music
Music at the Minnesota JCC celebrates Jewish heritage, creativity, and community through a wide range of programs for all ages and skill levels. From the Northern Lights School of Strings—where young violinists connect with Jewish culture through the Suzuki method—to the spirited Voices of Tradition Show Choir and the historic, inclusive JCC Symphony Orchestra, our music offerings inspire artistic growth while honoring timeless traditions. Join us and let the music tell your story.
JCC Symphony Orchestra Registration is NOW OPEN! See details below.
Northern Lights School of Strings
This program honors the Jewish connection to the violin as a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and artistic expression. By blending the Suzuki philosophy with Jewish cultural heritage, Northern Lights nurtures young musicians who are technically proficient and culturally informed, ensuring that the violin continues to sing the songs of the past while inspiring the voices of the future.
Show Choir Fall Session:
You’ve Got a Friend
MONDAYS, SEPT 15 – DEC 1 • 1:30-3:30 PM
CAPP CENTER ST. PAUL
$200 • $175 MEMBER PRICE
This season’s show choir shines a spotlight on the unforgettable music of Carole King, Paul Simon, and other beloved artists of the era. With soulful harmonies and vibrant energy, these classics celebrate friendship, connection, and the joy of song. Led by Debi Kilde and Amanda Weis.
Performances: December 5 & 7.
CLICK HERE to register
Questions about Show Choir? Please reach out to Risa Cohen at risac@minnesotajcc.org.
Minnesota JCC Symphony Orchestra
Celebrating Nearly a Century of Music
The Minnesota JCC Symphony Orchestra is a cherished community institution, bringing together musicians of all backgrounds and skill levels to share in the joy of creating music. For nearly 100 years, this inclusive, non-audition ensemble has offered a welcoming space for instrumentalists to explore a rich repertoire while fostering camaraderie, artistic growth, and a deep connection to the Jewish values of community and creativity.
Rooted in Jewish Arts and Culture:
Housed within the Marvin Pertzik Center for Jewish Arts & Culture, the orchestra reflects the Jewish tradition of music as a means of storytelling, celebration, and community building. While its repertoire spans classical masterworks and contemporary pieces from diverse cultures, the ensemble also highlights works by Jewish composers, weaving the Jewish contribution to global music into its
A Symphony for All:
Whether you’re a seasoned musician or rediscovering your instrument, the Minnesota JCC Symphony Orchestra invites you to join its vibrant community. With no auditions required, the orchestra embodies the Jewish values of inclusivity and accessibility, making music a shared experience for all who wish to participate.
What We Offer:
- A Diverse Repertoire: From classical symphonies to works by Jewish composers and beyond, our programming reflects the breadth and beauty of symphonic music.
- A Supportive Environment: Rehearse with passionate musicians under the guidance of conductor Chi-Chi Lin Bestmann who encourages growth and creativity.
- Community Engagement: Perform at community events, seasonal concerts, and special celebrations, connecting with audiences across the Twin Cities.
As one of the oldest continuously running symphony orchestras in the region, the Minnesota JCC Symphony Orchestra is more than an ensemble—it’s a living testament to the power of music to build community, celebrate cultural heritage, and create lasting connections.
Join us in celebrating nearly a century of music-making and be part of the next chapter in this remarkable journey!
Minnesota JCC Symphony Registration
2025-2026 Minnesota JCC Symphony
Wednesdays, September 10 – May 27
Rehearsals: Wed evenings from 7 – 9pm
Dues: JCC Members: $90 / Non-Members: $110
Join the Minnesota JCC Symphony—the oldest community orchestra in the country, now approaching its 100th anniversary season! This non-auditioned ensemble welcomes adult musicians with prior ensemble experience for a season of inspiring repertoire, community, and music-making under the baton of our new conductor, Lara MacLean.
Rehearsals take place Wednesday evenings at the Capp Center St. Paul beginning this fall. If you are new to the symphony, please email conductor Lara MacLean at larajmaclean@gmail.com to confirm availability in your section.
CLICK HERE to register.
If you are new to the symphony, please reach out to confirm availability. Contact Risa Cohen at risac@minnesotajcc.org.
Our Symphony Conductor, Lara MacLean
Lara (Dyrud) MacLean is a distinguished conductor, violinist, and music educator whose career reflects both artistic excellence and a deep commitment to music education. A Lauderdale native, she studied violin performance at Augsburg College, held a prestigious conducting assistantship at Northwestern University, and earned a master’s degree in education from St. Mary’s University.
Lara has taught orchestral music from kindergarten through college across Minnesota and served on the faculties of Gustavus Adolphus College, Bemidji State University, and Concordia University, St. Paul. She has conducted ensembles at the MacPhail School of Music and Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies, and for eight years served as Conductor and Music Director of the Minnetonka Chamber Orchestra. Her leadership has taken student musicians on tours throughout Europe and North America, enriching their musical and cultural experiences. Now based in St. Paul, she teaches in the Forest Lake School District, maintains a private violin and viola studio, and performs widely as a freelance violinist.
Through every role, Lara brings passion, rigor, and a lasting dedication to cultivating a lifelong love of music.