St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
An American professional symphony orchestra based in St. Louis, Missouri, and resident at Powell Hall.
Last updated November 4, 2026
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Overview
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) is a professional American orchestra based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1880 by Joseph Otten as the St. Louis Choral Society, it is generally described as the second-oldest professional symphony orchestra in the United States, after the New York Philharmonic. Its principal home is Powell Hall, a concert venue in the city’s Grand Center arts district. The organization presents orchestral concerts, educational programs, community initiatives, choral performances, recordings, broadcasts, and related live events. The ensemble began as a choral organization. During the 1881–1882 season, an orchestra of 31 players joined its 80-member chorus, and the group gradually developed into a larger symphonic institution. In 1893, the St. Louis Choral-Symphony was formally incorporated. The organization played a substantial role in the musical program of the 1904 World's Fair, when it expanded to a 200-member chorus and a 55-member orchestra. During Max Zach’s music directorship from 1907 to 1921, it adopted the name Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, establishing the identity used in modern form today. Before moving to Powell Hall, the orchestra performed for many years at the Kiel Opera House. Its activities have extended beyond regular local concerts. The SLSO has appeared at Carnegie Hall, toured Europe and Japan, and released recordings through labels including Columbia, RCA Victor, Red Seal, Telarc, Vox/Turnabout, Angel EMI, and Nonesuch. It has also issued recordings through its own Arch Media label. The orchestra’s recording work has received major recognition from the Recording Academy, with the organization reporting nine Grammy Awards from 60 nominations in its 140-year history. The SLSO’s national profile grew particularly strongly during Leonard Slatkin’s music directorship from 1979 to 1996. The orchestra recorded extensively and undertook international tours during that period. Its prestige, however, was accompanied by serious financial pressure. Financial difficulties became public around 2000 and threatened the organization with bankruptcy in 2001. The subsequent recovery involved fundraising, expense controls, reductions in musicians’ compensation, and a shorter contracted season. A major labor dispute in 2005 led to a two-month work stoppage and substantial changes to the musicians’ contract before the parties reached an agreement. David Robertson served as music director from 2005 through the 2017–2018 season. During his tenure, the SLSO expanded its public reach through live Saturday-night broadcasts in partnership with St. Louis Public Radio and made its first appearance at the BBC Proms in 2012. In organizational leadership, Fred Bronstein pursued audience development and broader programming after becoming president and executive director in 2008. His initiatives included the Live at Powell Hall series and efforts to attract new audiences. Marie-Hélène Bernard became president and chief executive officer in 2015. Stéphane Denève became music director designate in 2018–2019 and music director in the 2019–2020 season. His contract was later extended through the 2025–2026 season. The organization also operates or houses several affiliated ensembles: the St. Louis Symphony Chorus, the IN UNISON Chorus, the Holiday Festival Chorus, and the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra. These groups broaden the SLSO’s artistic, educational, and community functions, including work with young musicians, high-school singers, African-American and African musical traditions, churches, and regional arts audiences. A major capital project began in the 2020s. In 2022, the orchestra announced plans to renovate Powell Hall, requiring concerts during the work to be presented principally at the Touhill Performing Arts Center and Stifel Theatre. In 2024, it announced that the renovated complex would be named the Jack C. Taylor Music Center, while the concert hall itself would retain the Powell Hall n…
History
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra traces its history to 1880, when Joseph Otten founded the St. Louis Choral Society. The organization initially centered on choral activity and performed at the St. Louis Mercantile Library. An orchestra joined the chorus during the 1881–1882 season, and the group developed into a combined choral-symphonic institution. It was formally incorporated as the St. Louis Choral-Symphony in 1893. The organization’s scale expanded during the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Under Alfred Ernst, its forces grew to approximately 200 singers and 55 orchestral musicians. During Max Zach’s tenure as music director from 1907 to 1921, the ensemble adopted the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra name. For many years it performed at the Kiel Opera House before establishing Powell Hall as its principal concert venue. The orchestra’s national and