October 8th, 2024
The ProMusica Minnesota (PMM) Chamber Music Series and Festival has recently unveiled a project that is reputedly the first of its kind in Minnesota. The organization has designed ten musical signs to be placed in parks and other key landmarks in New Ulm.
Each sign includes a QR code linking visitors to live recordings from past PMM concerts, performed by musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra and by PMM’s Artistic Director, pianist Bethel Balge. Classical piano trios by Beethoven, Brahms and others will grace visits to the park, providing opportunities to become acquainted with classical masterpieces while walking or jogging. The project, titled ProMusica in Motion, is the brainchild of Balge, who says “New Ulm has some of the most beautiful parks in the area and we’re thrilled to partner with the city to bring gorgeous music to these parks. Every year thousands of visitors pour in to enjoy Oktoberfest and HermannFest celebrations. ProMusica in Motion enhances visitors’ experiences while creating fitness incentives.”
Balge initially took her idea to New Ulm City Council where it was met with enthusiasm. The Council agreed to take care of installing the permanent signs. City Council President Andrea Boettcher says: “When our city was approached by ProMusica, we found this to be an engaging, inexpensive, and unique idea. Providing our residents and visitors the opportunity to enhance their experience through music seems only natural, and we hope to see this expanded into other communities.” Park and Recreation Director Joey Schugel had this to say about the project: “This project has been a great partnership with ProMusica that will bring park users a unique experience connecting them with our park system in a different way. We are excited to be able to provide this to our park users in New Ulm.”
The Minnesota non-profit recently hired Ann Fredrickson as its new Executive Director. Fredrickson is excited for new audiences to learn about New Ulm’s vibrant chamber music series. “We are hoping that people who may never have had the opportunity to hear some of these phenomenal works performed by some of the best Minnesota musicians will be able to connect the beauty of the music with the beauty of their surroundings, transforming a walk in the park into a multi-sensory experience.”
To enjoy a preview of the actual experience, watch this video of the installed signs: ProMusica in Motion.
PMM is thankful for The City of New Ulm Park and Recreation Department’s support and to Minnesota wildlife photographer Benji Inniger for providing images for the signs. The Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) provided grant funding for the project.
2024/25 marks ProMusica Minnesota’s eighth season. The first concert of the season is Sunday, October 13 at 3 PM in the Chapel of the Christ on the campus of Martin Luther College in New Ulm. The concert features Piano Quintets by Schumann and Dvorak performed by Bethel Balge, violinists Susie Park and Alan Snow, violist Marlea Simpson, and cellist Tony Ross. Tickets may be purchased at ProMusicaMN.com or by phoning 507-205-2249.