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Whitney CurtisClara Schumann’s Three Romances are wistful and intimate, gracefully opening this concert led by frequent SLSO guest conductor John Storgårds, and Cellist Kian Soltani performs Haydn’s Cello Concerto. Then, a musical kaleidoscope takes shape in Shostakovich’s final symphony. -
Over his 89 years, conductor Pierre Monteux led the world’s great orchestras and was chief conductor of over six. His total understanding of the scores and his intimate knowledge of many of the composers he conducted made him a favorite of musicians everywhere. He was both respected and loved by those who played for him and they called him “Maître,” the French word equivalent to the Italian “Maestro.”
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Have you ever heard music by Johannes Brahms conducted by someone who actually met Brahms in person? In the first of three shows about the great French conductor Pierre Monteux, we will hear Brahms’ Second Symphony interpreted by someone who knew the composer. Monteux will also interpret one of the most famous works in the classical repertoire. -
Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem reflects on war, across all generations and continents and this musical call for reconciliation has been called a contemporary masterpiece. The SLSO is joined by three world-renowned vocalists, the St. Louis Symphony Chorus, and the St. Louis Children’s Choirs to create one of the most expansive ranges of emotion and sound imaginable. -
Danish violinist Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider soars through Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto—one of the most popular concertos in the symphonic repertoire. Then the orchestra demonstrates what Music Director Stéphane Denève describes as “love in sounds” in a performance of Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2. -
Acclaimed violinist Augustin Hadelich and rising star conductor Tabita Berglund join the SLSO for this celebration of the music, architecture, and nature of Nordic countries. Hadelich shines in a performance of Prokofiev’s Second Violin Concerto, and the orchestra sets off on a journey through the countryside in Sibelius’ sweeping Second Symphony. -
Maurice Ravel was a virtuoso orchestrator who did with music what a great artist does with paints and pastels. One of his most frequently performed works was intended as an homage to Johann Strauss II – The Waltz King – but it changed into a powerful tone poem that took the waltz to new and curious places. We’ll hear four recordings of “La Valse,” each of which will reveal a different perspective. -
SLSO Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin, leads the orchestra in Elgar’s majestic First Symphony and the U.S. premiere of his own composition. Emanuel Ax, Slatkin’s dear friend and one of the most accomplished pianists of our time, takes the solo spotlight for Mozart’s adventurous Piano Concerto No. 25, a masterpiece described by Ax as pure magic. -
Ukrainian composer Reinhold Glière was captivated by the story of the 10th century hero-knight Ilya Muromets. He wrote his third symphony to express the size and scope of the historic story and created a smashing, technicolor thrill ride in four compelling tone poems. -
Music Director Stéphane Denève and the SLSO usher in an exhilarating season in the beautifully renovated Powell Hall with a trio of fanfares, and Kansas born mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato and the St. Louis Symphony Chorus join the orchestra for a world premiere by Kevin Puts. Finally, the SLSO perform Richard Strauss’ triumphant tale of adventure and accomplishment, Ein Heldenleben. -
With over 120 to his credit, John Williams is best known for his inspiring film scores, but he also composed substantial concert music. We’ll hear some of his non-film music as well as an “adventurous” excerpt from one of his most beloved film scores. -
Whether it's leading top orchestras or hosting his nationally syndicated radio show Exploring Music, Bill McGlaughlin is a passionate advocate for music and public support for the arts. Bill speaks with Classical KC's Sam Wisman about his time conducting the Kansas City Symphony and some of his favorite classical repertoire.
