On Thanksgiving weekend, SLSO strings perform Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and Astor Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires at three locations throughout the region, featuring Concertmaster David Halen and Associate Concertmaster Erin Schreiber
On December 1, conductor David Danzmayr leads the orchestra in Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2, along with Jessie Montgomery’s Strum and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Oboe Concerto featuring SLSO Principal Oboist Jelena Dirks
The second of five Live at The Sheldon concerts, curated by SLSO violinist Angie Smart and SLSO cellist Bjorn Ranheim, features SLSO strings players in music by Jessie Montgomery, Christian Quiñones, and Franz Schubert, plus the world premiere of a new work by University of Missouri student Harry González, December 6
On December 8, Kevin McBeth leads the SLSO and the SLSO IN UNISON Chorus in the annual Gospel Christmas concert, featuring baritone Wintley Phipps
The SLSO performs the scores to two films while the movies play on the Stifel Theatre big screen: Home Alone (December 9-10) and Back to the Future (December 28-29)
On December 12-17, the SLSO performs its traditional Mercy Holiday Celebration with a selection of holiday tunes, led by Stuart Malina and featuring vocalist Scarlett Strallen in her SLSO debut, in St. Charles and downtown St. Louis
The surprise-filled New Year’s Eve Celebration rings in 2024 with conductor Norman Huynh and vocalist Jimmie Herrod in his SLSO debut
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra has announced details of its holiday concerts—a wide range of symphonic concerts performed across six venues throughout the region. Concerts include classical favorites, chamber music, films with scores performed live, and concerts that celebrate the holiday season. Two vocalists will make their SLSO debuts: musical theater veteran Scarlett Strallen and America’s Got Talent finalist Jimmie Herrod.
Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at slso.org or by calling the Box Office at 314-534-1700. A full concert calendar is available at slso.org or on the SLSO’s mobile app available for iOS or Android. A broadcast of the December 1 classical concert will be aired on December 2 on 90.7 FM KWMU St. Louis Public Radio, Classic 107.3, and online. 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.
While the expansion and renovation of Powell Hall continues, the SLSO will perform holiday concerts at several venues throughout the region: St. Joseph Catholic Church Cottleville (November 24), Manchester United Methodist Church in Manchester (November 25), The Sheldon in Grand Center (November 26 and December 6), the Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (December 1), Stifel Theatre in downtown St. Louis (December 8-10, 16-17, 28-29, 31), and the J. Scheidegger Center for Performing Arts at Lindenwood University (December 12-13). Shuttle service will be available for concerts at the Touhill at UMSL and Stifel Theatre starting at $15 per seat. There will be two shuttle pick-up locations for performances at Stifel Theatre: Plaza Frontenac and St. Louis Community College–Forest Park. Shuttles for performances at the Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL will depart from Plaza Frontenac, and free parking is available on the UMSL campus.
The Eight Seasons of Vivaldi and Piazzolla
Friday, November 24, 7:30pm
St. Joseph Catholic Church Cottleville
1355 Motherhead Road, Cottleville, MO 63304
Saturday, November 25, 7:30pm
Manchester United Methodist Church
129 Woods Mill Road, Manchester, MO 63011
Sunday, November 26, 3:00pm
The Sheldon
3648 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
David Halen, violin
Erin Schreiber, violin
Antonio Vivaldi The Four Seasons
Astor Piazzolla (arr. Desyatnikov) The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires
The SLSO brings the melodies of the changing seasons to life in three performances on Thanksgiving weekend. The timeless charm of Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons transports listeners to the northern Italian countryside, brilliantly contrasting with the passionate soundscape of Argentina in Astor Piazzolla’s The Four Season of Buenos Aires. From Vivaldi’s iconic Spring to Piazzolla’s intense Winter, the SLSO’s own gifted violinists, Concertmaster David Halen and Associate Concertmaster Erin Schreiber, weave a seasonal musical tapestry. Tickets for general admission are $30.
Beethoven’s Second Symphony
Friday, December 1, 10:30am CST*
Friday, December 1, 7:30pm CST
Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis
1 Touhill Circle, St. Louis, Missouri, 63121
David Danzmayr, conductor
Jelena Dirks, oboe
Jessie Montgomery Strum
Ralph Vaughan Williams Oboe Concerto (First SLSO performances)
Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 2
Presented by the Thomas A. Kooyumjian Family Foundation.
*Refreshments courtesy of Kaldi’s Coffee and Eddie’s Southtown Donuts.
Conductor David Danzmayr returns to the SLSO for two concerts on December 1 that pair the familiar with the new. Danzmayr pushes Ludwig van Beethoven’s Second Symphony close to the edge, revealing the magic behind one of the composer’s lesser-known symphonies. SLSO Principal Oboist Jelena Dirks’ goal is to sing through her instrument. She has every opportunity in the songful, break-your-heart musical world of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Oboe Concerto, performed by the SLSO for the first time in these concerts. Strum by Jessie Montgomery, the in-demand American composer of this moment, salutes American folk music.
