The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) is internationally renowned for its artistic excellence and innovative programming. Music Director Hugh Wolff heads an artistic staff consisting of Principal Guest Conductor Christopher Hogwood, Composer-in-Residence Aaron Jay Kernis and Resource Trust Creative Chair Bobby McFerrin. The SPCO presents more than 150 concerts and educational programs each year, appearing frequently at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall, and Chicago's Orchestra Hall.
The SPCO performed its first concert on November 18, 1959, under the direction of Music Director Leopold Sipe. As stated in its first concert program, the chamber Orchestra's artistic goal was to "devote a major portion of its programs to the wonderful literature, both classic and contemporary, that is not ordinarily played by large symphonies."
A distinguished roster of music directors has guided the SPCO in its 36-year history, including: Dennis Russell Davies (1972-1980), under whose baton the SPCO won a 1980 Grammy Award for its recording of Copland's Appalachian Spring; Pinchas Zukerman (1980-1987), who led the Chamber Orchestra to a new level of international prominence; and an innovative, three-member Artistic Commission (1987-1992) composed of Christopher Hogwood, Hugh Wolff, and John Adams (who was succeeded in 1990 by John Harbison). Hugh Wolff assumed the role of SPCO music director in the 1992-93 season, launching an eight-year programming odyssey and leading the SPCO on a widely-acclaimed 1993 European tour.
In 1994, Bobby McFerrin joined the SPCO artistic team as Resource Trust Creative Chair, allowing him to use his considerable skills as conductor, performer, and teacher. In January 1995, McFerrin helped launch the SPCO's new music education program CONNECT, designed to re-infuse music learning into Minneapolis and St. Paul public schools. The SPCO has since performed for more then 1,500 students as part of this initiative through in-school concerts, musicians and artistic staff visits.
In contrast to its modest four-concert inaugural season, the SPCO is now one of the most frequently broadcast orchestra in the country, heard weekly on 160 Public Radio International stations throughout the United States and boasting a discography of more than 50 releases on major labels. Recognized for its commitment to performing new works, the SPCO has received eight ASCAP awards in the past 14 years.
