St. Louis Symphony Orchestra announces return of happy hour concerts and Young Friends program to 2025/26 season

(July 8, 2025, St. Louis, MO) – Today, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) announced additional programming for its 2025/26 season, the orchestra’s 146th and seventh with Music Director Stéphane Denève. In addition to previously announced classical and holiday concerts, the 25/26 season includes concerts designed for young adults and those seeking new ways to experience symphonic music. Updates include:

All concerts will take place at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center (718 N. Grand Blvd.), which will reopen in September 2025 following a two-year expansion and renovation of Powell Hall, the orchestra’s home since 1968. The transformed venue, designed by acclaimed architecture firm Snøhetta, better serves audiences and artists by improving all aspects of the visitor experience, from improved safety and accessibility measures to added amenities on all levels, and a renovation of the internationally recognized concert hall.

Curated and Compose Your Own subscription packages are available now at slso.org. Single tickets for all concerts will go on sale July 22. Additional concert details for the 25/26 season, including new specials, chamber music concerts, and recitals, will be announced later.

Playlist concerts invite audiences—from lifelong symphony enthusiasts to first-time guests—to connect with music in a way that’s enlightening and inspiring. At these Thursday night happy hour concerts, guests can unwind with signature cocktails and mocktails, enjoy insights from the conductor, and mingle with musicians. Designed to inspire, relax, and get the conversation going, Playlist offers three concerts centered on landmark pieces and remarkable composers.

Learn more at slso.org/playlist. Playlist: Symphony Happy Hour concerts include:

Playlist: Stravinsky’s Firebird (November 20, 2025)

Igor Stravinsky’s The Firebird ignites the imagination, fusing magic and modernity. Music Director Stéphane Denève gives insight into this 1910 ballet that revolutionized orchestral music while reimagining an age-old fairytale.

Playlist: Beethoven’s Seventh (January 15, 2026)

The energy of Ludwig van Beethoven’s blazing and boisterous Symphony No. 7 has withstood the test of time. SLSO Assistant Conductor Samuel Hollister leads the bold, dance-like patterns contrasting with the haunting beauty of the Allegretto to the triumphant finale.

Playlist: Spotlight on John Williams (March 19, 2026)

Step into the soundtracks of your favorite movies during this concert of iconic film scores by John Williams. Led by Denève, a personal friend of Williams, soar through the stars with selections from Star Wars, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and more.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Young Friends is a passport to unforgettable nights at the symphony, designed for music lovers ages 21-45. From the relaxed vibes of Playlist: Symphony Happy Hour concerts to cinematic adventures and sweeping symphonies, Young Friends Nights offer exclusive benefits including a five-concert package at a special rate, reserved seats, access to a private lounge, and post-concert receptions with musicians.

Learn more at slso.org/youngfriends. Young Friends Nights include:

Forest Park Concert (September 17, 2025)

Kick off the 25/26 season with Music Director Stéphane Denève and the SLSO at the annual, free Forest Park concert with exclusive Young Friends seating.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone^TMin Concert(October 3, 2025)

The SLSO performs John Williams’ iconic score while Harry, Ron, and Hermione enchant the world all over again.

Playlist: Stravinsky’s Firebird (November 20, 2025)

Igor Stravinsky’s The Firebird fuses magic and modernity in this happy hour concert.

Playlist: Beethoven’s Seventh (January 15, 2026)

Become immersed in Beethoven’s blazing and boisterous Symphony No. 7 in this happy hour concert.

Playlist: Spotlight on John Williams (March 19, 2026)

Step into the John Williams soundtracks of your favorite movies in this happy hour concert.

Mahler’s Fifth (April 10, 2026)

Mahler’s magnificent Fifth Symphony, with its tremendous emotional scope, rings through Powell Hall alongside a concerto by two string virtuosos, violinist Hilary Hahn and cellist Seth Parker Woods.

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