Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra

History

In the early 1980s, a number of us had recently graduated from colleges where we had the opportunity to play in excellent orchestras. We were dissatisfied with the lack of focus on serious rehearsing and quality performance that we found in many community orchestras at that time. In the summer of 1982, several of us met and decided to start a group oriented to performing difficult repertoire very well.

Steve AmundsonWe got the group off the ground thanks to committed players and to many others who believed in our vision. Volunteering his services during the first year, Steve Amundson of St. Olaf College became our founding Music Director. The St. Olaf Music Department, and especially Bob Johnson, helped with organization, alumni contacts, and many loans of music. Central Lutheran Church members Lois Rand and Klara Johnson and Music Director John Ferguson provided tremendous guidance and support and sponsored our relationship with Central. The Central Lutheran congregation itself has remained committed to a mutually beneficial and invaluable relationship for over 30 years. Early orchestra board members, notably including Kent and Katherine Eklund as well as Lois, Klara, and many others, provided the organizational experience to help the orchestra establish a lasting presence.