2011-2012 SEASON

Wells Fargo Advisors is the presenting sponsor of the 2011-12 Season
Free PreConcert Conversations are sponsored by Washington University Physicians

Sarina Zhang

RHAPSODY IN BLUE

Sponsored by Marilyn and Sam Fox

BUY TICKETS - Friday, May 18, 2012 at 7:30pm

Ward Stare, conductor
Sarina Zhang, piano

DVORÁK    Slavonic Dance in C major, op. 72, no. 7
DVORÁK    Slavonic Dance in F major, op. 46, no. 4
DVORÁK    Slavonic Dance in G minor, op. 46, no. 8
SAINT-SAËNS    Bacchanale from Samson et Dalila
GERSHWIN orch. Grofé    Rhapsody in Blue
BERNSTEIN    Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
RAVEL    La Valse

A popular sensation since its premiere, George Gershwin's extraordinary Rhapsody in Blue melds jazz and classical creating a musical kaleidoscope of America.  Hear talented rising star Sarina Zhang in her STL Symphony debut performing Gershwin's showy masterpiece as well as the Orchestra performing toe-tapping hits from Bernstein's sizzling West Side Story.

View Program Notes (PDF)

Excerpt from Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue (1:59)

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA

BUY TICKETS - Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 3pm

Ward Stare, conductor
Shelby Nugent, horn
Winner St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra concerto competition

SCHUBERT Symphony No. 8, “Unfinished”
GLIÈRE   Concerto for horn and orchestra
RACHMANINOFF   Symphonic Dances

View Program Notes (PDF)
The Youth Orchestra receives support from the G.A. Jr. and Kathryn M. Buder Charitable Foundation
Sponsored by Fitz’s Root Beer
Supported by the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation

BOND & BEYOND: 50 YEARS OF 007

Sponsored by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

BUY TICKETS - Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 8pm

Michael Krajewski, conductor
Debbie Gravitte, vocals

The STL Symphony takes you on a thrilling adventure through the music of James Bond and other secret agents whose mission is to save the day. Hear selections from classic films including From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Casino Royale and The Pink Panther.

SOUNDS OF NEW ORLEANS: A TRIBUTE TO LOUIS ARMSTRONG

Presented by the Thomas A. Kooyumjian Family Foundation
Sponsored by US Bank

BUY TICKETS - Saturday, June 9, 2012 at 7:30pm

Ward Stare, conductor
Byron Stripling, trumpet and vocals

This musical showcase of the “Big Easy” features a loving tribute to Louis Armstrong. From “St. Louis Blues” and “Sweet Georgia Brown” to “What a Wonderful World” and “When the Saints Come Marching In,” virtuoso trumpeter and singer Byron Stripling leads a swinging evening of the sounds that make the Crescent City famous.

Media support provide by The St. Louis American

THE PULITZER CONTEMPORARY MUSIC FESTIVAL

BUY TICKETS - Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 7:30pm

Retrospectives and Innovations: A Celebration of 10 Years of The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts

The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts (3716 Washington Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108)
Members of the St. Louis Symphony

GEORGE CRUMB Black Angels (1970)
FREDERIC RZEWSKI The People United Will Never Be Defeated! (1975)

View more info about The Pulitzer Contemporary Music Festival.

Wynonna Judd with STL Symphony

Sponsored by Marilyn and Sam Fox

BUY TICKETS - Friday, June 15, 2012 at 8:00 pm

Wynonna Judd, vocalist
St. Louis Symphony

The STL Symphony gets a little bit country with Wynonna at Powell Hall. From her mega-hits with The Judds, to a phenomenal solo career, Wynonna is a powerhouse vocalist who has inspired millions with her gift of song, including “Grandpa,” “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Love Can Build a Bridge” and more.

THE PULITZER CONTEMPORARY MUSIC FESTIVAL

BUY TICKETS - Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 7:30pm

Retrospectives and Innovations: A Celebration of 10 Years of The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts

The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts (3716 Washington Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108)
SO PERCUSSION

STEVE REICH Clapping Music (1972)
STEVE REICH Four Organs (1970)
STEVE REICH Mallet Quartet (2009)
DAVID LANG the so-called laws of nature (2002)

View more info about The Pulitzer Contemporary Music Festival.

