Formed as the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra in 1903, this venerable midwestern institution (it dropped its middle name in 1968) achieved global excellence under the direction of Finnish conductor Osmo Vänskä, who joined the organization in 2003. He presided over impressive artistic growth, routinely bringing a mix of dazzling clarity and measured warmth to its performances. Under his tenure, the orchestra’s broad repertoire has been highlighted by a masterful survey of the Sibelius symphonies, as well as a cycle of Mahler’s symphonies, all performed with lusty brio and unerring precision. The orchestra has also excelled with operatic and choral works.