Introduction

The Mesabi Symphony Orchestra was founded 35 years ago, and continues to thrive and provide quality classical music to many communities on the Iron Range. Our current membership hails from Ely, Aurora, Gilbert, Eveleth, Mountain Iron, Virginia, Chisholm and Hibbing.

Our members range from advanced students to adults of all ages. Some members are high school trained and others are university trained. Traditionally, we perform three concerts per season.

Community Support

For many years the Mesabi Range Community and Technical College has funded the orchestra, band and choir by paying the directors, purchasing music and equipment, maintaining instruments, paying guest artists, and providing rehearsal and performance space and secretarial support. Due to educational funding and policy changes, the MRCTC can no longer provide the financial support they once did. Revenue sources we currently have are concert ticket sales and member fees. These alone are not adequate sources to fund the operation of the orchestra.

Learn more...

Artistic Direction

Picture of Josh Aerie The orchestra is led by Josh Aerie, a high-energy conductor with a broad range of experience in performing, conducting, chamber music, and recording. He serves on the faculty at the College of St. Scholastica and Mesabi Range Community and Technical College, in addition to a private studio for student musicians.

Josh received his Master of Music degree in Cello Performance from the University of Colorado, and completed his undergraduate work at Oberlin Conservatory of Music and Oberlin College, where he received both a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance and a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Anthropology. More information about Josh can be found on his website, cellistry.com


An Evening of Wine, Cheese, and Desserts

May 17, 2013
7-9 pm
Coates Plaza Hotel - Chippewa Room
$50 per person


Celebrate the arrival of spring with the MSO at their first fundraising event in Virginia. It will be a wonderful evening filled with desserts, wine, and enchanting music featuring the MSO String Quintet.

Tickets available at Schmitt Music and via email to the MSO