Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Vocal

 

Concordia Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1980 by conductor and music educator Paul Christian. The ensemble is based in St. Paul, Minnesota and is composed of talented musicians from the Twin Cities area. The founding of Concordia Orchestra was inspired by Christian's desire to create a community-based orchestra that would provide opportunities for amateur and professional musicians to perform together. The ensemble's name, Concordia, reflects this goal, as it means "harmony" in Latin. Over the years, Concordia Orchestra has grown in size and reputation, becoming one of the premier orchestras in the Twin Cities area. The ensemble has performed at a variety of venues, including the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, the Minnesota State Fair, and the Basilica of Saint Mary. Concordia Orchestra's main members are its conductor, Paul Christian, and its musicians, who come from a variety of backgrounds and professions. Many of the musicians are music educators, while others are professionals in fields such as medicine, law, and engineering. Despite their diverse backgrounds, the musicians share a passion for classical music and a commitment to excellence in performance. One of the highlights of Concordia Orchestra's history was its performance at the 2002 World Choir Games in Busan, South Korea. The ensemble was one of only a few orchestras invited to perform at the prestigious event, which brought together choirs and orchestras from around the world. Concordia Orchestra's performance was well-received, earning the ensemble a standing ovation from the audience. In addition to its international performances, Concordia Orchestra has also received numerous awards and accolades for its work in the Twin Cities area. The ensemble has been recognized by the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, and the Saint Paul Foundation, among others. Concordia Orchestra's repertoire includes a wide range of classical music, from Baroque to contemporary. The ensemble has performed works by composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky, as well as contemporary composers like John Adams and Philip Glass. One of the unique aspects of Concordia Orchestra is its commitment to commissioning and performing new works by contemporary composers. The ensemble has premiered works by composers such as Libby Larsen, Stephen Paulus, and David Evan Thomas, among others. Concordia Orchestra's commitment to new music is reflected in its annual Composer Institute, which brings together emerging composers from around the country for a week-long residency. During the residency, the composers work with the ensemble to develop and rehearse new works, which are then premiered in a public concert. In addition to its performances and commissions, Concordia Orchestra is also committed to music education. The ensemble offers a variety of educational programs for students of all ages, including its annual Young Artist Competition, which provides young musicians with the opportunity to perform with the orchestra. Overall, Concordia Orchestra is a vibrant and dynamic ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the classical music scene in the Twin Cities area and beyond. With its commitment to excellence in performance, new music, and music education, the ensemble is sure to continue to inspire and delight audiences for years to come.

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