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SLSO Opens 2025 with a World Premiere

By Eric Dundon

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra kicked off 2025 with a program themed around American influences on January 11, 2025. From American composers Samuel Barber and Nina Shekhar, to Antonín Dvořák‘s most well-known piece, inspired by American traditions and travels.

Conductor Daniela Candillari, the Principal Conductor for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL), led the program in her SLSO subscription program debut, having previously led the orchestra in operatic selections (as well as at OTSL). The centerpiece of the program, as Candillari explained in remarks to the audience, was the world premiere of Nina Shekhar’s Accordion Concerto. Featuring an uncommon instrument in an orchestral setting, the concerto spotlighted soloist Hanzhi Wang. Shekhar was present for the premiere, which showcased the versatility of the accordion’s sound.

Photos by Virginia Harold

Double bassist Ron Moberly.
Daniela Candillari greets the audience from the podium.
Second Horn Blaine Dodson.
Principal Timpanist Shannon Wood.
Accordion player Hanzhi Wang shakes the hand of concertmaster David Halen as she enters the auditorium.
Daniela Candillari gestures toward the audience following the conclusion of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9.
The Friday morning performance was delayed due to snow, but audiences still packed the Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis for two performances on Saturday, January 11.
Trombonists, from left: Jonathan Randazzo, Jonathan Reycraft, and Jason Sato.
Hanzhi Wang earned a standing ovation for her performance in the world premiere of Nina Shekhar’s Accordion Concerto.
Daniela Candillari leads the SLSO in Samuel Barber’s The School for Scandal Overture.
Hanzhi Wang performs Nina Shekhar’s Accordion Concerto.

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