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Live at The Sheldon
Wednesday, December 6, 7:30pm CST
The Sheldon Concert Hall
3648 Washington Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, 63108
Angie Smart, curator and violin
Bjorn Ranheim, curator and cello
Andrea Jarrett, violin
Shannon Farrell Williams, viola
Aleck Belcher, double bass
Jessie Montgomery Strum
Harry González New Work (World premiere)
Christian Quiñones Pasemisí, Pasemisá
Franz Schubert String Quintet in C major
Curated by Angie Smart (SLSO violin) and Bjorn Ranheim (SLSO cello).
The performance of Harry González’s work is presented in partnership with the Mizzou New Music Initiative.
Sponsored by the Sinquefield Charitable Foundation.
The second in a five-concert chamber series in partnership with the SLSO’s Grand Center neighbor, The Sheldon, celebrates the virtuosity of SLSO string players on December 6. Curated and led by violinist Angie Smart and cellist Bjorn Ranheim, a quintet of SLSO string players performs a rich array of music by Jessie Montgomery and Christian Quiñones, as well as Franz Schubert’s Quintet in C major. In a unique partnership with the Mizzou New Music Initiative at the University of Missouri, the musicians also give the world premiere of new music by Harry González, a student composer. The St. Louis American called this new series “the hottest ticket in town.”
A Gospel Christmas
Friday, December 8, 7:30pm CST
Stifel Theatre
1400 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103
Kevin McBeth, conductor
Wintley Phipps, vocals
St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus | Kevin McBeth, director
Leroy Anderson A Christmas Festival
Jeffrey Ames (orch. Dunsmoor) A Festive Praise
Traditional “Walk Together Children”
Traditional (arr. Wilberg) “The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy”
Traditional (arr. Lawrence) “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
G.F. Handel (arr. Warren/Jackson/Kibble/Hey/Chinn) “Hallelujah” from Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration
Traditional (arr. Smith) “Go Tell It On the Mountain”
Traditional (arr. Stoddart/Turner) “Here’s One”
Alfred Burt (arr. Smith) “Some Children See Him”
Jill Jackson (arr. Clydesdale) “Let There Be Peace On Earth”
Traditional (arr. Davis) Deck the Halls
Brandon A. Boyd (orch. Joubert) “Sign Me Up”
Traditional (arr. Johnson/Davis) “Children, Go Where I Send Thee”
Franz Gruber (arr. Tyzik) “Silent Night”
Cliff Duren Star of Wonder Medley
Traditional (arr. Clydesdale) “Kum Ba Yah”
Adolph-Charles Adam (arr. Smith) “O Holy Night”
Traditional (arr. Keveren) “Amazing Grace”
Supported by Bayer Fund.
The SLSO IN UNISON Chorus returns for a beloved tradition on December 8, the Gospel Christmas concert with the SLSO, led by Chorus Director Kevin McBeth at Stifel Theatre. Joining the IN UNISON Chorus is baritone Wintley Phipps, whose silky-smooth voice highlights the soulful stylings of holiday music. Supported by Bayer Fund since 1994, the IN UNISON Chorus performs and preserves music from the African diaspora.
Home Alone in Concert
Saturday, December 9, 7:00pm CST
Sunday, December 10, 2:00pm CST
Stifel Theatre
1400 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103
Jason Seber, conductor
Webster University Chorale | Trent Patterson, director
John Williams Home Alone
Back by popular demand, the SLSO performs John Williams’ iconic score to Home Alone live to the hilarious and heartwarming holiday classic at Stifel Theatre on December 9-10. When the McCallisters leave for vacation, they forgot one thing: Kevin! Discover an experience the whole family can share. Limited tickets are available for this holiday favorite.
Mercy Holiday Celebration
Tuesday, December 12, 7:30pm CST
Wednesday, December 13, 7:30pm CST
J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts at Lindenwood University
2300 W. Clay St., St. Charles, Missouri, 63301
Saturday, December 16, 2:00pm & 7:30pm CST
Sunday, December 17, 2:00pm CST
Stifel Theatre
1400 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103
Stuart Malina, conductor
Scarlett Strallen, vocals (SLSO debut)
Cally Banham, English horn
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (arr. Baynes) Christmas Overture
George Wyle (arr. Clydesdale) “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
James Pierpont (arr. Waldin) “Jingle Bells”
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (arr. Ellington/Strayhorn; orch. Tyzik) Selection from The Nutcracker Suite
Irving Berlin (arr. Maness) “White Christmas”
Richard Rodgers (arr. Bennett) “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music
Adolphe Adam (arr. Clydesdale) “O Holy Night”
Various (arr. Stephenson) A Charleston Christmas
Traditional (arr. Tyzik) Chanukah Suite
Tom Lehrer (arr. Malina) “Chanukah in Santa Monica”
J. Fred Coots (arr. Holcombe) “Santa Claus in Coming to Town”
Sergei Prokofiev “Troika” from Lieutenant Kijé Suite
Leroy Anderson Sleigh Ride
Felix Bernard (arr. Harper; orch. Blank) “Winter Wonderland”
Various (arr. Waldin) “The Christmas Song/Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
Various (arr. Stephenson) A Holly and Jolly Sing-Along!
