Hans Christian Anderson once wrote, “When words fail, music speaks.” It’s the perfect illustration of just how powerful an artform music can be—it transcends language and provides a universal voice that is capable of reaching anyone. As the second oldest orchestra in the nation, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) has been striving to ensure that the creation and enjoyment of music is a fundamental part of the local community for 144 years. It is dedicated to enriching lives through performances, educational programs and community connection.

On May 3, the SLSO is hosting its Gala Celebration at Stifel Theatre. The event will be a unique opportunity for St. Louisans as it will include a concert featuring the orchestra alongside globally renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma led by music director Stéphane Denève. “It really is an honor to have Ma perform with our symphony,” says Jo Ann Taylor Kindle, who is serving as the gala’s co-chair alongside Penny Pennington and Mike Fidler. “It will be a very exciting evening.”

Kindle has been an avid supporter of the SLSO for more than 25 years. “My father came to me about getting involved because the symphony was having financial issues,” she recalls. “It’s such an important part of St. Louis, and I wanted to help. Working with the board, I put together a group of people to figure out what needed to be done. The question was whether we wanted a nice local symphony or a world-class one. The SLSO opted to become the latter.”

Part of the SLSO’s growth has been its commitment to improving access to the arts through outreach, including free and discounted performances. The SymphonyCares program allows members to perform for individuals who cannot travel, such as cancer patients or residents in assisted living communities. The Music Without Boundaries program provides access to symphony performances for immigrants and refugees. The SLSO also is dedicated to musical education, offering programs for students and training opportunities for teachers. “In a year, the orchestra reaches more than 80,000 local students and provides more than 3,300 free tickets,” Kindle says.

One of the SLSO’s major initiatives is the current renovation and expansion being done at Powell Hall. Built in 1925, the building has served as the home of the orchestra since 1968. “It’s a very beautiful but very old building,” Kindle notes. “It lacked both rehearsal spaces and areas for teaching classes for young musicians.” Construction began in 2023 and includes the addition of a 65,000-square foot expansion while preserving the historic character and celebrated acoustics of the building. The revitalized Powell Hall is planned to open to the public in 2025, just in time for its 100th anniversary.

Without the support of the community, the symphony’s mission and programming would not be possible. “The SLSO is one of St. Louis’ oldest cultural institutions,” Kindle notes. “It has developed into an internationally recognized orchestra with a visionary music director. Everyone should take the opportunity to experience it at least once. After hearing a concert, you’ll
be hooked.”

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s Gala Celebration May 3 at Stifel Theatre includes a concert with star cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Pictured on the cover, clockwise from top left: Music director Stéphane Denève, president and CEO Marie-Hélène Bernard, gala co-chairs Penny Pennington and Jo Ann Taylor Kindle. For more information, call 314.286.4441 or visit slso.org.

Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography

Pictured at the top: Celebration Gala co-chairs Penny Pennington and Jo Ann Taylor Kindle
Photo: Tim Parker Photography