The Gustavus Symphony Orchestra

Welcome to the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra (GSO)! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @gustavussymphonyorchestra

GSO is an integral musical contributor to Gustavus Adolphus College, the city of St. Peter, MN, and beyond. Featuring talented and dedicated students from diverse majors, the orchestra performs a variety of symphonic repertoire 4-5 times a year, and is a vital part of Christmas in Christ Chapel performances. Additionally, GSO hosts the concerto and aria competition for students annually, who are featured in the final concert of the year in May.

This year, the orchestra is looking forward to performing music by Bizet, Dvorak, Hansen, and Stravinsky. Recent accomplishments include being a finalist for the American Prize in the College/University orchestra division and featured at the MMEA Midwinter Clinic. 

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 will be touring 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. Check out our tour blog! 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. 

For information concerning auditions, the orchestra, or the music department, check out our FAQ page. Additionally, some instruments are available as rentals through the Department of Music. 

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@gustavus.edu