Grammy Award-nominated violinist Tessa Lark makes her SLSO debut on short notice in February 18-19 program, performing works by Ernest Chausson and Maurice Ravel

(February 8, 2023, St. Louis, MO) – Today, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra announced artist and repertoire changes to its February 10-11 and February 18-19 concerts at Powell Hall. Due to illness, violinist Nicola Benedetti is unable to perform with the SLSO over the next two weeks. Benedetti was originally scheduled to perform James MacMillan’s Second Violin Concerto on February 10-11, and the Wynton Marsalis’ Violin Concerto on February 18-19.

With Benedetti’s withdrawal, the February 10-11 concerts, conducted by Sir James MacMillan, will now open with Felix Mendelssohn’s The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave). The remainder of the previously announced program will still be performed: the SLSO premiere of MacMillan’s The World’s Ransoming featuring SLSO English horn player Cally Banham; Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Russian Easter Overture; and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Francesca da Rimini.

In the February 18-19 program, Grammy Award-nominated violinist Tessa Lark makes her SLSO debut, stepping in for Benedetti on short notice, with concerts led by SLSO Music Director Stéphane Denève. An Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient, Lark will perform Ernest Chausson’s Poème and Maurice Ravel’s Tzigane, transforming the concerts into an all-French program. The program also includes Claude Debussy’s Scottish March on a Popular Theme and Ibéria from Images and Maurice Ravel’s La Valse. Lark was nominated for a 2020 Grammy Award for her performance of Michael Torke’s violin concerto, Sky, with the Albany Symphony Orchestra.

Both Saturday night concerts will be broadcast live on 90.7 FM KWMU St. Louis Public Radio, Classic 107.3, or online (stlpr.org). Audiences can attend a Pre-Concert Conversation, an engaging discussion about the music and artists on the program, one hour prior to each classical concert in the auditorium. 

Tickets start at $15 and are on sale now at slso.org or by calling the Box Office at 314-534-1700.

Calendar listings:

Friday, February 10, 2023, 7:30pm CST

Saturday, February 11, 2023, 8:00pm CST

Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO

Sir James MacMillan, conductor (SLSO debut)

Cally Banham, English horn

Felix MENDELSSOHN                            The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave)

James MacMILLAN                               The World’s Ransoming (First SLSO performances)

Nikolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV               Russian Easter Overture

Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY                  Francesca da Rimini

Saturday, February 18, 2023, 10:30am CST 

Sunday, February 19, 2023, 3:00pm CST 

Stéphane Denève, conductor 

Tessa Lark, violin (SLSO debut)

Claude DEBUSSY                                    Scottish March on a Popular Theme  
Ernest CHAUSSON                                 Poème

Maurice RAVEL                                       Tzigane 
Claude DEBUSSY                          Ibéria  
Maurice RAVEL                                La Valse  

About the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Celebrated as a leading American orchestra, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country, marking its 143rd year with the 2022/2023 season and its fourth with Music Director Stéphane Denève. The SLSO maintains its commitment to artistic excellence, educational impact, and community collaborations, honoring its mission of enriching lives through the power of music.

The SLSO serves as a convener of individuals, creators, and ideas, and is committed to building community through compelling and inclusive musical experiences. As it continues its longstanding focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, and access, the SLSO embraces its strengths as a responsive, nimble organization, while investing in partnerships locally and elevating its presence globally. For more information, visit slso.org.