Osmo Vänskä Walks, It's All Over for Minnesota Orchestra

It's all over in Minnesota, at least as far as their distinguished Finnish conductor is concerned. The thing that many locals had dreaded has come to pass: Osmo Vänskä has resigned as music director of the Minnesota Orchestra, effective immediately.

The first news to come through today was the cancellation of two of the orchestra's slated Carnegie Hall concerts. Vänskä had said, in effect, no Carnegie, no music director. Well, no Carnegie (probably), and no Osmo.

It will be viewed as a tragic day for music lovers--not just in Minnesota, but around the world. Vänskä is one of the most individual and thrilling conductors around, and he had built the prestige of that ensemble to vie with the very best. Their Beethoven cycle together is one of the finest in the catalog.

So, what next? Vänskä will be fine, he leaves with his reputation intact and will get a top post elsewhere. The orchestra is another matter. Players rejected management's latest contract offer, and no end to the dispute is immediately in sight.

Here's a reminder of what we must now call the good old days...