THE PULITZER CONTEMPORARY MUSIC FESTIVAL

BUY TICKETS - Sunday, June 17, 2012 at 2pm

Retrospectives and Innovations: A Celebration of 10 Years of The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts

The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts (3716 Washington Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108)
Members of the St. Louis Symphony
David Robertson, conductor (for Unsuk Chin work)

FRANCO DONATONI La Souris sans sourire (1988)
UNSUK CHIN Fantaisie mécanique (1994, rev. 1997)
OLIVIER MESSIAEN Visions de l’Amen (1943)

View more info about The Pulitzer Contemporary Music Festival.

Classical Mystery Tour

CLASSICAL MYSTERY TOUR: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES

Presented by Moneta Group

BUY TICKETS - Friday, June 22, 2012 at 8pm

The Beatles like you’ve never heard them before: totally live and with the STL Symphony. More than just a rock concert, this show presents some 30 Beatles tunes, including “Penny Lane,” “Yesterday,” “I Am the Walrus” and more. Classical Mystery Tour returns for one night only to Powell Hall after sold out performances in 2010.

Ellis Hall

Music of Ray Charles

Presented by Mosby Building Arts

BUY TICKETS - Friday, September 21, 2012 at 7:30 pm

Ellis Hall, piano/vocals

The pioneering work of Ray Charles brought down barriers both in music and society, and gave us countless hits. His friend and protégé, Ellis Hall, joins the STL Symphony for a one-night only celebration of this American music icon.

Kenny G

Kenny G

Sponsored by The Thomas A. Kooyumjian Family Foundation

BUY TICKETS - Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 7:30 pm

Grammy© Award-winning saxophonist Kenny G joins the STL Symphony for one night only! With nearly two dozen albums that sold more than 75 million records worldwide, he is one of the premiere artists in contemporary jazz.

Emanuel Ax

OPENING WEEKEND: Pines of Rome

Presented by The Thomas A. Kooyumjian Family Foundation

Friday, September 28, 2012 at 10:30am (Coffee Concert)
Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 8pm
Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 3pm

David Robertson, conductor
Emanuel Ax, piano

LUTOSŁAWSKI Concerto for Orchestra
CHOPIN Piano Concerto No. 2
RESPIGHI Pines of Rome

David Robertson kicks off the new season with Respighi’s spectacular symphonic poem, Pines of Rome. Embarking on a musical voyage through the majesty of Rome’s hills, Respighi’s masterwork explores catacombs, flittering nightingales, and a glittering sunrise over the ancient city that will leave you breathless. Equally dazzling with his unmatched virtuosity, legendary pianist Emanuel Ax performs Chopin’s Second Piano Concerto.

Coffee and doughnuts for Coffee Concert provided Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Susan Graham

Mahler 3

Susan Graham is presented by the Whitaker Foundation

Friday, October 5, 2012 at 8pm
Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 8pm

David Robertson, conductor
Susan Graham, mezzo-soprano
Women of the St. Louis Symphony Chorus
      Amy Kaiser, director
The St. Louis Children's Choirs
      Barbara Berner, artistic director
MAHLER Symphony No. 3

Mahler often used his symphonies as a narrative portraying the triumph of life over death and the vast range of human experiences explored in between. His Third Symphony is no exception, depicting the awesome presence of nature and the redemption of humanity. Leading the combined forces of the STL Symphony, women and children’s chorus and the lustrous voice of mezzo-soprano Susan Graham, David Robertson conducts this epic work for the first time in more than a decade for St. Louis audiences.

DR. SEUSS' GREEN EGGS AND HAM

FAMILY CONCERT
Presented by PNC Arts Alive

Sunday, October 7, 2012, 3:00 pm

Words by Dr. Seuss, Music by Rob Kapilow
Michael Boudewyns, actor
Kimberly Schroeder, soprano

Would you like them in a train? Or on a plane? Dr. Seuss' greatest children's book comes to life with the accompaniment of the STL Symphony and the Really Inventive Stuff theatre group. Join Sam as he explores all the different ways to eat his favorite dish.

Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos

Beethoven 6

Friday, October 12, 2012 at 8pm
Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 8pm
Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 3pm

Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, conductor
Pascal Rogé, piano
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6, "Pastorale"
RAVEL Piano Concerto in G
DEBUSSY La Mer

Captivated by nature, Beethoven’s adventurous “Pastorale” Symphony evokes the beauty of birdcalls, the power of thunderstorms and the many joys of human connection to the earth. While Beethoven focused on the countryside, Debussy turned to the sea for inspiration. His impressionistic portrait, La Mer, evokes visions of the wind and sea at play. Renowned pianist Pascal Rogé performs Ravel’s jazzy Piano Concerto full of quick melodies and amazing technical displays.

Excerpt from Ravel Piano Concerto in G (1:55)

Nicholas McGegan

Baroque Fireworks

Friday, October 19, 2012 at 8pm
Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 3pm

Nicholas McGegan, conductor
Alison Harney, violin
Andrew Cuneo, bassoon

BACH Orchestral Suite No. 1
VIVALDI Concerto in F major for Violin, 2 Oboes, Bassoon, 2 Horns and Strings
VIVALDI Bassoon Concerto in A minor
HANDEL Music for the Royal Fireworks

Created to accompany a celebratory fireworks display, Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks sums up the splendor that is the Baroque era. This sensational work showcases the STL Symphony brass led by audience-favorite Nicholas McGegan. Beloved Vivaldi concertos will feature members of the STL Symphony, including Principal Bassoon Andrew Cuneo’s subscription debut.

Wynton Marsalis

Red Velvet Ball SWINGS!
With Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

BUY TICKETS - Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 7pm

Wynton Marsalis, trumpet
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

The legendary Wynton Marsalis brings his astounding Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to Powell Hall for the St. Louis premiere of Marsalis' own Swing Symphony. A symphonic evolution of swing and jazz, Marsalis' homage to America's musical heritage will feature the JALO in concert with the STL Symphony. Save your seats today for this once-in-alifetime musical event!

Gala Package
Guests will enjoy pre-concert cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and post-concert dinner and dancing. To order a gala package, please call 314-286-4446.

The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz

Presented by the Whitaker Foundation

BUY TICKETS - Friday, October 26, 2012 at 7pm
BUY TICKETS - Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 7pm
BUY TICKETS - Sunday, October 28, 2012 at 2pm

Ward Stare, conductor

Enjoy the 1939 classic on the big screen as the orchestra performs the memorable soundtrack. Plus, put on your ruby red slippers and enter our costume contest!

Yefim Bronfman

Bronfman Plays Brahms

Presented by The Thomas A. Kooyumjian Family Foundation

Friday, November 2, 2012 at 10:30am (Coffee Concerts)
Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 8pm

John Storgårds, conductor
Yefim Bronfman, piano

BACH/arr. WEBERN Ricercar No. 2 from Musical Offering
SCHUMANN Symphony No. 4
BRAHMS Piano Concerto No. 2

Grammy© Award-winning pianist Yefim Bronfman returns to Powell Hall to perform Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto, a work that was twenty years in the making. Bronfman’s commanding technique and exceptional lyrical gifts have won consistent critical acclaim and enthusiastic audiences worldwide.

Coffee and doughnuts for Coffee Concert provided Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

HIP HOP SYMPHONY

FAMILY CONCERT
Presented by PNC Arts Alive

Presented in partnership with COCA

Sunday, November 4, 2012, 3:00 pm

Learn about music form in this innovative program pairing hip hop choreography by COCA's Redd Williams with classical favorites performed by the STL Symphony. When the dancers take the stage, you'll see the visual and physical representation of what you're hearing!

St. Louis Symphony Chorus

Mozart Requiem

Friday, November 9, 2012 at 8pm
Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 8pm
Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 3pm

Jun Märkl, conductor
Daniel Lee, cello
Dominique Labelle, soprano
KaiRüütel, mezzo-soprano
Christoph Genz, tenor
Stephen Powell, baritone
St. Louis Symphony Chorus
      Amy Kaiser, director

SCHOENBERG Friede auf Erden (Peace on Earth)
HAYDN Cello Concerto in D major
MOZART Requiem, K. 626

Shrouded in mystery and left unfinished at the time of his death, Mozart’s Requiem remains one of the composer’s greatest masterpieces beloved for its glorious choral and orchestral writing. Combining a brilliant cast of vocalists with the STL Symphony and Chorus, this heavenly work is certain to inspire audiences regardless of spiritual background.

