The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) is a professional, full-time orchestra based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Presenting more than 130 concerts and educational programs each year, the orchestra is regularly presented on national radio programs, such as American Public Media’s Performance Today. The orchestra’s recording of Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring also won a Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance years ago. SPCO performances mostly take place at Ordway Concert Hall, but the musicians perform at other venues such as Ted Mann Concert Hall at the U of M, Benson Great Hall at Bethel University, Sundin Music Hall at Hamline University, and Saint Paul’s United Church of Christ.

Earlier in the 2016-17 concert season, the orchestra announced that students who bring a valid student ID can now attend unlimited SPCO concerts for free due to the kind support of a group of individual donors. The SPCO’s website states that the orchestra is “committed to sharing [their] music with the broadest possible audience in [their] community.” They further added that they believe “music has the power to inspire, challenge, move and uplift and that everyone, including young people, deserves the opportunity to experience transformational performances.”

The process for students to attend concerts is simple. First, they have to order online using the “student” price type or call the ticket office to reserve the seats they want. They can choose any available seat in the auditorium. Before the concert, students must bring their ID and show it at will call in order to pick up their tickets. For more information, click here.