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Concert for Kids: Because creates a stirring journey

The March 23, 2025, Concert for Kids invited families into a journey of musical discovery at UMSL’s Touhill Performing Arts Center. Led by Samuel Hollister, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Assistant Conductor, the concert feature a dramatic retelling of author Mo Willems’ book Because, set to music by composer Jessie Montgomery. Because tells the story of a young girl who discovers a passion for music and pursues it all the way to center stage. Created in partnership with Metro Theater Company, the concert featured two actors: Chase Harless and Jailyn Genyse, who joined narrator Denise Thimes to bring the story to life.

The packed hall buzzed with excitement even before Because due to the engaging pre-concert activities, which included movement exercises led by Ballet 314, a chance to conduct musicians of the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, and an opportunity to create music with pitched boom whackers.

Concerts for Kids are a decades-old tradition for the SLSO. Concerts in the 2025/26 season will be announced in spring 2025.

Photos by Tyler Small

The SLSO’s March 23, 2025, Concert for Kids, Because, included a performance of author Mo Willems’ book of the same name set to music.
Actors Chase Harless, left, and Jailyn Genyse, right, joined narrator Denise Thimes, center.
Ballet 314 engaged kids in pre-concert activities that had them moving to music.
SLSO strings perform an excerpt from Ethel Smyth’s Overture to The Wreckers.
Children used pitched boom whackers to created music in a pre-concert activity.
SLSO Assistant Conductor Samuel Hollister led the concert.
Children were invited to become a conductor and lead members of the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra.
SLSO Principal Cellist Daniel Lee.
Thimes reacts to audience response.
Pre-activities were designed to get children engaged in music before even entering the concert hall.

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