Andrey Boreyko

All-Tchaikovsky

Presented by Thompson Coburn LLP

Friday, November 16, 2012 at 10:30am (Coffee Concert)
Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 8pm
Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 3pm

Andrey Boreyko, conductor
Vadim Gluzman, violin
TCHAIKOVSKY Voyevoda
TCHAIKOVSKY Violin Concerto
TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 1, "Winter Dreams"

A master of melody and orchestral genius, Tchaikovsky is one of the greatest composers of all time.   In honor of the Russian giant, this program led by Andrey Boreyko includes the composer’s Symphony No. 1, “Winter Dreams,” which artfully illustrates a frosty landscape complete with Russian folk tunes.  Violinist Vadim Gluzman makes his STL Symphony debut performing the composer’s fiery Violin Concerto on the Stradivari violin, “ex-Leopold Auer,” named for the Russian violinist to whom Tchaikovsky dedicated the concerto.

Excerpt from Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 1 (1:58)

Coffee and doughnuts for Coffee Concert provided Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Gil Shaham

Gil Shaham Plays Beethoven

Friday, November 23, 2012 at 8 pm
Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 8pm
Sunday, November 25 at 3pm

David Robertson, conductor
Gil Shaham, violin

J. STRAUSS, Jr. Tales from the Vienna Woods
HAYDN Symphony No. 104, "London"
BEETHOVEN Violin Concerto

Celebrated as one of the greatest violinists of our time, Gil Shaham’s flawless technique and vivacious charm will shine in performances of Beethoven’s incomparable Violin Concerto. Radiating with surprises and a soaring spirit, Beethoven’s virtuosic masterpiece is not to be missed this Thanksgiving weekend.

Kirill Gerstein

Heroic Strauss

Friday, November 30, 2012, at 10:30am (Coffee Concert)
Saturday, December 1, 2012, at 8pm

David Robertson, conductor
Kirill Gerstein, piano

R. STRAUSS Don Juan
ADÈS In Seven Days (Piano Concerto)
HINDEMITH Mathis der Maler Symphony
R. STRAUSS Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks

The STL Symphony presents two of Richard Strauss’ most beloved tone poems. Completely different in style, Don Juan will knock you sideways with its shockingly flamboyant audacity, while Till Eulenspiegel introduces us to a musical world full of whimsy and humor. Kirill Gerstein joins the STL Symphony for the St. Louis premiere of Thomas Adès’ In Seven Days.

Coffee and doughnuts for Coffee Concert provided Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

St. Louis Symphony Chorus

Handel's Messiah

Presented by Mercy

Friday, December 7, 2012 at 8pm
Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 8pm
Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 3pm

Christopher Warren-Green, conductor
Lydia Teuscher, soprano
Christopher Ainslie, countertenor
Daniel Montenegro, tenor
Matthew Trevino, bass
St. Louis Symphony Chorus
      Amy Kaiser, director

HANDEL Messiah

Combining thunderous power with gentle tenderness to tell a story of hope and uplifting anticipation, Handel’s Messiah is a tradition to share and remember during the holiday season.  The triumphant sounds of the “Hallelujah” chorus will brighten your spirits.

Circus Flora

Circus Flora:
A Child's Christmas in Wales

Presented by the Whitaker Foundation
Sponsored by PNC Bank

BUY TICKETS - Friday, December 14, 2012 at 7pm
BUY TICKETS - Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 7pm
BUY TICKETS - Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 2pm

Back by popular demand! Circus Flora returns to Powell Hall to collaborate with the STL Symphony in high-wire holiday fun for the family.  We welcome back all your favorites including the gravity-defying Flying Wallendas and the amazing Olate dogs.  Inspired by Dylan Thomas’s heartwarming poem, it’s Christmas, with a circus twist!

Take 6

A Gospel Christmas with Take 6

BUY TICKETS - Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 7pm

Kevin McBeth, conductor
Take 6, vocals
STL Symphony IN UNISON ® Chorus
     Kevin McBeth, director

Grammy© Award-winning guest artists Take 6 join the STL Symphony and IN UNISON ® Chorus led by director Kevin McBeth for a night of soul-stirring Gospel music to celebrate the most joyous of seasons.

