Fundraising Events
The Friends of the SPCO organizes a variety of fundraising events throughout the year. Some of our past events have included Friends, Fashion and Fun, Music at the Museum, Conversation with Books–a yearly book group hosted by a lively panel of avid book readers; parties and post-concert receptions; a Spring Treasure Sale and Evenings with Musicians–evenings with small groups of SPCO musicians held in members’ homes.
Saint Paul Chamber Music Competition
From 2012 through 2020, the Friends of the SPCO sponsored the Youth Chamber Music Competition, an exciting annual competition bringing together talented young chamber musicians to perform and compete for cash prizes. As of 2022, the event is being offered in partnership with the Saint Paul Conservatory of Music. It has been renamed the Saint Paul Chamber Music Competition and now is open to eligible young musicians from across four Midwestern states as well as Minnesota.
Applications for the 2022 Competition close on January 31, and the finals – free and open to the public — take place on March 5. Visit thespcm.org/competition for more information.
Orchestra Appreciation Luncheons
Twice a year, the Friends host Orchestra Appreciation Luncheons for the SPCO musicians and staff–a members-only event!
We were unable to host luncheons due to the pandemic
but hope to resume this fun event in late 2021.
Daniel Freeman Lecture Series
Music historian, Dr. Daniel Freeman, has presented his entertaining lecture series over the years with classes on music history, the lives and music of great composers, operas and music from the current SPCO season.
The Freeman Lectures will resume in late 2021, public health circumstances allowing.
Annual Luncheon and Meeting
The Friends of the SPCO holds their annual meeting and luncheon each May or June. A short business meeting precedes the luncheon and features a musical program or speaker. Friends and their guests are welcome.
Conversation with Books
Conversation with Books is the perfect opportunity to hear the opinions of a lively panel of three avid book readers from St. Catherine University, as they discuss a variety of books. This is a yearly event and is open to the public.
This year we did not host a Conversation but our members were invited to join the Conversation with Books hosted by St. Catherine University. Many thanks to our friends at St. Kate for this opportunity.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities are many! Friends assist with educational and family programs; chair or work on event or administrative committees; participate in fundraising events and Orchestra Appreciation Luncheons and help organize and run the Saint Paul Chamber Music Competition.