University of Minnesota Libraries. Manuscripts Division. Performing Arts Archives.

213 Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, 222 21st Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55455

Minnesota Orchestra Archives

President's Records: Donald L. Engle, 1971-78

     
 
 

Creator

Leslie Czechowski

 

Title

President's Records: Donald L. Engle

 

Date

1971-78

 

Abstract:

This collection contains correspondence from Donald L. Engle relating to both administrative and artistic issues of the Orchestral Association.

 

Quantity:

4 boxes (1.5 linear feet)

 

Collection ID:

PA12, Series 2.1

 

Location:

Mezzanine


 

Biographical Note

Donald L. Engle was the first professional president of the Minnesota Orchestral Association. Previous to his appointment the Association was managed by the elected President of the Board, the General Manager, and a few other staff.

The most notable accomplishment of Engle's tenure was the planning and construction of Orchestra Hall which opened to great acclaim in 1974.


Scope and Content Note

The majority of the collection consists of copies of correspondence from Engle. There are few copies of incoming letters or memos. The collection includes both administrative and artistic correspondence, much of which focuses on fund raising and development activities. Also included are letters that document his professional activities and memberships, notably his work with the American Symphony Orchestra League and the National Committee for Symphony Orchestra Support.


     

Organization of the Collection

 

The collection is organized in chronological order.

 

 

Restrictions

Restrictions on Access Materials are open to research without restriction except for portions designated as restricted, confidential, or sealed. For the latter material, prior permission in writing from the President of the Minnesota Orchestral Association is required.

Permission to examine this collection will be granted to any qualified researcher upon completion of an application form. The original documents do not circulate and may only be used in the Reading Room of the Manuscripts Division.

Restrictions on Use Photoreproduction and audio reproduction of any materials in which the Minnesota Orchestral Association holds copyright, shall be performed only with the written permission of the MOA except for photoreproduction of any published materials of the Association in the public domain.


     

Index Terms

 

This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the University of Minnesota Libraries. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons or places should search the catalog using these headings.

 
   

Engle, Donald L.

   

Lyceum Theatre (Minneapolis, Minn.)

   

Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra

   

Minnesota Orchestra

   

Minnesota Orchestral Association

   

Northrop Memorial Auditorium (Minneapolis, Minn.)

   

Orchestra Hall (Minneapolis, Minn.)

   

University of Minnesota


 

Separated Material

Items discarded include multiple copies of correspondence, routine memos, and routine thank-you letters to donors.


Administrative Information

Preferred Citation President's Records: Donald L. Engle (PA12, Series 2.1), Minnesota Orchestra Archives, Performing Arts Archives, University of Minnesota Libraries, Minneapolis.

Acquisition Transferred to the Archives in the early 1980s.

Processing Information The collection was processed and the finding aid written by Leslie Czechowski in February 2001.


 

Detailed Description of the Collection

The following section contains a detailed list of the materials in the collection.

                           

Donald L. Engle Records 1971-78

 

Because these correspondence files are arranged chronologically rather than by subject, important events or topics covered in each folder are listed below the dates.

Box

                         

1

1971 January-September

     
   

New House Committee and renovation of Lyceum Theatre

 

1971 January-September

     
   

Contract with University of Minnesota for use of Northrop Auditorium

 

1971 October-December

     
   

Annual Meeting minutes, 3 December 1971

 

1971 October-December

     
   

Lyceum Theatre project

 

1972 January-August

     
   

Lyceum Theatre project

 

1972 January-August

     
   

Development activities, especially related to the Lyceum Theatre project and the Guaranty Fund

 

1972 September-December

     
   

Lester Davis contract arbitration

 

1972 September-December

     
   

Letter to Ford Foundation regarding New Dimensions Matching Fund

 

1972 September-December

     
   

New Hall project

 

1973 January-May

     
   

New Hall project

 

1973 June-October

     
   

New Hall project

 

1973 June-October

     
   

"Request for touring funds, 1973-74"

 

1973 September-December

     
   

Construction of Orchestra Hall

 

1974 January-April

     
   

Construction of Orchestra Hall

 

1974 January-April

     
   

Name change from M.S.O. to Minnesota Orchestra

Box

                         

2

1974 May-August

     
   

Name change from M.S.O. to Minnesota Orchestra; Construction of Orchestra Hall; Twin Cities Metropolitan Arts Alliance; Planning for opening of Orchestra Hall

 

1974 November-December

     
   

Copy of agreement among M.O.A., Marquette National Bank, IDS Properties regarding Orchestra Hall land; Opening of Orchestra Hall; Seating and sightline problems in Orchestra Hall

 

1974 September-October

     
   

Opening of Orchestra Hall

 

1975 January-February

     
   

Computer Services Study; Sightlines in Orchestra Hall

 

1975 July-August

     
   

Facilities in Orchestra Hall for handicapped persons

 

1975 March-April

     
   

Sightlines in Orchestra Hall

 

1975 May-June

     
 

1975 November-December

     
   

Board Bulletin No. 1 (11 Nov 1975); review of major Orchestra activities for Board members

 

1975 September-October

     
   

Facilities in Orchestra Hall for handicapped persons

Box

                         

3

1976 January-February

     
 

1976 March-April

     
   

"Summary of Private Sector Funding Meeting" (25 Feb 1976); Stadium and arts funding bill in state ligislature; fundraising effort to meet matching requirement for Bush Foundation grant

 

1976 May-June

     
   

Draft of talk by Engle to annual meeting of Milwaukee Symphony regarding public funding for symphony orchestras; "Building Alterations in Orchestra Hall"

 

1976 September-October

     
   

Staff reorganization

 

1976 July-August

     
 

1976 November

     
   

Report on heating, cooling, and air-blancing systems in Orchestra Hall

 

1976 December

     
   

Report to Bush Foundation regarding challenge pledge; Staff Reorganization

 

1977 January-February

     
   

Letter of application for subsidy grant from Minnesota State Arts Board; "Summary of total support for years ending Aug. 31" [1973-76]

 

1977 March

     
 

1977 April-May

     
   

Letter to Ms. Lawrence regarding operation of Orchestra Hall and Minnesota Orchestra; "A preliminary report on the reorganization of the Association, 1976-77"

 

1977 June-August

     
   

Music director search

 

1977 September-November

     
   

Music Director search

Box

                         

4

1977-78 December-January

     
   

Music director search; correspondence regarding Engle's resignation

 

1978 February-May

     
   

Music director search; correspondence regarding Engle's resignation and his consultancy business