Holiday Celebration

Holiday Celebration

Presented by Macy's

BUY TICKETS - Friday, December 21, 2012 at 2pm
BUY TICKETS - Friday, December 21, 2012 at 7pm
BUY TICKETS - Saturday, December 22, 2012 at2pm
BUY TICKETS - Saturday, December 22, 2012 at 7pm
BUY TICKETS - Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 2pm

Holiday Festival Chorus
      Kevin McBeth, director

See why thousands of St. Louis families have made this their annual holiday tradition. Powell Hall is transformed to a magical holiday destination, complete with hot chocolate and a visit from the North Pole's most famous resident! Enjoy the STL Symphony's rendition of your favorite holiday songs making the holiday season even brighter.

Pirates of the Carribean

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

BUY TICKETS - Friday, December 28, 2012 at 7pm
BUY TICKETS - Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 7pm

Richard Kaufman, conductor
Men of the St. Louis Symphony Chorus
      Amy Kaiser, director

Experience Pirates of the Caribbean on the big screen paired with the epic score performed by the STL Symphony bringing the curse of the black pearl to life.  It’s a swash-buckling adventure your family won’t want to miss!

Presentation licensed by Disney Music Publishing and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Non-Theatrical © Disney

David Robertson

M&I Wealth Management
New Year's Eve Celebration

Presented by M&I Wealth Management

BUY TICKETS - Monday, December 31, 2012 at 7:30pm

David Robertson, conductor

St. Louis' best-kept secret is back for its seventh year! Music Director David Robertson and the STL Symphony ring in the New Year with a memorable evening full of delightful music and surprises.

Leonard Slatkin

Slatkin Conducts The Planets

Friday, January 18, 2013 at 8pm
Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 8pm
Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 3pm

Leonard Slatkin, conductor
St. Louis Symphony Chorus
      Amy Kaiser, director

MCTEE Double Play
STRAVINSKY Symphony of Psalms
HOLST The Planets

STL Symphony Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin returns to conduct Holst’s celestial masterpiece, The Planets. Portraying the astrological character of the planets, Holst vividly portrays a martial Mars, jolly Jupiter, mystical Neptune and more sure to ignite your musical imagination.

Excerpt from Holst The Planets (1:53)

Peter Serkin

Pictures at an Exhibition

Friday, January 25, 2013 at 8pm
Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 8pm
Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 3pm

Gilbert Varga, conductor
Peter Serkin, piano

GLINKA Ruslan and Lyudmila Overture
BARTÓK Piano Concerto No. 3
MUSSORGSKY/orch. RAVEL Pictures at an Exhibition

Pictures at an Exhibition was inspired by the brushstrokes and sketches of an artist and dear friend to composer Mussorgsky. In his orchestration, Ravel stays true to the original atmosphere and leads us to a glorious finale that leaves us feeling as though we were viewing the majestic artwork ourselves. The vibrant orchestration of Ravel combined with the varied moods of Mussorgsky creates a masterpiece that is recognized by all.

Excerpt from Pictures at an Exhibition (1:31)

Peter Serkin is presented by the Whitaker Foundation

Hannu Lintu

Sibelius 5

Friday, February 1, 2013 at 8pm
Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 8pm

Hannu Lintu, conductor
Markus Groh, piano

SIBELIUS Finlandia
PROKOFIEV Piano Concerto No. 3
SIBELIUS Symphony No. 5

Endlessly inventive and beloved for its wit, Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 is full of rhythmic intensity and harmonic exuberance. Pianist Markus Groh makes his STL Symphony debut as Finnish conductor Hannu Lintu returns conducting Sibelius’ Fifth Symphony, a commanding work from his homeland that crescendos into radiant benevolence representing one of the composer’s most uplifting symphonies.

Radu Lupu

Lupu Plays Beethoven

Presented by Thompson Coburn LLP

Friday, February 8, 2013 at 8pm
Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 8pm
Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 3pm

David Robertson, conductor
Radu Lupu, piano

J. STRAUSS, Jr. On the Beautiful Blue Danube
BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 4
BRAHMS Symphony No. 2

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch declares that Radu Lupu’s “playing is simply sublime: intelligent, authoritative and innately felt. His music-making says it all.” Hear the highly acclaimed Romanian pianist as he returns to conquer Beethoven’s dramatic Piano Concerto No. 4 followed by Brahms’ endearing Symphony No. 2.

