By Kelly Belich, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

The SPCO returned to the stage on May 9 – 11 for the first time after a lengthy contract dispute. With multiple standing ovations, the musicians performed Mozart’s much-loved overture to The Marriage of Figaro, Schumann’s stunning Cello Concerto with guest cellist Steven Isserlis, Schoenberg’s Ten Early Waltzes, and Mozart’s Symphony No. 39, all under the baton of Artistic Partner Thomas Zehetmair. The SPCO musicians ratified a new contract on April 29^th, allowing the orchestra to preserve the last five weeks of the 2012-13 season, which ends on June 8^th.

The resumption of concerts was not the only good news the SPCO has had in recent days. On May 7 they announced that the orchestra’s search committee had unanimously recommended Bruce Coppock to return to the position of president and managing director. Coppock led the SPCO from 1999 until 2008 when he stepped down upon news of the return of a rare form of cancer, from which he is now in complete remission.  After formal ratification from the Board of Directors on May 21, Coppock’s tenure will begin in June.

For more information about the remaining concerts of the 2012-13 season, go to www.thespco.org.

The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra performing at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Apple Valley