About Us
Established in 1952, the Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis has maintained a tradition of excellence with awe-inspiring concerts and moments of tender beauty. As we move forward, we look to continue this through the showcasing of music old and new performed by talented musicians from our own community. Join us, as the generations before you have, in performances that have been a highlight in the rich cultural tapestry of the Twin Cities, always free and open to the public.
Read on to discover who we are!
Cary John Franklin, Music Director
Cary John Franklin is a conductor of broad experience, having worked extensively in the fields of orchestral music and opera. Mr. Franklin is the Music Director of the Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis and has taught at Minnesota State University and at Macalester College where he conducted the Macalester Orchestra. He is a former Chorus Master and Assistant Conductor of the Opera Theatre
of Saint Louis. He has guest conducted the Minnesota Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, Kansas City Symphony and the Washington National Opera. Cary John Franklin is also a nationally recognized composer with commissions and performances from the Minnesota Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony, Cedar Rapids Symphony, Nashville Symphony, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Washington National Opera, VocalEssence, Chanticleer and the Dale Warland Singers.
Carol Margolis graduated from Grinnell College with a degree in American Studies and a minor in Violin Performance. At Grinnell,
she studied performance with Delmar Pettys of the Lenox String Quartet and ensemble playing with Bonnie Hampton and Nathan Swartz of the Francesco Trio. She went on to the University of Minnesota to study performance and pedagogy with Shirley Santoro
and Mary West. Carol is a long-time member of the Lake String Quartet and has played a variety of other professional venues including the Minnesota Opera, The State Fair Orchestra, Ruppert’s Night Club, Touring Broadway shows, and the Viennese Strings. She is Concertmaster of the Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis and an Artist member of Thursday Musical. In addition to her musical life, Carol holds a master's degree in teaching English as a Second Language and has taught adult refugees and immigrants English for over a decade.