As members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Marc Gordon and his wife, Susan, had many conversations about music, among themselves and with others. They realized there was a desire to listen to chamber music in a more intimate setting than was often available. In 2008, they made a decision to do something about that, creating the Chamber Music Society of St. Louis. For 15 seasons, the organization has delivered world-class performances while nurturing and inspiring future generations of musicians through education programs.

The Chamber Music Society of St. Louis offers cabaret-style performances in a more intimate setting. Guests are free to enjoy beverages or turn their chairs as needed. Gordon often serves as an emcee, introducing each piece and providing additional context on the theme of the evening’s program. “I think classical music can be intimidating for people, but we have a very welcoming environment—it’s an informal musical adventure,” he notes. “The music has been specially curated, and our musicians are some of the best in the world.”

When planning a season, Gordon looks at what holidays and events fall on or near performance dates. “Some of this music is 300 or 400 years old, but we want to find ways to connect it with our audience,” he says. “We especially want to engage young people to study and explore music.” For the 16th season, a concert honoring Mozart’s birthday will be held Jan. 27, themed Amadeus Has Left the Building. The upcoming season also will include programs centered around Cinco de Mayo, Black History Month and Yuletide Flicks, a winter holiday event in partnership with Cinema St. Louis that features live musical performances alongside the screening of classic silent films.

The intersection of music and film is something the Chamber Music Society has explored before. One of Gordon’s favorite programs the organization has presented is Notes from Hollywood, an examination of film composers during the Golden Age of Hollywood. “We reached out to Leonard Slatkin because his parents were musicians with 20th Century Fox and Warner Brothers,” he notes. “He shared stories about the composers he knew growing up, and the program was a big hit. We were asked to bring it to Chicago.
It stands out as one of the most memorable performances in our history.”

While the Chamber Music Society is preparing for its 16th season, it will celebrate its 15th anniversary with the Vintage Gala. Held at The Sheldon on Sept. 9, the event also will honor Slatkin’s 80th birthday. It will include a musical performance with special guests pianist Olga Kern and violinist Cho-Liang Lin. “We’ve got some big surprises for the evening that guests can look forward to, including the presence of Ozzie Smith,” Gordon says. “We’re looking forward to celebrating Leonard as well as our past 15 years of providing St. Louis with music that inspires as well as entertains.”

For more information, visit chambermusicstl.org

a conversation with leonard slatkin

When and how did you know music was your passion?
Growing up with musicians as parents, it was impossible to escape that world. Fortunately, they were part of the incredible talent pool that existed in Los Angeles, and I was able to hear all kinds of music. It would be difficult to think of any other profession that might have suited me.

What is the most memorable experience you’ve had as a conductor?
Three days after 9/11, I led the BBC Symphony Orchestra in what is known as The Last Night of the Proms. This event is usually a lighthearted affair, with the audience dressed in outlandish costumes and making all kinds of noise. A more somber attitude filled Albert Hall on this occasion, and Barber’s Adagio for Strings was certainly the most emotional moment of my conducting career.

You have a long history with St. Louis. What are some of your favorite things about the city?
I love the ease with which you can get around. Having suffered two coronary incidents, being in a community with outstanding medical facilities is quite important to me. I still have many friends in St. Louis, as I spent 27 years there. And of course, there are the Cardinals.

How have you seen the musical and cultural community in St. Louis grow over the years?
The city has always had a rich musical tradition. When I first arrived, there was no Opera Theater, but there were plenty of opportunities for the musicians and audience to partake in concerts. With the SLSO as the centerpiece, other institutions sprang up and are thriving today. The Chamber Music Society helps bridge the gap between large scale performances and more intimate gatherings. They present the very best with the musicians they utilize and the manner in which the concerts are curated.

What are you looking forward to about celebrating your 80th birthday with the Chamber Music Society’s gala?
It will be interesting to see what surprises there are in store for me. I tend to be quiet when it comes to personal celebrations, but this event—as well as others—will be fun and encouraging, as I do plan to be around a little while longer.