Benefit concert nets more than $350,000 for tornado relief

By Eric Dundon

On June 29, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, members of its two choruses, and gospel star BeBe Winans collaborated for a special benefit concert at the Fabulous Fox in support of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

While the occasion was unexpected—the concert raised funds in response to the devastating EF-3 tornado that tore through portions of St. Louis on May 16—the results demonstrated the power of unity through music: more than $350,000 raised to support the Urban League’s Disaster Relief Fund.

“This partnership not only raised over $350,000, but also renewed hope for families, churches, and entire neighborhoods working to recover and rebuild,” said Michael P. McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis President and CEO.

The funds raised support the most immediate needs of people displaced or impacted in north St. Louis following the May 16 EF-3 tornado, including large-scale food distribution, temporary housing, personal necessities, and emergency building supplies. Pay-what-you-wish concert ticket purchases generated $100,000 in addition to $250,000 in donations directly to the Urban League, with another $150,000 pending as challenge grants. Leadership gifts came from Noémi Neidorff, BSI Constructors, Nancy and Walter Galvin, and the Steward Family Foundation.

The collaboration built upon the long partnership between the SLSO and the Urban League, with the Fabulous Fox serving as the generous host venue while Powell Hall remains under construction.

“This collaboration is a shining example of what the community can achieve in the face of adversity through vision, teamwork, and unity,” said Marie-Hélène Bernard, SLSO President and CEO.

McMillan, in his remarks at the concert, praised Bernard’s vision for making the benefit concert a reality. Both the SLSO and the Fabulous Fox donated their costs for the event.

“This inspiring collaboration is a shining example of how the arts can unite a community in compassion, purpose, and action,” McMillan said. He thanked the large crowd for their commitment to helping neighbors.

The June 29 concert, led by SLSO Music Director Stéphane Denève and Kevin McBeth, director of the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus, featured the SLSO and members of its two resident choruses—the IN UNISON Chorus, which specializes in the performance and preservation of music from the African diaspora, and the St. Louis Symphony Chorus. Many of the singers in the IN UNISON Chorus come from SLSO partner churches in the SLSO’s IN UNISON program, which has connected congregations primarily in north St. Louis to the orchestra for more than 30 years. A portion of the funds will also support nine IN UNISON partner churches damaged by the tornado.

The program included music of reflection, including Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings and John Williams’ “Hymn to the Fallen” from the film Saving Private Ryan. McBeth led a moving tribute to Patricia Penelton, an IN UNISON Chorus charter member who died in the tornado.

The event also focused on hope and resilience with music that uplifted the soul. Grammy Award winner BeBe Winans also joined the orchestra and choruses for an inspiring performance.

The concluding piece, Rollo Dilworth’s Freedom’s Plow, shook the building with optimism.

“On behalf of the 170 musicians on stage, Music Director Stéphane Denève, and IN UNISON Chorus Director Kevin McBeth, the SLSO thanks the St. Louis community for its exceptional support of this joint effort benefiting the Urban League’s vital disaster relief efforts,” Bernard said.

“It was incredibly moving to see our community come together with such heart and generosity. We are deeply thankful to everyone who showed up to support our neighbors and help bring hope and healing to those affected by the tornado,” added Jeff Antrainer, the Fabulous Fox President and CFO.

The Urban League continues to accept donations to the Disaster Relief Fund directly through its website.

Eric Dundon is the SLSO’s Public Relations Director.