Photos

2024/2025 Season Opening Weekend

By Eric Dundon

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s 2024/2025 season began on September 19 with the annual free concert in Forest Park, but the fun didn’t stop there. On September 27-29, the SLSO began its classical concerts with music inspired by central European culture, held its first electronic dance music (EDM) party, and shared music in front of thousands of fans at the CITY SC match against Sporting Kansas City.

The SLSO gave one of the first performances of Mason Bates’ Nomad Concerto following its world premiere in early 2024. (Photo by Phillip Hamer)
The Symphonie Electronique event was held at The Hawthorn. (Photo by Phillip Hamer)
SLSO wind players during Symphonie fantastique. (Photo by Phillip Hamer)
SLSO brass musicians play “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the CITY SC match. Later, some called it the best rendition of the anthem this season. (Photo courtesy of CITY SC)
Audiences danced the night away at Symphonie Electronique. (Photo by Phillip Hamer)
Denève leads the orchestra in a performance of Brahms’ Hungarian Dances. (Photo by Phillip Hamer)
SLSO violinist Asako Kuboki performed alongside DJ Alexis Tucci. (Photo by Phillip Hamer)
SLSO cellos and violas perform Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique. (Photo by Phillip Hamer)
Stéphane Denève leads the SLSO at CITYPARK. (Photo courtesy of CITY SC)
DJ Alexis Tucci spins during her set at Symphonie Electronique. (Photo by Phillip Hamer)
SLSO Second Trumpet George Goad gestures toward the crowd at Symphonie Electronique. (Photo by Phillip Hamer)
Denè’ve smiles with violinist Gil Shaham and composer Mason Bates. (Photo by Phillip Hamer)
Composer Mason Bates as DJ Masonic during the SLSO’s Symphonie Electronique event. (Photo by Phillip Hamer)
Music Director Stéphane Denève opened the 24/25 season classical concerts with Berlioz’s “Hungarian March.” (Photo by Phillip Hamer)
Music Director Stéphane Denève interviews on the field at the CITY SC match. (Photo by Eric Dundon)

Throughout the season, the SLSO will perform throughout the community as its home undergoes a transformational expansion and renovation. The Jack C. Taylor Music Center—with Powell Hall at its heart—will open in September 2025.

The Opening Weekend classical concerts saw the welcome return of violinist Gil Shaham, a friend of the SLSO for many years who perform a new violin concerto by Mason Bates, one of today’s most influential voices. Shaham practically danced in place throughout the performance, which earned a standing ovation. Music Director Stéphane Denève led music by Johannes Brahms and Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie fanstique, one of the most evocative pieces in the repertoire.

Then on Saturday night, SLSO musician appeared in two very different venues. Music filled downtown’s CITYPARK as a string ensemble performed the MLS anthem and a brass and percussion ensemble played a John Williams arrangement of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” led by Denève. Denève then traded his baton for a keyboard as he played the spooky theme to the 1978 film Halloween as a banner bearing the face of the film’s villain, Michael Myers, was unveiled in the CITY SC supporters section.

Later that night, the SLSO brought music to the dance club, as several musicians joined DJs for Symphonie Electronique—an EDM dance party event. Bates sampled the instrumentalists live throughout his set as DJ Masonic and local DJ Alexis Tucci joined for this extraordinary event.

Eric Dundon is the SLSO’s Public Relations Director.

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