Celebrating Our 73rd 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.’ 2021 marks Maestro Lantz’ 34th 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

FLUTE

Kay Sahlin

FLUTE
OBOE

Merilee Klemp

OBOE

Dana Maeda

CLARINET

Shelley Hanson

CLARINET

Karl Diekmann

BASSOON

Carole Smith

BASSOON

Laurie Merz

HORN

Caroline Lemen

HORN

Chuck Hodgson

horn

Greg Beckwith

HORN

Tom Gullickson

TRUMPET

Lynn Erickson

TRUMPET

Takako Senn

TRUMPET

Pam Humphrey

TROMBONE

Larry Zimmerman

TROMBONE
TROMBONE

Dave Stevens

TUBA

Warren Starr

TYMPANI
PERCUSSION

Erik Barsness

VIOLIN I
VIOLIN I

Julia Persitz

VIOLIN I

Conor O’Brien

Violin i

Huldah Niles

violin i

Emily Saathoff

VIOLIN I

Zach Saathoff

Violin i

Eric Olson

VIOLIN II
VIOLIN II

David Mickens

VIOLIN II
VIOLIN II

Lorie Hippen

VIOLIN II
VIOLA

Coca Bochonko

VIOLA

Matt Mindeman

VIOLA

Stella Anderson

Viola

Mark Anderson

CELLO

Joshua Koestenbaum

CELLO
CELLO

Tom Austin

CELLO

Anna Vasquez

BASS

John Michael Smith

BASS

Connie Martin

CONDUCTOR

Jere Lantz

Staff &
Management

Jere Lantz, Music Director

Eric OlsonExecutive Director and Grant Writer

Mark Anderson, Librarian

Mike PeifferOperations 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)

Vice President Vinothini Ambrose

Vinothini Ambrose

Vice-President

Consultant, Marcus Buckingham Company

Bill Goldman, Treasurer

William Goldman

Treasurer

Accountant and Professional Cellist

Emily Wildberger

Secretary

Project Manager, Target

Tamara Block

Board Member

Attorney, Tamara D. Block, LLC

Board Member Sabrina Fay

Sabrina Fay

Board Member

Financial Advisor with Confetti Wealth at Ameriprise Financial

 

Milanda Landis

BOARD MEMBER​

Director of Development, Planned Parenthood North Central States

 

Lucia Magney

BOARD MEMBER​

Former Executive Director, Minneapolis Pops Orchestra

Board Member Huldah Niles

Huldah Niles

Board Member

Violinist, Mill City String Quartet