international profile increased through regular appearances at Carnegie Hall, tours of Europe and Japan, and an extensive recording history. Its recordings appeared on Columbia, RCA Victor, Red Seal, Telarc, Vox/Turnabout, Angel EMI, and Nonesuch, as well as the organization’s own Arch Media label. Leonard Slatkin’s 1979–1996 music directorship was especially important to the orchestra’s reputation. The SLSO recorded widely and toured internationally during his tenure, although artistic prominence did not eliminate underlying financial vulnerabilities. In 2000, the organization’s financial position became a major public concern. It faced a potential bankruptcy crisis in 2001, prompting leadership changes, fundraising, and cost reductions. Musicians accepted compensation reductions and a shortened contracted season as part of the recovery effort. A separate labor conflict in January 2005 produced a two-month interruption of performances. Management and musicians disputed whether the event constituted a lockout or an illegal strike, and the National Labor Relations Board sided with management on the legal characterization described in contemporary accounts. The eventual agreement reduced both the length of the season and compensation, and the parties later referred to the interruption as a work stoppage. Following Hans Vonk’s departure after the 2001–2002 season, Itzhak Perlman served as music adviser from 2002 to 2004. David Robertson was appointed the next music director in 2003 and began his term in 2005. His directorship lasted through the 2017–2018 season and included live broadcasts with St. Louis Public Radio, international visibility, and the orchestra’s first performance at the BBC Proms in 2012. The organization also changed its administrative approach. Fred Bronstein became president and executive director in 2008 and pursued audience-development measures, new marketing, broader programming, and the Live at Powell Hall series. The strategy was intended to reverse declining attendance and ticket income and to make the orchestra more accessible to audiences beyond the traditional subscription base. Bronstein left in 2014, and Marie-Hélène Bernard was appointed president and CEO effective July 2015. Stéphane Denève, who had first guest-conducted the SLSO in 2003, was selected as music director in 2017. He served as music director designate during 2018–2019 and began the full role in 2019–2020. His contract was subsequently extended through 2025–2026. The SLSO’s institutional work extends beyond its main professional orchestra. Leonard Slatkin established the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra in 1970. The St. Louis Symphony Chorus was founded in 1977, and the IN UNISON Chorus was established in 1994 by Robert Ray to focus substantially on African-American and African musical traditions, including gospel. The organization also presents a Holiday Festival Chorus involving high-school-aged singers from the region. In 2022, the orchestra announced plans for a major Powell Hall renovation. During the planned work, concerts were scheduled primarily at the Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and Stifel Theatre. In 2024, the SLSO announced that the renovated complex would be called the Jack C. Taylor Music Center, while the concert hall would retain its Powell Hall identity. The orchestra remains an active St. Louis cultural institution with local, national, and international artistic reach.
- 2024
Jack C. Taylor Music Center naming announced
[1]The renovated music complex was announced under the Jack C. Taylor Music Center name, with the concert hall retaining Powell Hall.
- 2022
Powell Hall renovation announced
[1]The orchestra announced a renovation project that required temporary use of other performance venues.
- 2017
Stéphane Denève named next music director
[1]Denève was selected to succeed David Robertson, with the full appointment beginning in the 2019–2020 season.
- 2012
First appearance at The Proms
[1]The SLSO made its first appearance at the BBC Proms under David Robertson.
- 2010
Regular public-radio broadcasts began
[1]The orchestra began broadcasting subscription concerts live in partnership with St. Louis Public Radio.
- 2005
Labor work stoppage resolved
[1]A two-month labor dispute ended with a new contract involving a shorter season and lower compensation.
- 2001
Financial recovery measures initiated
[1]After a serious financial crisis, the organization began extensive fundraising and cost-control measures.
- 1994
IN UNISON Chorus established
[1]Robert Ray founded the IN UNISON Chorus, which emphasizes African-American and African musical traditions and community partnerships.
- 1979
Leonard Slatkin became music director
[1]Slatkin began the music directorship that significantly raised the orchestra’s recording and touring profile.
- 1978
Resident orchestra of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
[1]The SLSO became the resident orchestra for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis.
Products and positioning
A historic civic orchestra combining high-level symphonic performance, international artistic activity, recordings, education, choral collaboration, and community programming.
