Dawn Upshaw has renewed her artistic partnership with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra for the next three seasons, the organization has announced. Upshaw began her partnership with the orchestra in the 2007-08 season, and her term will now continue through the 2012-13 season.

Upshaw’s next three seasons with the SPCO will include three premieres, beginning with a world premiere by Gabriela Frank in the just-announced 2010-11 season, conducted by Joana Carneiro. Also in the 2010-11 season, Upshaw will continue to focus on programs inspired by international folk music, including a performance of Berio’s Folks Songs. Finally, she will perform with the SPCO in a musician-led program that will include the fourth movement of the Stein chamber orchestra arrangement of Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 in honor of the centennial of Mahler’s death. For information on these and other upcoming performances from Dawn Upshaw, visit nonesuch.com/on-tour.

"I am delighted for the opportunity to renew my relationship with the wonderful artists in The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra," Upshaw said. "It has been a great experience for me to sing so many different works with a group that is so responsive and skilled. On a human level, collaborating with them is a joy, and I look forward to our continued musical exploration together."

SPCO President and Managing Director Sarah Lutman commented, “Dawn is a very special musician whose artistry resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. Our partnership has been tremendously invigorating for the organization and for those who have experienced her performances. We are thrilled to continue to work closely with Dawn for three more seasons.”

During her first three seasons with the SPCO, Upshaw brought a wide array of music to the stage, including songs by 16th-century composer John Dowland, Mozart arias, chamber music by Ravel and Stravinksy, folk songs by Bartók and Berio, and three world premieres: Osvaldo Golijov's She Was Here (2008); Maria Schneider's Carlos Drummond de Andrade Stories (2008); and Alberto Iglesias' In the Land of the Lemon Trees (2009). She joined the SPCO in its 2008 appearance at Carnegie Hall, and also performed with the SPCO in Chicago in 2009. 

Also in the 2010-11 season, the SPCO will join Brad Mehldau, Joshua Redman, and others for performances of Mehldau's Highway Rider, including its world premiere at the Walker Art Center on November 5 and 6 and the New York premiere at Carnegie Hall on November 9. For more on Highway Rider and to pick up a copy of the album with an exclusive demo/commentary bonus track, visit nonesuch.com/artists/brad-mehldau.

For more information on The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and its 2010-11 season, visit thespco.org.