Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra

Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra is an American symphony orchestra based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1880, it is the second-oldest professional symphony orchestra in the United States, following the New York Philharmonic. The orchestra performs over 150 concerts annually at its home, the historic Powell Hall, and is renowned for its artistic excellence, extensive community engagement, and award-winning recordings.

History

The orchestra was established by a group of local musicians and civic leaders, with its first concert performed under conductor Joseph Otten. Early growth was supported by prominent figures like Alfred Ernst and saw the ensemble accompany performances by the Metropolitan Opera on tour. A significant turning point occurred in 1907 under the leadership of Max Zach, who professionalized the ensemble and expanded its repertoire. The orchestra achieved national prominence during the tenure of Vladimir Golschmann, who served for over a quarter-century beginning in 1931 and made several early recordings for the RCA Victor label. Subsequent decades under leaders like Walter Susskind, Leonard Slatkin, and David Robertson solidified its reputation for innovative programming and commissioning new works from composers such as John Adams and Joan Tower.

Music directors

The orchestra's artistic leadership has been defined by a succession of influential conductors. Leonard Slatkin, who served from 1979 to 1996, is credited with greatly enhancing the ensemble's national profile through tours, television broadcasts on PBS, and numerous recordings for the RCA Red Seal label. His successor, Hans Vonk, maintained high artistic standards before his tenure was cut short by illness. David Robertson led the orchestra from 2005 to 2018, championing contemporary music and fostering collaborations with institutions like the Carnegie Hall and the BBC Proms. The current music director, Stéphane Denève, assumed the position in 2019, bringing a focus on French repertoire and multimedia projects. Notable past directors also include Jerzy Semkow and the aforementioned Walter Susskind.

Powell Hall

Since 1968, the orchestra's home has been Powell Hall, a magnificently restored former movie palace originally built as the St. Louis Theatre in 1925. The venue, located in the Grand Center arts district, is renowned for its opulent Baroque and Rococo interior design, featuring a grand staircase and a spectacular crystal chandelier. A major renovation in the 1990s, led by the architectural firm HOK, improved acoustics and added modern backstage facilities. Powell Hall also serves as a recording venue and hosts a variety of other events, including performances by the Saint Louis Symphony Chorus and the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Education and community programs

The orchestra maintains a deep commitment to educational initiatives through its Community Music School and extensive in-school partnerships across the St. Louis Public Schools district. Key programs include the annual Toyota Symphony in the City free concert in Forest Park and the Pops Series at Stifel Theatre. The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra provides advanced training for talented student musicians, while the IN UNISON® program specifically engages with African American communities through concerts and choruses. Regular family concerts and pre-concert lectures further the institution's mission of accessibility.

Recordings and broadcasts

The orchestra has an extensive discography spanning the acoustic era to the present, having recorded for labels including RCA Victor, Telarc, EMI, and Archiv Produktion. Under Leonard Slatkin, the ensemble won a Grammy Award for its recording of Prokofiev's *Alexander Nevsky* with the Saint Louis Symphony Chorus. It has a long-standing partnership with Saint Louis Public Radio station KWMU for weekly concert broadcasts. More recently, the orchestra has released recordings on its own label and has been featured on digital platforms like Apple Music and Spotify.

Awards and recognition

The orchestra and its musicians have received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Award nominations and wins for both classical and contemporary repertoire. It was the first American orchestra to win the Academy of Country Music Award for its collaboration on the album *The River* with Garth Brooks. The institution has also been honored with awards from ASCAP for adventuresome programming. Individual recognition has come to music directors like David Robertson, who received the Ditson Conductor's Award, and to musicians within the orchestra who have won prestigious fellowships and competitions.