Since 1999 this monthly performance series presents, supports and encourages Minnesota's most gifted emerging young artists, utilizing the 19th century ambiance of a salon concert. These recitals are presented by the Central Minnesota Music School , in partnership with Salon se Lève's Volunteer Council/Contributing Member-ship and the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Downtown, Minneapolis .

Hear the world's greatest music played by some of Minnesota's finest young artists in a setting as it was first meant to be heard ...

The Hennepin Avenue Methodist Church, with the Central Minnesota Music School and the Salon se Lève Contributing Members are proud to present six recitals, featuring our amazing young regional artists in an intimate venue - reminiscent of old world salons. Offered in the Art Gallery at HAUMC, this up-close- and -personal setting brings the music and performer directly to the audience, stirring hearts and arousing emotions and imaginations as only a true salon atmosphere can! Join us for these exciting Sunday afternoon concerts as we encourage our own emerging young artists in the 2005-2006 season:

 

Current Season:

March 9th, 2:30 pm : "March: In like a Lion!"
MTNA first place winner Lillie Gardner, pianist and alumna Joseph Peters, oboist will blow us away us away figuratively and literally their virtuosity - as we present a newcomer (Lillie) and old friend ("Oboe Joe") in what promises to be a wonderfully memorable concert!

April 13th, 2:30 pm : "Boys will be ... ARTISTS!"
Presenting two of Minnesota's most promising young artists: Aaron Wolff, cellist and top winner in both the Schubert Club and Thursday Musical Competitions in his Salon se Lève debut - and pianist Colton Peltier, 1st place winner of the Waring International Piano Competition. This will be a virtuosic concert with lots of fireworks!

May 18th, 2:00 PM : Benefit Concert TBA "Chamber Chamboree!"
This promises to be a BIG favorite! You won't want to miss our wonderful emerging young artists play some of the world's greatest chamber music. Three or four groups, depending upon availability, will be filling the HAUMC Art Gallery with resonance to be remembered - and filling our hearts with the joy only this genre can provide. A perfect finale for a perfect season!

VIEW OUR SALON SLIDE SHOW Photos By: Andrew Gess Photography

History:

In the summer of 1999, Dr. Paul Wirth, Artistic Director of CMMS contacted the Metropolitan Piano Gallery (Yamaha dealer for the Twin Cities) with a new idea: The idea was to create a unique performance opportunity for the finest young artists in Minnesota . Chosen from among the first place competition winners each year, this concert series would be an opportunity for these young artists to bond with an appreciative audience who would be there to support them. Metropolitan signed onto the idea, and appointed Doug Larson as their representative in promoting the series. Doug's added vision gave a special touch to it as he entitled it - Salon se Lève: Renewing the salon concert to encourage emerging young artists. The series began in the fall of 1999 at the Metropolitan Piano Gallery in Oakdale, MN and grew slowly but steadily, presenting 5 regular season concerts featuring two artists each. After the performances, the elaborate receptions gave everyone a chance to meet each other in convivial celebration, and the list of contributing members began to grow. The fundraisers each spring were quite successful with guest artists: The Ali Family, the Baken Trio, Paul Wirth (as Mozart in Mozart and the Magic Boot) and others. One highlight of the first season was a $500 gift given to one of the financially challenged young artists by an inspired patron.

The first real step toward financial security however came in the spring of 2002 when Mary Ingebrand-Pohlad, studio artist and philanthropist donated a matching grant for the fundraiser in May. Pursuant to this, the next season also featured a masterclass for the students with the world renowned pianist Stephen Kovacevitch. To this day, students still speak of this wonderful opportunity and of what they learned there.

Yet, Salon se Lève suffered two nearly fatal blows: the first in the summer of 2003 with the unexpected passing of Doug Larson and the second in the spring of 2004 with the closing of the Metropolitan Piano Gallery stores. In response to these hardships, Mary Ingebrand-Pohlad, Salon se Lève's most significant contributor, suggested to Dr. Wirth that he consider the Art Gallery at the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in downtown Minneapolis for a new venue. Indeed, while it was quite a distance from the Oakdale patrons, and the piano was - and is - in need of repair, it was a wonderful venue for salon type concerts - with no stage. Also, a Volunteer Council committee was formed to fill the void of promotion and administration which Doug's passing created. After a year of looking and planning then, and with the support of the Volunteer Council and the approval of HAUMC Minister of Music Bill Mathis and the church's board, Salon se Léve resumed operation there in the fall of 2005.

Since then, Salon se Lève has been rebuilding. The second season in this venue is now midway and the contributing member list is beginning to grow again. The concept of Salon se Lève, which is a win win win one for the young artists, the contributing members, and the church alike, is a powerful one. All indications are that with continuing support from all involved, it will grow in its mission to encourage our emerging young artists here in Minnesota.

For information on Salon se Lève, please contact Lori McNamara, Executive Director of the Central Minnesota Music School.