Orli Shaham

City Noir

Friday, February 15, 2013 at 10:30am (Coffee Concert)
Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 8pm

David Robertson, conductor
Orli Shaham, piano

COPLAND Our Town
BERNSTEIN Symphony No. 2, "The Age of Anxiety"
ADAMS City Noir

Taking inspiration from 1940s Los Angeles,John Adams’ City Noir, portrays pockets of high energy that are nested among areas of leisure in the famed west coast city. Often described as cinematic, the lyrical work combines sassy and savvy together offering a glimpse of a bygone era in a great American city. These St. Louis premiere performances of City Noir will be recorded for release on Nonesuch Records.

Coffee and doughnuts for Coffee Concert provided Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

MAGICAL MOVEMENTS: THE YOUNG PERSON'S GUIDE TO THE ORCHESTRA

FAMILY CONCERT
Presented by PNC Arts Alive

Sunday, February 17, 2013, 3:00 pm

DanceWorks Chicago, special guest artists

Britten's classic The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra gets a new spin with the addition of dancers from DanceWorks Chicago. Watch as the orchestra comes together section by section before your eyes. This dynamic partnership makes for a magical experience where the whole is much larger than the sum of its parts!

IN UNISON® Chorus

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

Friday, February 22, 2013 at 7:30pm

Kevin McBeth, conductor
Wintley Phipps, vocalist
St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON® Chorus

The St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON® Chorus, the STL Symphony and vocalist Wintley Phipps come to together for is a soulful celebration full of spirit and song commemorating the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s historic speech, “I Have a Dream.”

Chris Botti

Chris Botti Returns

Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 7:30pm

The one and only Chris Botti returns to Powell Hall returns to Powell Hall after his sold-out appearances in 2011. One of the world’s top instrumentalists, Botti’s breathtaking smooth jazz stylings will blend beautifully with the sumptuous sounds of the STL Symphony.

Tasmin Little

Beethoven 4

Friday, March 1, 2013 at 8pm
Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 8pm

Sir Andrew Davis, conductor
Tasmin Little, violin

DELIUS The Walk to the Paradise Garden
ELGAR Violin Concerto
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 4

Acclaimed by The Guardian for her “wistful, poetic and powerful” performances, violinist Tasmin Little makes her St. Louis Symphony debut with Elgar’s Violin Concerto, one of the last great romantic violin concertos. Lyric Opera of Chicago Music Director Sir Andrew Davis leads the program including Beethoven's Fourth Symphony, one of the composer’s less familiar, but highly celebrated works.

Sir Andrew Davis is presented by the Whitaker Foundation

James Ehnes

Beethoven 2

Friday, March 8, 2013 at 10:30am (Coffee Concert)
Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 8pm

David Robertson, conductor
James Ehnes, violin

BRAHMS Variations on a Theme of Joseph Haydn
BERG Violin Concerto
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 2

Before embarking on his revolutionary Third Symphony, Beethoven penned the light-hearted Second Symphony, a cheerful work harkening back to the glory of Haydn. Acclaimed by the Baltimore Sun for “his notably beautiful tone with consistent gleam,” violin virtuoso James Ehnes joins David Robertson to perform Berg’s heartbreaking, yet poetic Violin Concerto.

Coffee and doughnuts for Coffee Concert provided Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

David Robertson

Copland and Bernstein

Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 8pm
Sunday, March 24, 2013 at 3pm

David Robertson, conductor
Mark Sparks, flute
David Halen, violin

COPLAND Quiet City
ROUSE Flute Concerto
BERNSTEIN Serenade
COPLAND Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo

This all-American program features two of America’s greatest composers, Bernstein and Copland, painting musical portraits of Americana. Concertmaster David Halen steps forward performing Bernstein’s passionate Serenade and Principal Flute Mark Sparks performs Christopher Rouse’s lyrical Flute Concerto. Copland’s rowdy Dance Episodes from Rodeo bring this concert to a riveting finale.

Excerpt from Copland Rodeo (1:59)

The Matrix

The Matrix

Presented by the Whitaker Foundation

Friday, April 5, 2013, at 7pm
Saturday, April 6, 2013, at 7pm

Don Davis, conductor
St. Louis Symphony Chorus
      Amy Kaiser, director

Enter the alternate reality of The Matrix as the STL Symphony performs the futuristic soundtrack of the science fiction thriller. Machine rebellions and raining computer code create a dream world that questions reality in this modern cult classic.

