Justin KnoepfelFaculty

Dr. Justin Knoepfel, the 2024 Dr. Carlo A. Sperati Award winner, joined Gustavus in 2009 and is the conductor of the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, Department of Music chair, and viola instructor. As a string player turned conductor, Dr. Knoepfel understands the demands and complexities needed from the podium, providing a unique and engaging experience for the ensemble. Dr. Knoepfel is in demand as a cliniciain, guest conductor, and adjuticator, most recently as guest festival conductor of the Dorian Orchestra Festival. The Gustavus Symphony Orchestra tours every year, and internationally every four years with the next tour in May 2025 to Ireland and Scotland. The orchestra presents concerts throughout the year, including Christmas in Christ Chapel, the Nobel Conference, the Concerto/Aria Competition concert, as well as regular semester concerts. 

As a violist, Dr. Knoepfel has performed with the Minnesota Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, South Dakota Symphony, Mankato Symphony, LaCrosse Symphony, and others. Performances have varied throughout the United States and in Europe at such venues as Konzerthaus Wien, Orchestra Hall-Mpls, Ordway Center, Le Jeune Lune Theatre, Bethel University, University of Minnesota, Carleton College, St. Olaf College, and Luther College. He has also collaboarted extensively with members of the Minnesota Orchestra, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and others. Additionally, Dr. Knoepfel has participated as a soloist and faculty member in various programs including Dorian Music Festival, MNSOTA Summer String Camp, Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival, Salem Music Academy, Bravo!, and the International Viola Congress. Recent performances have included solo, orchestral, and chamber music engagements -- most notably with the Bridge Chamber Music Festival, South Dakota Symphony, Ballet West, Minnesota Opera, Joffrey Ballet, Opera at Mill City, Gustavus Wind Orchestra, Oratorio Society of Minnesota, World Piano e-Competition, and more. Heavily in demand as a freelancer, he has shared the stage with The Eagles, Idina Menzel, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, and played privately for Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden. His performing career is varied and exciting.

Dr. Knoepfel graduated from Luther College (B.A.), received his Master of Music degree in viola from the University of Minnesota, and Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in viola performance and a secondary emphasis in music theory at the University of Minnesota's School of Music.

Dr. Knoepfel is married to Elisa and they have five children. Regan the dog (a bernedoodle) and a cat named Avery (a ragdoll) are allowed to live in the house. Family is his life!

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Courses Taught