About | Staff | History | ADA Information
Our History, Briefly
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, Lawrence Eckerling, and William Schrickel. Our current music director, Andrew Altenbach, is embarking on his first 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.
