While some orchestras seek a single music director to put forward a vision, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra is all about collaboration. And the 2022-23 season announced Wednesday demonstrates that some very exciting and innovative musicians want to work with the SPCO.
One of the world's foremost violists, Germany's Tabea Zimmermann, and South African cellist, composer and improviser Abel Selaocoe, who drew raves on his debut visit earlier this year, are joining the SPCO's team of artistic partners who curate and perform programs.
And superstar violinist Joshua Bell — one of the first to hold that post when it was invented back in 2004 — will return for a set of concerts next season.
The orchestra also is introducing a program called "Sandbox Composer Residencies," allowing audiences to watch commissioned works by three composers take shape over the course of the season.
Throw in an emphasis on composers from under-represented communities and the return of a full season of Neighborhood Series concerts at 13 venues throughout the Twin Cities, and there are plenty of intriguing offerings.
Here are month-by-month recommendations:
September: While the month is full of symphonies and sinfonia concertantes by Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart — as well as a premiere by "Sandbox" composer Viet Cuong — the Sept. 30-Oct. 2 "Express Concerts" at the Ordway and Ted Mann Concert Halls stand out. Exciting young American pianist Conrad Tao will solo on concertos by C.P.E. Bach and Mozart.
October: Artistic partner Richard Egarr will lead a program featuring tenor David Portillo, who was wonderful last year in the Minnesota Opera online production of Benjamin Britten's "Albert Herring." He'll return to Britten for the Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, as well as arias from two Mozart operas. (Oct. 14-15, Ordway Concert Hall and St. Paul's United Church of Christ)