Saint Paul Public Schools and the Ordway Announce Honors Concert, Performance Art and Art Exhibition Tonight

Today, more than 370 Saint Paul student artists, vocalists and instrumentalists will showcase their talents in the 21st Annual Honors Concert and Performance Art Exhibition, presented by Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) and Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, with additional support from the College of Visual Arts.

T. Mychael Rambo will emcee the concert, which begins at 7 p.m. in the Ordway’s Music Theater. The concert will feature band conductor Jerry Luckhardt, choir conductor Angela Broeker, orchestra conductor Claudette Laureano, and accompanist Thomas Bartsch. The event will also include a projected slideshow of the visual art images that were submitted for the exhibition and performance art by students in the Central High School Touring Theater. Prior to the concert, there will be a World Party in the Ordway’s Marzitelli Foyer that features elementary and junior high school students from the Saint Paul Public Schools music programs.

Complementing the musical performances will be an exhibition of student artwork hosted by the College of Visual Arts (CVA). It will feature the visual artists’ creations selected from original paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures and other works submitted by SPPS visual art teachers based on the criteria of artistic merit, execution, control of medium and originality. The exhibition runs Friday, May 25 through Saturday, June 2 at the CVA Gallery, 173 Western Avenue North in Saint Paul. An opening for the exhibition will take place on Thursday, May 24 from 5-7 p.m. at the CVA Gallery.

“It is always a privilege for the Ordway to host this wonderful concert and to continue our partnership with Saint Paul Public Schools and the College for Visual Arts,” says Patricia A. Mitchell, president and CEO of Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. “Providing an opportunity for these gifted students to perform on the Ordway stage is exciting for performers and audience alike, and I always look forward to the occasion.”

“Every year we get the same feedback,” says Saint Paul Public Schools Superintendent Valeria Silva. "'What an amazing presentation!' 'Best concert of the year!' The Ordway Honors Concert is a must-see event that showcases our schools' and our community's brightest stars."

Over the course of its 21-year history, the annual Honors Concert, Performance Art and Art Exhibition has showcased the musical and artistic talents of more than 7,500 Saint Paul students through vocal and instrumental performances, spoken word poetry and a visual art exhibition. Each year, students submit original paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures and other works of art, or participate in rigorous band, choral and orchestral auditions. The music students have a rare opportunity to perform on stage in one of Minnesota’s premier concert halls.
“The College of Visual Arts is honored to showcase the art work of students from the Saint Paul Public Schools in partnership with the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts,” says Ann Ledy, president and chief academic officer of the College of Visual Arts. “CVA is committed to excellence in art and design education and is proud to recognize this young talent.”

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