Mississippi Valley Orchestra

== Mississippi Valley Orchestra == The Mississippi Valley Orchestra (MVO) is an esteemed civic orchestra with a dynamic presence in the Twin Cities' musical landscape. Established in 1976 by Edward Schlueter as a chamber group in West St. Paul/Mendota Heights, the MVO has undergone a remarkable transformation to become a full-fledged symphony orchestra renowned for its diverse and engaging classical music performances. === History === The orchestra's inception dates back to 1976 when Edward Schlueter founded it as a modest chamber ensemble. Over the past four decades, the MVO has matured into a sophisticated symphony orchestra, noted for its expansive repertoire that spans from the baroque elegance of Bach's orchestral suites to the romantic grandeur of Mahler's symphonies. The orchestra has a strong tradition of embracing contemporary works, particularly those by local composers, and is recognized for its performances of modern twentieth-century compositions. Throughout its history, the MVO has graced numerous venues across the Minneapolis-St. Paul region, including prestigious locations such as the Walker Art Center and the Landmark Center, as well as community-centric events like the Dakota County Fair and Festa Italiana. The orchestra has also made a significant cultural impact by performing at various schools and churches, thereby fostering a robust community support system. === Mission === MVO's mission is to enrich the lives of both its dedicated musicians and the broader Twin Cities community by providing transformative experiences through classical music. The orchestra emphasizes the importance of creative insights, emotional energy, and camaraderie that arise from collective musical endeavors. === Artistic Direction and Community Engagement === Under the artistic leadership of Ho-Yin Kwok, the MVO has continued to excel, presenting five invigorating concerts annually that showcase a wide array of classical works. The orchestra collaborates with soloists and ensembles from esteemed institutions such as the Minnesota Orchestra and the University of Minnesota, as well as other local arts and educational entities. A highlight of the MVO's season is the performance of a piano concerto movement with the winner of the St. Paul Piano Teachers Association concerto competition, offering young talents their debut experience with an orchestra. The MVO prides itself on its collegial atmosphere and its all-volunteer, yet professional board of directors. Unique among community orchestras in the area, the MVO does not charge dues, and all its concerts are free to the public, reflecting the organization's commitment to accessibility and community involvement. === Support and Recognition === The Mississippi Valley Orchestra's operations and community contributions are made possible through the support of the voters of Minnesota, with funding from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. Additionally, the orchestra receives support from kkoConsulting and maintains a strong relationship with its partners and audience members, who contribute to the organization through donations and volunteer work. The MVO's dedication to musical excellence and community service continues to resonate throughout the Twin Cities, making it a cherished institution for both music aficionados and the general public alike.