Meet Nancy Galvin, the SLSO’s New Board of Trustees Chair
By Eric Dundon
When Nancy Galvin chaired the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s 2011 gala, she marveled at the talents of famed violinist Itzhak Perlman, who performed Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1. But beyond the virtuosic performance, Galvin was struck by how the SLSO connected students to an internationally acclaimed artist.
“I especially loved seeing young musicians who had been at the concert lined up at the stage door afterward to get his autograph,” she remembered. “He obviously accommodated them all because he was late being seated for dinner.”
The gala with Perlman took place in the year after she first joined the SLSO Board of Trustees, but Galvin’s history with the SLSO goes back to the 1980s, when she moved to St. Louis with her husband Walter and three children. Since then, she has seen countless orchestra performances and introduced many to the SLSO. A dedicated advocate for the SLSO for many years, Galvin was elected Chair of the SLSO Board of Trustees on October 27, 2025, after serving one year a Chair-Elect.
In addition to chairing the 2011 Gala featuring Perlman, she also co-chaired with her husband Walter the Realizing Greatness Campaign in 2013, an ambitious fundraising initiative. Galvin’s SLSO leadership extends to her robust committee involvement. She co-chaired the Governance and Nominating Committee for many years and was Chair of the Philanthropy Committee since 2019.
Galvin notes that the SLSO elevates St. Louis on the international stage, calling it a privilege to serve alongside the more than 40 board members.
“The entire SLSO organization is world class—staff, musicians, and volunteers,” she said. “We are truly blessed to have such generous donors and dedicated patrons.”
Marie-Hélène Bernard, the SLSO’s President and CEO, said Galvin’s leadership of the Board comes at a transformational moment for the institution.
“The SLSO’s social impact and its continued commitment to sharing the life-affirming power of music are unique in this country,” she said. “I am inspired by the institution’s positive trajectory and look forward to shaping the orchestra of the future alongside Nancy, who is an unflagging advocate for the SLSO and all the arts in St. Louis.”
Galvin attended the opening of the Jack C. Taylor Music Center with pride.
“The entire Fanfare for Powell Hall opening weekend program in September will always stand out in my memory as extraordinary. After the first five notes, I knew I was going to love Kevin Puts’ House of Tomorrow. It’s a stunning composition,” she said, referring to the world premiere performance commissioned for the reopening of the building featuring mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato.
Over the years, Galvin—who played flute and some guitar through high school—recounted several noteworthy moments, including performances with classical superstars Yo-Yo Ma and Hilary Hahn, the 2014/15 season that featured 50 soloists from within the orchestra, and new music selections by Music Director Stéphane Denève.
Galvin succeeds Steve Finerty, who served with distinction as Board Chair for five years, guiding the SLSO through a period of transformation through the Covid pandemic, and leading the Board to support the expansion and renovation of Powell Hall and the Music for All Campaign, the largest fundraising effort in the institution’s history.
Galvin has dedicated more than three decades of service to a wide array of organizations in the St. Louis region. In addition to her work with the SLSO, Galvin has served on several other prestigious boards, including the St. Louis Chapter of the American Red Cross, Dance St. Louis, Arts and Education Council, and the St. Louis Internship Board. She was recognized as a St. Louis Woman of Achievement in 2006.
Eric Dundon is the SLSO’s Public Relations Director.
