Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) is a distinguished ensemble recognized for its artistic excellence, versatility in musical styles, and innovative programming. As one of the world's premier chamber orchestras, the SPCO has established itself as a leading cultural institution in the Twin Cities, with a mission to present world-class performances that are dynamic, distinctive, and engaging. Founded over 65 years ago, the SPCO has evolved into a primarily unconducted ensemble, embracing a broad repertoire that spans from Baroque to contemporary works. This approach to performance is enhanced by the orchestra's collaboration with a dynamic roster of Artistic Partners. These have included British Baroque specialist Richard Egarr, American composer Rob Kapilow, South African cellist Abel Selaocoe, and German violist Tabea Zimmermann, among others. The SPCO's commitment to accessibility is evident in its efforts to reach a wide audience. Each season, from September through June, the orchestra performs over 80 concerts, reaching more than 70,000 people across the Twin Cities. Performances are held in various venues to ensure geographic accessibility, a unique feature for a major orchestra. The SPCO is also known for offering the most affordable professional orchestra ticket prices in the United States, with over half of the tickets priced at $15 or less. Additionally, the New Generation Initiative provides free tickets for children and students, furthering the orchestra's dedication to inclusivity. Innovative in its approach to audience engagement, the SPCO has introduced a ticket membership model allowing members to attend unlimited concerts for a monthly fee, with special rates for first-time Concert Members and club2030 members, targeting younger audiences. The orchestra's digital presence is marked by its free online Concert Library, which features audio and video recordings accessible live and on-demand at no cost, thanks to donor support. The SPCO's partnership with YourClassical Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media ensures its music reaches nearly 850,000 listeners weekly on over 250 stations. The SPCO's recording legacy includes 68 releases, with notable works such as Mozart Piano Concertos featuring Jeremy Denk and the Grammy Award-winning "Death and the Maiden" by Schubert with Patricia Kopatchinskaja. The orchestra also enjoys a national and international presence through tours and prestigious residencies, like those at the Bravo Vail Music Festival. A champion of new music, the SPCO has commissioned over 160 works and received 17 ASCAP awards for adventurous programming. The Sandbox Residency program exemplifies the orchestra's forward-thinking approach, inviting composers to experiment and collaborate on new works with the orchestra, fostering a creative and iterative process. As a member of the Arts Partnership, the SPCO collaborates with Minnesota Opera, the Ordway, and Schubert Club to ensure the equitable sharing and stewardship of the Ordway Center, a critical cultural asset in the Twin Cities. In summary, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra stands as a beacon of artistic innovation and community engagement, continually striving to enrich the cultural landscape of the Twin Cities through exceptional music and inclusive experiences.