Art is not just putting paint to canvas or ink to paper. It can adopt numerous translations beyond what is seen with our eyes. Music is one powerful example, and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) holds the creation and enjoyment of it to be a fundamental part of the community. As the second oldest orchestra in the nation, it has strived to ensure the creation and enjoyment of music is a fundamental part of St. Louis for 147 years. It is dedicated to enriching lives through performances, educational programs and community connection.
The last few years have been an exciting time for the SLSO. It completed the restoration of its home, Powell Hall, and opened the new Jack C. Taylor Music Center. Construction on the project began in 2023, and the revitalized space opened to the public last September, just in time for Powell Hall’s 100th anniversary. The center’s larger footprint benefits both the symphony and its audience with the addition of more back-stage space for rehearsal and education as well as a new lobby and outdoor plaza to welcome visitors. “Powell Hall was already a gem for the SLSO, and now, it can better serve as a cultural and musical hub for the community,” says Stéphane Denève, the Joseph and Emily Rauh Pulitzer Music Director. “We’re looking forward to welcoming more people than ever before.”
Having completed one season at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center, the SLSO is excited to begin a new one. The 2026/27 season will launch Sept. 16 with the annual free concert on Art Hill in Forest Park. For the event, the orchestra will be joined by members of both the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus and St. Louis Symphony Chorus, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this season. “I love being able to meet with the community every year at the Forest Park concert,” Denève notes. “People can expect only joy from the SLSO this season. We have a lot of big events planned, and we will be welcoming some wonderful guest conductors and soloists.”
Audiences can look forward to performances of both classical and contemporary works, including the SLSO’s film series, which allows guests to experience beloved movie scores live. One program Denève is looking forward to returning is Playlist. The one-hour concerts are designed to offer greater understanding and spark conversation through conductor insights and the chance to mingle with musicians at a happy hour. “It’s a very festive and fun experience,” he says. “Playlist makes music more accessible and brings people closer to the SLSO.” The season will include three Playlist concerts, beginning Oct. 28 with Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony and also featuring Pictures at an Exhibition and Debussy’s La Mer.
More than anything, Denève is excited to have the SLSO return for another season to share the power and magic of music with the St. Louis community. “I’ve travelled the world to conduct many orchestras, and the SLSO is truly one of the best,” he says. “If we were a sports team, we’d be in the playoffs every year. I’m extremely proud of what the orchestra has achieved during my tenure, and St. Louis should be proud. Nothing compares to the warmth, joy and camaraderie of gathering for a SLSO concert.”
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second oldest orchestra in the nation. Its 2026/27 season kicks off with its annual free Forest Park Concert on Sept. 16. Pictured on the cover: Music director Stéphane Denève and concertmaster David Halen. For more information, call 314.534.1700 or visit slso.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Miranda Munguia
Pictured at top: Stéphane Denève conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Photo: Miranda Munguia
