Celebrating Our 70th Season of Free Public Performances
The Minneapolis Pops Orchestra consists of 45 professional musicians. Musicians are chosen by Music Director Jere Lantz and Personnel Manager Cynthia Stokes from among the finest freelance musicians and members of full-time performing groups in the area.
Pops musicians can also be heard playing with the Minnesota Opera Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and many other distinguished Twin Cities musical groups during the winter months.
Orchestra leadership is provided by Music Director Jere Lantz who has a distinguished national reputation as both an orchestral and choral conductor. Maestro Lantz serves as conductor and host for Minneapolis Pops Orchestra concerts and is well known for his ability to communicate the ‘story behind the music.’ 2019 marks Maestro Lantz’ 33rd season with the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra.
Meet Our Musicians
45 core musicians make up the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra. They are in all walks of life, play different instruments, and play in many different ensembles throughout Minnesota when they are not playing with the Pops.
Note: Some members have links to more information on their Player Profiles in our Blog.
CLARINET
Shelley Hanson
CLARINET
Karl Diekmann
BASSOON
Carole Smith
BASSOON
Coreen Nordling
TRUMPET
Lynn Erickson
TRUMPET
Takako Senn
TRUMPET
Pam Humphrey
TROMBONE
Larry Zimmerman
CONDUCTOR
Jere Lantz
Staff &
Management
Jere Lantz, Music Director
Eric Olson, Executive Director and Grant Writer
Mark Anderson, Librarian
Mike Peiffer, Operations Manager
Conor O’Brien, Educational Outreach Coordinator
Board of Directors
Cynthia Stokes
President
Flutist, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (retired); Faculty, St. Olaf College (retired)
Vinothini Ambrose
Vice-President
Consultant, Marcus Buckingham Company
William Goldman
Treasurer
Accountant and Professional Cellist
Richard Gaynor
Secretary
Trombonist, Faculty, University of Wisconsin, River Falls
Thomas Austin
Board Member
Cellist, Minnesota Opera Orchestra
Mark Bjork
Board Member
Violinist, Faculty, University of Minnesota
Megan Gaynor
BOARD MEMBER
Agency Planner and Launch Leader, Cuneo Advertising
Louiza Kiritopoulos-Adams
Board Member
Consultant, human capital development strategies
Milanda Landis
Board Member
Major Gifts Officer, Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota
Jere Lantz
BOARD MEMBER
Music Director, Minneapolis Pops Orchestra, Rochester Orchestra and Chorale, Minnetonka Choral Society
Robin Ou-Yang, MD
Board Member
Physician, OBGYN Specialists
James Preus
Board Member
Assistant Vice President Student Affairs, University of Minnesota (retired)
Emily Wildberger
BOARD MEMBER
Project Manager, Target
Perry Wilson
Board Member
Attorney, Dorsey & Whitney (retired)