Celebrating Our 71st 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.
CLARINET
Shelley Hanson
CLARINET
Karl Diekmann
BASSOON
Carole Smith
BASSOON
Laurie Merz
HORN
Caroline Lemen
HORN
Chuck Hodgson
horn
Allison Akins
HORN
Tom Gullickson
TRUMPET
Lynn Erickson
TRUMPET
Takako Senn
TRUMPET
Joe Hazlett
TROMBONE
Larry Zimmerman
Violin i
Huldah Niles
violin i
Emily Saathoff
TRUMPET
Zach Saathoff
Violin i
Eric Olson
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
Emily Wildberger
Secretary
Project Manager, Target
Thomas Austin
Board Member
Cellist, Minnesota Opera Orchestra
Mark Bjork
Board Member
Violinist, Faculty, University of Minnesota
Sabrina Fay
BOARD MEMBER
Wealth Advisor for the Pathways Team, Thrivent
Milanda Landis
Board Member
Major Gifts Officer, Planned Parenthood North Central States
Jere Lantz
BOARD MEMBER
Music Director, Minneapolis Pops Orchestra, Rochester Orchestra and Chorale, Minnetonka Choral Society
Lucia Magney
Board Member
Former Executive Director, Minneapolis Pops Orchestra
Huldah Niles
Board Member
Violinist, Mill City String Quartet
Perry Wilson
Board Member
Attorney, Dorsey & Whitney (retired)