The St. Olaf Orchestra

The St. Olaf Orchestra, conducted by Chung Park, is a full symphony orchestra, rich in international artistry and tradition and known for its enthusiastic and passionate performances. The orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5, Valerie Coleman's Seven O'Clock Shout, and more!  

Founded in 1906 at St. Olaf College, the 90-member ensemble has been heralded as one of the best collegiate orchestras in the country and received the 2013 and 2018-19 American Prize in Orchestral Performance among colleges and universities. Often compared to professional orchestras, the St. Olaf Orchestra was heralded as one of the best collegiate orchestras by TIME magazine.

The St. Olaf Orchestra first toured in 1949, traveling through Minnesota and Iowa to encourage the development of high school string programs. Over the next several decades, the orchestra program grew and flourished. They have toured most of the United States, internationally throughout Europe, and to China, Argentina, and Uruguay. They have also performed with world-renowned conductors and artist-performers including Robert Shaw, Kyzystof Penderecki, Leon Fleisher and Sarah Chang. The orchestra has regularly appeared on public television as part of the annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival, and on National Public Radio, including regular features on their popular Performance Today.