Lifelong SLSO Patron Supports Orchestra’s Future

For SLSO trustee and general counsel Larry Katzenstein, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra has been a life-long passion. Growing up in Salem, Illinois, the orchestra played an important part in Katzenstein’s childhood. He fondly remembers driving to St. Louis with his parents for Sunday afternoon concerts.

“My father grew up in Germany across the street from an opera house, so he was a big music lover,” he said.

Katzenstein attended Washington University in St. Louis, followed by Harvard Law School before becoming a partner at Thompson Coburn and one of the nation’s foremost experts in estate planning and charitable giving.  Throughout his long career, Katzenstein has counseled individuals and organizations on effective ways to integrate philanthropic giving in their financial planning.

As a student at Washington University, Katzenstein attended SLSO concerts nearly every Saturday night. It was through the SLSO that he met his wife, Dr. Cheryl Quinn. She was former classmates with Marc Gordon, the SLSO’s long-time English horn player, who set Katzenstein and Quinn up on a blind date. Fittingly, they went to an SLSO concert on their second date.

Looking back, the couple has had so many notable SLSO memories that it’s difficult to pick a favorite. Katzenstein mentions the time he saw Igor Stravinsky conduct the orchestra, while Quinn recalls how difficult it was to get tickets because nearly every concert sold out when they were dating. There was even a date they had to sit apart because they couldn’t find seats together.

Music has always been one of the great passions of Katzenstein’s life. He explains that he supports the SLSO because he wants it to thrive for generations.

“I know how much it has meant to me throughout my life,” he said. “The SLSO isn’t sustained on just ticket sales. If you want it to impact future generations, you must support it through philanthropy.”

Katzenstein and Quinn were among the first to make a leadership gift in support of the SLSO’s Music for All Campaign, which supports the creation of the Jack C. Taylor Music Center and renovation of Powell Hall.

“The SLSO has benefited from Larry’s wise counsel for many years,” said SLSO Board Chair, Steven L. Finerty. “We are all deeply grateful for the generous support he and Cheryl are providing for this historic campaign.”