Love for SLSO Leads Former Chorus Director to Support Campaign

When Amy Kaiser, St. Louis Symphony Chorus Director from 1995 to 2022, explains her decision to move to St. Louis from her native New York, she says it felt like she was “jumping off a cliff.” She was 50, had never lived outside of the east coast, and didn’t know anyone in St. Louis.

She didn’t know much about St. Louis when she moved here, but she knew the region had a vibrant arts community, and she knew the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s caliber from its long-established national reputation.

“That’s not common even in bigger cities, so I knew this was a good situation,” she said. “In choral conducting, I traded being the head of the B-team for being a team player on the A-team,” she said.

What Kaiser didn’t quite expect, though, was how much she would love the role, one she would hold for 27 years. Moreover, the love and care she developed for the institution has carried over into her retirement, and her desire to see the organization thrive led her to support the Music for All Campaign—the campaign that supports the creation of the Jack C. Taylor Music Center and renovation of Powell Hall.  

“I have become quite a champion of the arts in St. Louis, of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra,” she said. “Now that I’m retired, I’m wanting to be part of the community, simply as a supporter.”

In celebration of her love for the SLSO, Kaiser’s support of the Music for Fall Campaign includes a generous philanthropic commitment through her estate plan.

“We are all in awe of Amy and her remarkable music legacy at the SLSO. Her generous support for our current campaign will set the stage for an exciting future of great music-making, and we are so grateful,” said SLSO President and CEO, Marie-Hélène Bernard.

Kaiser is looking forward to many aspects of the new music center, including the more spacious seating and updated public spaces, but it’s the new chorus rehearsal space in the Education and Learning Center that excites her most.

“The chorus never had a room to rehearse. We were on the stage, which was wonderful but costly, and when there was a conflict, there was no good place to go,” she said.

She encourages others to give.

“There are only so many sources of income for orchestras or for any arts organizations. Philanthropy is necessary,” she said. “I am pleased that I can make an impact for the future through my estate gift.”