THE REMARKABLE FARKLE MCBRIDE

FAMILY CONCERT
Presented by PNC Arts Alive

Based on the book by John Lithgow

Sunday, April 7, 2013, 3:00 pm

Poor Farkle McBride tries every instrument, but not one of them is quite right. Presented with text from the popular children's book by John Lithgow, join Farkle on his journey to find his place in the orchestra, and learn about the different instrument families along the way.

Yan Pascal Tortelier

Symphonie Fantastique

Presented by Thompson Coburn LLP

Friday, April 12, 2013 at 10:30am (Coffee Concert)
Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 8pm
Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 3pm

Yan Pascal Tortelier, conductor
Augustin Hadelich, violin

ROSSINI L'italiana in Algeri Overture
PAGANINI Violin Concerto No. 1
BERLIOZ Symphonie fantastique

Known for his gorgeous tone and expressive communication, Augustin Hadelich has catapulted into the top echelon of young violinists. He makes his STL Symphony debut peforming Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 1, followed by fellow French composer Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique. Complete with an elegant ball, a frightening march to the scaffold and a pastoral scene in a field, Berlioz’s most celebrated work is an orchestral tour-de-force.

Excerpt from Berlioz Symphonie fantastique (1:59)

Coffee and doughnuts for Coffee Concert provided Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Ward Stare

Strauss Der Rosenkavalier

Friday, April 19, 2013 at 8 pm
Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 8pm

Ward Stare, conductor
St. Louis Symphony Chorus
      Amy Kaiser, director

BRAHMS Gesang der Parzen (Song of the Fates)
WEBERN Im Sommerwind
BRAHMS Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny)
J. STRAUSS, JR. Künstlerleben (Artist's Life)
R. STRAUSS Der Rosenkavalier Suite

Ward Stare returns to Powell Hall to lead two of Brahms’ choral works including the powerful and profound Song of Destiny. Brahms’ glorious writing is paired with the charm of Richard Strauss’ Suite from Der Rosenkavalier. So popular was the opera that the composer made an orchestral suite to share the sprightly melodies from the comic opera.

Scott Andrews

All-Mozart

Friday, April 26, 2013 at 10:30am (Coffee Concert)
Friday, April 26, 2013 at 8pm
Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 8pm

Bernard Labadie, conductor
Scott Andrews, clarinet

MOZART Symphony No. 33, K. 319
MOZART Clarinet Concerto, K. 622
MOZART Symphony No. 40, K. 550

Mozart’s sublime writing remains an audience favorite and this program devoted to his genius is no exception. Bernard Labadie leads the composer’s hypnotic Symphony No. 40, known for its unmistakable opening theme, and the Clarinet Concerto featuring Principal Clarinet Scott Andrews. Praised as “elegant” in the Boston Globe and “extraordinary” by the New York Times, Andrews’ stellar talent shines in the lyrical concerto, among the final works completed before Mozart’s death.

Coffee and doughnuts for Coffee Concert provided Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Excerpt from Mozart Symphony No. 40 (1:46)

Christine Brewer

Christine Brewer Returns

Friday, May 3, 2013 at 8pm
Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 8pm
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 3pm

David Robertson, conductor
Christine Brewer, soprano
Lucas Meachem, baritone

SUPPÉ Overture to Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna
SCHUBERT Symphony No. 8, "Unfinished"
ZEMLINSKY Lyrische Symphonie (Lyric Symphony)

Full of exotic themes, heartfelt yearning and wild freedom, Zemlinsky’s Lyric Symphony receives its STL Symphony premiere with phenomenal soprano Christine Brewer.  Paired with the stunning melodies and warming glow of Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony, this concert will leave your spirits soaring.

David Robertson

Beethoven 9

Thursday, May 9, 2013, at 8pm
Friday, May 10, 2013 at 8pm
Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 8pm
Sunday, May 12, 2013 at 3pm

David Robertson, conductor
St. Louis Symphony Chorus
      Amy Kaiser, director

BRUCKNER Motet: "Christus factus est"
BERG Act III from Wozzeck
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 9

Beethoven’s monumental Symphony No. 9 is a truly inspirational piece celebrating the highest aspirations of humanity as a whole. Combining the forces of the STL Symphony and Chorus paired with vocal soloists under one baton, David Robertson leads this certain to be memorable season finale that crescendos into the magnificent choral finale, “Ode to Joy.”

Excerpt from Beethoven Symphony No. 9 (0:57)