Current Orchestral Endeavors
Like many professional musicians I am involved in multiple orchestral ensembles and any one given time. Currently I hold principal positions in two, the St. Cloud symphony, and Linden Hills Chamber Orchestra.
St. Cloud Symphony
The St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra, originally named the St. Cloud Civic Orchestra, performed its first concert on March 21, 1976 under the batons of Jerry Luedders and James Johnson. In 1995 the name of the orchestra was amended to the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra.
Former conductors of the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra include: Jerry Luedders, Jim Johnson, William P. Muller, Jere Lantz, Ronald Dishinger, Duilio Dobrin, Leslie Dunner, Henry Charles Smith, Bruce Wood and Lawrence Eckerling. Our current music director, William Schrickel, is in his fifth season with the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra.
We have had the great good fortune to have musicians who are loyal to the organization and are willing to work for the small stipend we pay them. Thankfully, they love the music and share their time and amazing talent with the symphony.
In 1999 the symphony began its first educational program, Classics for Kids. Our educational programming has continued to grow. We currently support five educational outreach activities and serve over 1,600 young people each year.
During the history of the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra we have had the support of many gracious and generous volunteers. From board members to ushers, every one has supported the symphony and has added to our history.
Our greatest achievements have included two world premieres, funding from Rinke Noonan for 30+ years and most recently, national recognition for programming. Our greatest accomplishment is in our commitment to our community. We have given the gift of music to Central Minnesota. Our audiences are our greatest legacy–long after the conductors, the musicians and the donors are gone—the music will survive.
Linden Hills Chamber Orchestra
The Linden Hills Chamber Orchestra is a community orchestra based in the Linden Hills area of Southwest Minneapolis, Minnesota. The LHCO was founded in 1980 through the efforts of Linden Hills area residents in conjunction with Minneapolis Public Schools Community Education. Now in its 30th season, the adult volunteer orchestra has grown to some 40 musicians from the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The LHCO performs a variety of classical music in neighborhood churches and parks, as well as in residential care facilities and concert halls.
Yuri Ivan will return as Music Director of the LHCO for its 2009-2010 season.
