The mission of the Friends of the SPCO is to support The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra through educational, social and fundraising activities.
Greetings from the Co-Presidents!
We’re so happy to invite you to be part of another great season with the Friends of the SPCO! This year there are three of us sharing the helm, alternating at various jobs throughout season, and we hope you’ll enjoy taking part in the various activities already set for 2023-24.
We’re pleased that a number of you replied to our Lectures Committee’s query for topics of special interest this past summer – thank you! Your responses led to Dr. Daniel Freeman’s choice of Women Composers, Then and Now as the topic for this year’s first set of four fascinating lectures, which he’ll be delivering from October 18 to November 1. We hope to see you at House of Hope for them all, and then at his winter lectures, offered this year via Zoom, followed by the very special spring series in which he will perform piano music by Debussy. Not to be missed – bring your friends as often as you can! Equally memorable will be our first fundraiser of the season, Sip and Savor ~ Iberia, on November 8. This event features the inimitable opera singer-turned-sommelier Marcus Hanson, who will lead us as only he can in tasting a selection of Spanish and Portuguese wines, accompanied by light hors d’oeuvres, in the lovely setting of Holman’s Table in St. Paul. Please do join us!
If you haven’t already joined the Friends, why not do it now? Then you’ll be sure to receive all the information about our activities as plans develop. You’ll be part of a great group of people, and we guarantee you’ll love joining in our efforts to support our beloved Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra!
Lynne Beck, Inez Bergquist and Karen Koepp
Co-Presidents, Friends of the SPCO
Upcoming Events
October 18, 25 Nov 1, 8 @ 10am-12pm
Fall Freeman Lecture Series
Women Composers, Then and Now: A Thousand Years of Brilliance
The launch of our new season of engaging music lectures by Dr. Daniel Freeman: four Wednesday sessions focusing on outstanding women composers, each brilliant in her own right. In person at House of Hope Presbyterian Church, 797 Summit Ave., Saint Paul. Wednesday mornings from 10 am to noon, October 18, October 25, November 1 and November 8.
Nov 8 @ 6:30 – 9pm
Sip and Savor ~ Iberia
Holman’s Table: 644 Bayfield Street, Saint Paul
A beautiful evening with Marcus Hanson – wine educator, singer and entertainer extraordinaire – leading an engaging exploration of the wines of Spain and Portugal. What’s more, you’ll be able to enjoy scrumptious light bites from a great restaurant, Holman’s Table, and the conviviality of the Friends of the SPCO! Our first fundraiser of the season, with proceeds going directly to support our wonderful SPCO.
January 10, 17, 24, 31 @ 10:30-11:30am
Winter Freeman Lecture Series
Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love, An Opera of Pure Delight
Come learn about this humorous, lovable opera with Dr. Freeman and your enjoyment of it will increase by leaps and bounds! Via Zoom, one-hour sessions on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30 am, January 10, 17, 24 and 31.
April 3, 10, 17, 24 @ 10am-12pm
Spring Freeman Lecture Series
Piano Music of Claude Debussy: Ethereal Elegance
This will be no ordinary series of lectures: in addition to sharing insights about the music, Daniel Freeman will perform Debussy’s exquisite works for piano on House of Hope’s grand piano. In person at House of Hope Presbyterian Church, 797 Summit Ave., Saint Paul. Wednesday mornings from 10 am to noon, April 3, 10, 17 and 24.
