Photos

John Legend with the SLSO at The Muny

By Eric Dundon

For the first time in more than 30 years, The Muny—St. Louis’s nationally recognized musical theater institution—held an outdoor concert with a pop artist, and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra was there to inaugurate a new era of these types of concerts. With ideal weather on Saturday, September 7, the SLSO served as the back up band for Emmy-, Grammy-, Oscar-, and Tony-winner John Legend.

The multi-talented artist brought his signature smooth vocals to A Night of Songs and Stories with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, an intimate night of music and storytelling. Legend presented many of his most famous melodies, including “Used to Love U” and “All of Me,” given a new twist with full orchestral arrangements performed by the SLSO. He also performed covers of music by Bruce Springsteen, Bob Marley, and Marvin Gaye, intertwined with stories about his Midwestern upbringing in Ohio. In a review of the concert, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch called the SLSO “the ideal accompaniment” for star.

The SLSO performed on The Muny’s iconic stage, supported by Legend’s house band and a chorus.

This is the latest in a long history of collaborations between two of St. Louis’ most storied performing arts institutions. Vocal talent featured at The Muny has appeared alongside the orchestra at Powell Hall for a tribute to Stephen Sondheim, as well as a celebration of The Muny’s 100th anniversary.

The SLSO added “new dimension” to Legend’s signature songs, according to a review by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. (Photo by Zach Dalin)
Legend greets the sold-out house at The Muny in front of the SLSO cello section. (Photo by Jon Gitchoff)
The concert drew more than 10,000 people to the Forest Park venue, a sell-out. (Photo by Jon Gitchoff)
The Muny hopes to bring back other artists for outdoor concerts, a tradition that restarted with this concert following a 30-year break. (Photo by Jon Gitchoff)
John Legend, whose birth name is John R. Stephens, shared stories about his childhood throughout the night. (Photo by Zach Dalin)
Anthony Parnther led the SLSO, which joined Legend on The Muny’s iconic stage. (Photo by Phillip Hamer)
The Muny and the SLSO have collaborated many times over the years, including concerts at Powell Hall. (Photo by Phillip Hamer)
Legend performed many of his most recognizable songs, including “All of Me,” “Stay With Me,” and “Used to Love U.” (Photo by Jon Gitchoff)

Eric Dundon is the SLSO’s Public Relations Director.

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