Located on the gorgeous St. Catherine University campus in St. Paul, The O’Shaughnessy is one of the Twin Cities’ preeminent performing arts venues. Its name honors former St. Catherine University trustee, generous benefactor and Renaissance man, I.A. O’Shaughnessy.
Upon its opening in 1970, The O’Shaughnessy quickly became a coveted venue for local and regional orchestras, chamber music ensembles and modern music. Today, The O’Shaughnessy hosts a wide range of artists — musicians, dance and theater companies — who rave about its performance space and acoustics.
Since its inception, The O’Shaughnessy has become a forum for women in leadership. Coretta Scott King, Dr. Susan Love, Jeham Sadat and Madeleine Albright have all shared their stories from its stage. Annually, it hosts a variety of public lectures and St. Kate’s educational programs, as well as convocations and commencement.
The designer of this concrete wonder, award-winning Minneapolis architect Curt Green was a founding partner of Hammel, Green and Abrahamson (HGA). Renowned for his acoustic expertise, Mr. Green gravitated to projects that demanded impeccable sound quality. He is also responsible for the Catherine G. Murphy Gallery on the St. Kate’s campus.
The style of architecture is called “Brutalism,” which simply means that the building exposes the materials it was built with. So you’ll see, for instance, the impressions of the wooden forms used to cast the concrete that make up the structure. For all its exterior coldness, the auditorium itself is intimate and inviting, and a wonderful venue to hear music, or experience dance.
Nearing its 50-year anniversary, The O’Shaughnessy is a performing space to behold — visually and acoustically. If you are among our devoted patrons, we appreciate your participation and loyalty.
If you have not experienced a performance at The O’Shaughnessy, we invite you join us soon.
The O’Shaughnessy has three event series each year:
- The O’Shaughnessy Presents, incorporating Women of Substance
- Guest Presenters
- St. Catherine University Events
Each year, The O’Shaughnessy partners with artists and organizations to develop and showcase significant work that furthers the mission of The O’Shaughnessy and St. Catherine University that is grounded in social justice and the search for peace. Women of Substance is a part of the Presents series that highlights the contributions of significant women artists.
This year and every year, we are proud to present a number of prominent national and local professional dance companies, and concerts by legendary and emerging artists.
Tickets for all events in our The O’Shaughnessy Presents and Women of Substance series are available online through this website, and in person or by phone in our Ticket Office at The O’Shaughnessy.
Many events at The O’Shaughnessy are put on by Guest Presenters. We host community organizations, dance studios, artists and others who rent The O’Shaughnessy for their events. We provide Front of House services, Back of House and Technical services, and we may provide our online ticketing services if the events are open to the public.
The O’Shaughnessy also hosts St. Catherine University events such as public lectures, Music and Theatre Department productions, convocations and commencements.
Events that are open to the public are generally ticketed through The O’Shaughnessy, and may be free or for a price, depending on the event. The O’Shaughnessy may also provide ticketing services for the Frey Theatre–the black box theatre space that is part of the O’Shaughnessy arts complex.
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