Spotlight: Isaac Thompson

November 2026

Isaac Thompson, President and CEO of the Minnesota Orchestra, shares what draws him to the orchestra field, his connection to the League, and what inspires his commitment to this work.

When did you first realize orchestras would be an important part of your life?

I was fortunate to grow up in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul and had quite a bit of exposure to both the Minnesota Orchestra and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra from an early age. My parents were frequent attendees of both orchestras, and they would often bring me along to performances. There was a moment when I was probably 6 years old attending a Minnesota Orchestra concert and I became laser focused on the Concertmaster at that time, Jorja Fleezanis. She had this incredible energy and style, and I told my parents after the concert that I wanted to do THAT—so they enrolled me immediately in violin studies. I ended up studying violin seriously (including later in high school with Jorja!) and performed throughout middle school and high school with the Minnesota Youth Symphonies. The ‘orchestra bug’ bit me early on, and I knew from that early age that orchestras and music would continue to be an essential part of my life.

You have worked with orchestras of all sizes and in communities across the country. What common threads have you discovered, and what continues to inspire you about this field?

I love how each orchestra I have worked with has reflected its community in a unique way. I think the pandemic forced orchestras to really consider their local value proposition and find ways they can serve their communities beyond just the artistic. I’m continually inspired by the level of creativity and ingenuity that orchestras around the country exhibit, and how that work inspires their communities.

You have experienced the League’s work from two vantage points, as an orchestra leader and as a League board member. How have those experiences shaped your understanding of the League’s impact?

Most American orchestras hold a singular niche in their communities in terms of size and scale, repertoire identity, and mission. Because of this singularity, it is so important that the League provides connective opportunities to meet other leaders from around the country who are facing similar challenges or opportunities; and compiles data so that leaders of orchestras can make well informed and considered decisions. I also think the League’s impact is felt quite tangibly in the sizable number of people who have taken part of League-led professional development opportunities.

What’s on your orchestral playlist right now?

Lately, I’ve been on a Berlioz kick, and have really enjoyed revisiting Sir Colin Davis’s recordings of Berlioz with the London Symphony Orchestra, which are terrific. He was a master interpreter of so much repertoire!