Rate My Professor Justin Knoepfel

As permanent conductor of the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra since 2023, following over ten years leading the Philharmonic Orchestra and a year as interim conductor, Knoepfel oversees a robust performance schedule featuring events like Christmas in Christ Chapel and the Nobel Conference, annual tours, and international trips every four years, most recently to Ireland and Scotland. A professional violist, he has performed with the Minnesota Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, Mankato Symphony, South Dakota Symphony, and La Crosse Symphony Orchestras, collaborated with members of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and shared stages with artists including The Eagles, Idina Menzel, and Amy Grant. He has performed privately for King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden. Knoepfel is a recipient of the Dr. Carlo A. Sperati Award from Luther College in 2024, the Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship in Digital Humanities in 2017 and 2018, the Paul Magnuson Award for Service in 2013, and various travel and lecture grants. He serves as a clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator, including as guest festival conductor for the Dorian Orchestra Festival, and contributes to programs like the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and MNSOTA Summer String Camp.