About the Youth Orchestra

Ward Stare, Music Director
Peggy Neilson, Manager

The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra has had a significant impact on the region’s Student musicians for the past 41 years.  The Youth Orchestra consists of 95-100 young musicians ranging in age from 12-22. The Youth Orchestra rehearses weekly on Saturday afternoons during the school year and presents three programs a season in Powell Symphony Hall.

Members of the Youth Orchestra represent more than three dozen schools throughout the St. Louis region and some from as far away as Springfield, Illinois, and Rolla, Jefferson City, and Columbia, Missouri.  The Youth Orchestra members receive coaching from the St. Louis Symphony members during the season.

Founded in 1970 by Leonard Slatkin, the SLS Youth Orchestra has been a springboard for many young musicians seeking a career in orchestral music – including some current members of the St. Louis Symphony. There are over 1,000 alumni, many as professional musicians as well as in other fields.

In 2008, the YO performed in the Missouri State Capital Building in Jefferson City and spoke with legislators about the importance of music education. The SLSYO continues its advocacy for music education locally and state wide.

Admission to the Youth Orchestra is by annual auditions. Preliminary auditions are held in May.

For information on the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra please contact Peggy Neilson, Youth Orchestra Manager, at (314) 286-4407, at peggy@stlsymphony.org.