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SLSO welcomes community for open house at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center

By Eric Dundon

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s November 8 community open house offered a vibrant, welcoming celebration of art, music, and community inside its newly renovated home. Throughout the event, guests of all ages flowed through the refreshed Powell Hall from 1925 and through the new, 64,000-square-foot expansion designed to enhance both artistic experiences and audience comfort. The atmosphere buzzed with curiosity and excitement as visitors explored performances spaces, a family fun zone, and historic and new lobbies.

Throughout the day, more than a dozen performances took place throughout the venue by partner institutions of the SLSO, including Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, The Repertory Theater, the Black Rep, Saint Louis Dance Theater, St. Louis Classical Guitar, the St. Louis Children’s Choirs, and others.

Young musicians participating in the Webster University Community Music School’s Suzuki Strings Program take the “stage” in the Met Bar. (Photo by Philip Hamer)
The sing-in brought a rousing conclusion to a day of music and artistry through the Jack C. Taylor Music Center. (Photo by Philip Hamer)
St. Louis Story Stitchers was the SLSO’s neighbor at the orchestra’s temporary office location while Powell Hall was under construction. The SLSO was thrilled to invite the arts collective to Powell Hall for the community open house. (Photo by Philip Hamer)
The 442s, which include SLSO musicians, took the stage in the late afternoon. (Photo by Philip Hamer)
Saint Louis Dance Theatre presented a one-person visual showcase in the Steward Family Education and Learning Center. (Photo by Philip Hamer)
Kevin McBeth, director of the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus, welcomes the crowd for the final performance of the day: a sing-in featuring members of four unique choruses. (Photo by Philip Hamer)
St. Louis Children’s Choirs, who shared the stage with the SLSO in the same weekend’s performances of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem, sang in the Met Bar. (Photo by Philip Hamer)
St. Louis Classical Guitar presented a program that ranged music of the 1700s to The Beatles. (Photo by Philip Hamer)
Many visitors perused the historic lobby, where tables from participating arts organizations shared information about their programs. (Photo by Philip Hamer)
Artists from St. Louis Story Stitchers perform an original spoken word and dramatic work in the Steward Family Education and Learning Center. (Photo by Philip Hamer)

Musicians, staff, and volunteers stood alongside community members, creating a warm sense of connection across generations and neighborhoods. Families lingered to hear chamber ensembles perform in intimate corners, while longtime patrons paused to admire architectural updates that blend modern style with historic charm. Children explored music, local artists shared creative demonstrations, and visitors enjoyed pop-up performances that showcased the breadth of talent within the SLSO community.

More than just a tour of a refurbished building, the open house served as a reminder of the SLSO’s central role in St. Louis’ cultural life. It strengthened relationships, invited new audiences into the fold, and celebrated a space designed to inspire creativity for decades to come. In opening its doors so widely, the SLSO reaffirmed its commitment to being a welcoming hub where music brings people together.

Eric Dundon is the SLSO’s Public Relations Director.

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