Orchestral performances
Powell Hall concert season
The SLSO’s principal public offering is a recurring season of symphonic concerts featuring standard orchestral repertoire, contemporary works, guest artists, and programs led by the music director or visiting conductors. Powell Hall serves as the organization’s principal concert venue, with temporary performances at other St. Louis venues during renovation work.
Youth music education · 1970
St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra
Established by Leonard Slatkin in 1970, the youth orchestra provides advanced orchestral training and performance opportunities for young musicians in the St. Louis region. The ensemble is led by the SLSO assistant conductor, who also serves as its music director.
Choral ensemble · 1977
St. Louis Symphony Chorus
Founded in 1977, the St. Louis Symphony Chorus performs with the orchestra in major choral-orchestral works and other large-scale seasonal programs. Its activities support the SLSO’s presentation of symphonies, oratorios, and related repertoire requiring a substantial chorus.
Community choral ensemble · 1994
IN UNISON Chorus
Founded by Robert Ray in 1994, the IN UNISON Chorus presents music associated particularly with African-American and African traditions, including gospel. It works with churches and community partners in the St. Louis area and broadens the SLSO’s cultural and audience reach.
Popular and crossover concert series
Live at Powell Hall
Live at Powell Hall was part of an audience-development strategy introduced under Fred Bronstein. The series broadened the organization’s programming beyond conventional subscription concerts and was intended to attract new audiences through more accessible and popularly oriented events.
Classical music recordings
Recording catalog
The orchestra has maintained a substantial recording history across commercial labels including Columbia, RCA Victor, Red Seal, Telarc, Vox/Turnabout, Angel EMI, and Nonesuch. It has also released recordings through its own Arch Media label and has received multiple Grammy Awards and nominations.
Marketing campaigns
- 2022Powell Hall renovation program
St. Louis metropolitan area
The orchestra announced a renovation of its principal venue and planned a temporary performance schedule at the Touhill Performing Arts Center and Stifel Theatre.
Outcome. The project led to the planned creation of the Jack C. Taylor Music Center while preserving Powell Hall as the concert hall name.
- 2010St. Louis Public Radio live broadcasts
United States
The SLSO partnered with St. Louis Public Radio to make regular subscription concerts available through live Saturday-night radio broadcasts.
Outcome. The partnership extended access to the orchestra’s performances beyond the concert hall.
- 2008Audience development and programming expansion
St. Louis metropolitan area
Fred Bronstein launched an aggressive revenue and audience-development effort focused on marketing, broader programming, and new event formats such as Live at Powell Hall.
Outcome. The cited account reports stronger ticket revenue, seat sales, and customer acquisition during the following years, helping reverse a period of declining attendance.
Brand decisions
2022
Powell Hall renovation decisionOtherBackground
The organization determined that its principal concert venue required a major renovation.
Action taken
The SLSO announced plans for renovation and arranged for performances to move principally to the Touhill Performing Arts Center and Stifel Theatre during the work.
Aftermath
In 2024, the organization announced the Jack C. Taylor Music Center name for the renovated complex, while retaining Powell Hall for the concert hall.
2017
Appointment of Stéphane DenèveStrategyBackground
David Robertson’s music directorship was scheduled to conclude after the 2017–2018 season.
Action taken
The SLSO appointed Stéphane Denève as music director designate for 2018–2019 and music director beginning in 2019–2020.
Aftermath
The orchestra later extended Denève’s contract through the 2025–2026 season.
2005
Settlement of musicians’ labor disputeStrategyBackground
Management and musicians entered a dispute over contract terms that halted concerts for approximately two months.
Action taken
The parties reached a new contract involving a ten-week reduction from a 52-week season and a 30 percent wage reduction; the interruption was later characterized by mutual agreement as a work stoppage.
Aftermath
Concert activity resumed, and the musicians’ vote of no confidence in executive director Randy Adams was rescinded as part of the agreement.
2001
Financial restructuring and fundraisingStrategyBackground
The orchestra faced severe financial difficulties and a potential bankruptcy crisis after years of artistic expansion.
Action taken
New leadership pursued fundraising and endowment growth while the organization adopted expense reductions, salary cuts, and a shorter contracted season.
Aftermath
The measures supported an extended recovery effort, although financial deficits continued to shape management and labor negotiations.
Endowment. US$28 million (2000)
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