More than 300 Saint Paul Public School (SPPS) student artists, vocalists and instrumentalists will showcase their skills during the 30th annual Honors Concert on Wednesday, April 12 at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts.

The annual event, presented by Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS), in partnership with the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts and Minnesota Museum of American Art (the M), includes an instrumental and vocal concert, a video of original honors student visual artwork.

“This event showcases the tremendous talent of our SPPS students,” said SPPS Superintendent Joe Gothard. “For many of them, it’s the first time they’ve performed onstage at a professional theater or had their artwork celebrated by the community. It’s a thrill to see the excitement and confidence this event brings to them. We are proud of their accomplishments.”

The host is Desdamona, a hip-hop and spoken word artist from Minneapolis. She has won five Minnesota Music Awards for 'Best Spoken Word Artist' in the years 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006. 

“We are extremely grateful to the educators, administrators, and community members for their efforts to make it possible for SPPS students to showcase their talents,” said Chris Harrington, Ordway President and CEO. “Saint Paul boasts a rich legacy of artists and performers, and events like the Honors Concert are inspiring. I believe the future of the arts is in good hands.”

The Honors Concert includes Honors Visual Art Exhibition student artwork projected during the concert. The exhibition features paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures and other works by SPPS high school students. The exhibition may be viewed at spps.org/HonorsArt.

“The M is excited to once again participate in this decades-long collaboration that uplifts the voices and talents of young artists in St. Paul, " said M Executive Director Dr. Kate Beane. “We value this partnership because of the continued support it shows to arts educators and students alike.”

Since 1991, the annual Honors Concert has featured the musical and artistic talents of over 9,300 Saint Paul students through vocal and instrumental performances, spoken word poetry and visual art exhibitions. 

Tickets for the Honors Concert are $5 and can be purchased at Ordway’s box office the night of the event, by phone at 651-224-4222 or online at Ordway.org.

Honors Concert and Honors Visual Art Exhibition Projection

• Where: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul
• When: Wednesday, April 12, 6:00 p.m. – Honors Concert
• Tickets: $5
• More info: Visit ordway.org or call 651-224-4222

Honors Visual Art Exhibition 

• Where: A video of the artwork will be available at spps.org/HonorsArt.