Presented by Mercy.
The SLSO and conductor Stuart Malina bring the music of the holiday season to the stage at Stifel Theatre and Lindenwood University in St. Charles for a cherished holiday tradition—the Mercy Holiday Celebration. Full of favorite carols and sounds of the season, this year the orchestra will be joined by special guests, Broadway and West End veteran vocalist Scarlett Strallen and SLSO English horn player Cally Banham. Even Santa makes time for these festive concerts December 12-13 (Lindenwood) and December 16-17 (three concert at Stifel Theatre)!
Back to the Future in Concert
Thursday, December 28, 7:00pm CST
Friday, December 29, 7:00pm CST
Stifel Theatre
1400 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103
Norman Huynh, conductor
Alan Silvestri Back to the Future
Recharge your flux capacitor…and get ready to celebrate the unforgettable 1985 classic, Back to the Future, with the SLSO performing Alan Silvestri’s score live as the film plays on Stifel Theatre’s big screen on December 28-29. Back to the Future topped the box office chart, spawned two wildly successful sequels, and stamped an enduring imprint on pop culture. Join Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd), and a time traveling DeLorean for the adventure of a lifetime.
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Sunday, December 31, 7:30pm CST
Stifel Theatre
1400 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103
Norman Huynh, conductor
Jimmie Herrod, vocals (SLSO debut)
Repertoire announced from the stage.
Send 2023 off in style at the SLSO’s annual bash—the New Year’s Eve Celebration concert. Frequent guest conductor Norman Huynh leads this musical party filled with surprises. Although the repertoire is a secret, it’s sure to be a fun-filled evening with the SLSO and guest vocalist Jimmie Herrod, a Pink Martini and America’s Got Talent alumnus. This one-night-only concert takes place at the stylish Stifel Theatre on December 31.
About the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Celebrated as one of today’s most exciting and enduring orchestras, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country, marking its 144th year with the 2023/2024 season and its fifth with Stéphane Denève, The Joseph and Emily Rauh Pulitzer Music Director. Widely considered one of the leading American orchestras, the Grammy® Award-winning SLSO maintains its commitment to artistic excellence, educational impact, and community collaborations—all in service to its mission of enriching lives through the power of music.
The transformational expansion and renovation of its historic home, Powell Hall, slated to be completed in 2025, builds on the institution’s momentum as a civic leader in convening individuals, creators, and ideas, while fostering a culture welcoming to all. Committed to building community through compelling and inclusive musical experiences, the SLSO continues its longstanding focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, and access, embracing its strengths as a responsive, nimble organization, while investing in partnerships locally and elevating its presence globally. For more information, visit slso.org.
About the University of Missouri–St. Louis Touhill Performing Arts Center
Designed by the renowned architectural firm I.M. Pei, Cobb, Freed and Partners, the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center is a landmark performance facility on the campus of the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). The Center hosts an average of 120 events, 200 performances, and 90,000 visitors per year.
The Touhill staff manages several collaborative relationships and programs that, along with campus and community partners, bring together a diverse season of dance, theatre, music, festivals, and special events.
About Stifel Theatre
Stifel Theatre is a historic, 3,100 seat theatre in the heart of downtown St. Louis. Originally opened in 1934, Stifel Theatre’s stage has welcomed some of entertainment’s greatest performers and was the primary venue for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra from 1934-1968. Following a $78.7 million restoration, this historical gem has been restored to its original splendor and undergone state-of-the-art upgrades.
Stifel Theatre plays host to a wide variety of events, including concerts, comedies, theatricals, family shows, holiday productions, and more.
Lynn (Zipfel) Venhaus has had a continuous byline in St. Louis metro region publications since 1978. She writes features and news for Belleville News-Democrat and contributes to St. Louis magazine and other publications.
She is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic, currently reviews films for Webster-Kirkwood Times and KTRS Radio, covers entertainment for PopLifeSTL.com and co-hosts podcast PopLifeSTL.com…Presents.
She is a member of Critics Choice Association, where she serves on the women’s and marketing committees; Alliance of Women Film Journalists; and on the board of the St. Louis Film Critics Association. She is a founding and board member of the St. Louis Theater Circle.
She is retired from teaching journalism/media as an adjunct college instructor.