The Mankato Symphony Orchestra
Inducted 2015
The Mankato Symphony Orchestra consists of approximately 80 musicians mostly from the greater Mankato, Minnesota area. Some are professional musicians, some gifted amateurs, many as music educators, all devoted to delivering quality performances. The early history of music in Mankato began in 1853 when settlers brought many things with them including musical instruments and singing voices. Mary Griffin came from Boston to teach music at the Normal School (now Minnesota State University in Mankato). In 1922 she organized 150 voices, 4 soloists and a full orchestra to perform Handel’s Messiah. It was from this performance that the idea of having a permanent orchestra in Mankato could be traced. The mission of The Mankato Symphony Orchestra is to create emotion-packed, high-quality classical music in and for the greater Mankato community.
