Gustavus Symphony Orchestra

Gustavus Symphony Orchestra performing

Welcome to the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra (GSO)

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The Gustavus Symphony Orchestra is a dynamic ensemble of students from all majors, contributing richly to the musical life of Gustavus, St. Peter, and beyond. GSO performs 4–5 concerts each year, plays a key role in Christmas in Christ Chapel, and hosts the annual Concerto and Aria Competition, featuring winners in the spring finale.

This season’s repertoire includes works by Bizet, Dvorak, Hansen, and Stravinsky. Recent highlights include being a finalist for the American Prize and a featured ensemble at the MMEA Midwinter Clinic.

Gustie orchestra playing outside

As the official touring orchestral ensemble from the Department of Music, GSO tours every year, and internationally every four years. For the 2024-25 school year, the orchestra tour internationally in May of 2025 to Ireland and Scotland. Along with the Gustavus Jazz Ensemble, GSO toured internationally to Singapore and Malaysia in January of 2020. Other previous international tours have included the British Isles and the People's Republic of China, South Africa, Greece and Macedonia, and Malaysia and Singapore. 

GSO rehearses in Björling Recital Hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Any interested prospective students are invited to join us for a rehearsal! Please contact Dr. Justin Knoepfel to make arrangements. 

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Dr. Justin Knoepfel by email or phone:

  • Dr. Justin Knoepfel
  • Director of Symphony Orchestra
  • 507-933-7360
  • jknoepfe [at] gustavus.edu (jknoepfe[at]gustavus[dot]edu)
 


 

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