YourClassical
The SPCO

The SPCO Performs at the new Ordway, January 1985

SPCO January 1985 pt. 1
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SPCO January 1985 pt. 2
Early Ben Thompson drawing
From a dream to reality; an early sketch for the Ordway's main stage by architect Ben Thompson.
Photo courtesy: The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

This week marks the 25th anniversary of the first concerts at St. Paul's Ordway Music Theatre, now known as the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts.

The new facility was the talk of the town and is still regarded as one of the finest performance spaces in the country. St. Paul resident Sally Ordway made the first multi-million dollar contribution and now the 1900 seat concert hall features everything from opera to broadway, jazz and classical.

On January 9th, 1985, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra played its first concert at its new home in the heart of the city. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Barone hosted this live broadcast.

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