The 2021 Annual Meeting was held June 1 via Zoom. We elected a new Director Emerita, Karen Larsen; honored Ultimate Friend Donna Ahrens; and welcomed three new Friends Par Excellence: The Musicians of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Staff of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and Clea Galhano of the St. Paul Conservatory of Music.
Director Emerita Award
Given for meritorious service to the Friends
Our new Director Emerita, Karen Larsen, was honored as a long time and faithful Friend who has contributed much time and treasurer to the Friends and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Thank you, Karen!
Ultimate Friend Award
Given for exceptional support and extraordinary service to the Friends
Our newest Ultimate Friend, Donna Ahrens, has been President of the Friends, headed the Youth Chamber Music Competition, contributed countless hours to events and has volunteered to head Membership for the 2021-22 year. We appreciate her time and enthusiasm for the Friends mission. Thank you Donna!
Friend Par Excellence Award
Given for extraordinary service to the Friends during the past year
- The Musicians of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra
- The Staff of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra
The musicians and staff have done an extraordinary of keeping the Orchestra together throughout the pandemic under stressful circumstances. The Friends commend them for their stamina and dedication, by awarding them our Friend Par Excellence Award for 2021.
Clea Galhano, Executive Artistic Director of the St. Paul Conservatory of Music, has demonstrated exceptional support and service to the Friends by furthering the cause of the Youth Chamber Music Competition. Clea championed and brokered an agreement with the Friends to manage a merged Competition, thus enabling us to continue this important work with young musicians. Thank you Clea!