Photos

SLSO Opens 24/25 Season at Forest Park

By Eric Dundon

As a harvest moon rose over Forest Park on September 19, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra—led by Music Director Stéphane Denève—performed one of the most recognizable moments in film score history. John Williams’ “The Flying Theme” from E.T. the Extraterrestrial filled Art Hill, where more than 20,000 people gathered to hear the ceremonial opening of the SLSO’s season.

The annual event, which has taken place for more than 55 years, again drew thousands of eager concertgoers.

The sun sets over Forest Park, where more than 20,000 people helped kick off the SLSO’s 2024/2025 season. (Photo by Justin Barr)
Flutist Ann Choomack, center, performs during John Williams’ Olympic Fanfare and Theme. (Photo by Virginia Harold)
Denève gestures to the audience to welcome vocalist Kennedy Holmes. (Photo by Virginia Harold)
As the evening cooled, audiences showed their appreciation for the orchestra and Stéphane Denève. (Photo by Virginia Harold)
Fireworks light up Grand Basin over the SLSO. (Photo by Justin Barr)
At the Family Fun Zone, St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra member were conducted by children in the crowd. (Photo by Virginia Harold)
The annual event attracts more than 20,000 people to Forest Park. (Photo by Virginia Harold)
Fans showing Stéphane Denève’s face were handed out at the park. (Photo by Virginia Harold)
Denève instructed the crowd how to conduct using glow sticks handed out earlier in the evening. (Photo by Virginia Harold)
A Symphony Volunteer Association member passes out fans to concertgoers on Art Hill. (Photo by Virginia Harold)
The statue of King Louis IX watches over the event. (Photo by Justin Barr)
The concert was given in memory of Mary Ann Lee, a longtime SLSO patron. (Photo by Virginia Harold)
Denève cues vocalist Kennedy Holmes, who performed three songs during the concert. (Photo by Virginia Harold)
SLSO staff welcomed guests with a game and prizes. (Photo by Virginia Harold)
The concert has been a St. Louis tradition for more than 55 years. (Photo by Justin Barr)

Part of the free program previewed parts of the orchestra’s season to come: W.A. Mozart’s “Paris” Symphony, selections from symphonies by Ludwig van Beethoven and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and the serenely beautiful “Morning” from Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt. Other portions of the program presented a uniquely St. Louis take on orchestral music, including “The Trolley Song” from Meet Me In St. Louis, and The Cascades by Scott Joplin. As usual, the evening concluded with a stunning fireworks display as the orchestra performed the rousing and patriotic The Stars and Stripes Forever.

Prior to the concert, audiences enjoyed food trucks from a dozen vendors and children gathered under the statue of King Louis IX for a Family Fun Zone, which included an opportunity to conduct members of the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Denève again charmed the audience, even teaching them to conduct the orchestra using glow sticks. In a particularly poignant moment, Denève thanked service members and remembered America’s role in ending World War II almost 80 years ago before a medley of anthems for the U.S. military branches.

The SLSO performs throughout the community for a second season while its home, Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center, undergoes expansion and renovation. View the orchestra’s calendar of concerts here.

Eric Dundon is the SLSO’s Public Relations Director.

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