a little less snow than Minneapolis — or even Finland, for that matter," he said.
The AntOrchestra Winter Fest includes playing the score to March of the Penguins and tunes from Frozen, with Idina Menzel joining the orchestra on tour. A piece titled A Time to Krill will be commissioned by local composer Steve Heitzberg that features Antarctic fur seals on loan from the Como Zoo, as well as narration by polar explorer Ann Bancroft. Joshua Bell also is slated to appear, performing "Summer" from Vivaldi's Four Seasons, as it is summer for Antarctica in January.
The Minnesota Orchestra's Facebook followers leaned in to the joke, with the Minnesota Chorale asking to join the tour and suggesting works to perform, such as a reimagining of "Let it Snow" sung in German or Norwegian.
This isn't the first time a major music group has joked about taking an ensemble to Antarctica. Tour group Classical Movements made the April Fool's joke in 2014, and patrons started asking how to reserve their spot.
This joke turned into an actual choral cruise that happened in December 2017. It included rehearsing with maestro Oscar Escalada in Argentina for two days before heading to Ushuaia, the departure point for Antarctica. The cruise set off from there for nine days of touring and performing — when weather permitted — across the continent.
This raises the question, will the Minnesota Orchestra follow suit? If so, get ready to pack your parka and purchase your tickets for this musical expedition.
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.
