The Jack C. Taylor Music Center’s opening fanfare

By Eric Dundon

After two years and a $140 million expansion and renovation, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra has opened the Jack C. Taylor Music Center, with Powell Hall at its heart. The September 26-28 opening weekend brought together old and new friends—audiences and artists alike. These were the first concerts in the venue since May 2023, when Powell Hall closed for the project.

Many in attendance marveled at the new lobby, with its wide and tall glass entry, signature spiral staircase, and whimsical textile art installation by Sheila Hicks. Beyond the three-tired lobby—which includes many added amenities, audiences found much to love about the renovated 1925 building. The lavish details are refreshed, with the chandeliers sparkling above fresh crimson-colored carpets and red velvet details. Most importantly, the sound of the orchestra filled the acclaimed space once more. Already recognized for superb acoustics, the sound of the concert hall has improved, with Music Director Stéphane Denève noting that the sound is more evenly dispersed and may feel slightly brighter and more resonant.

Denève and the orchestra celebrated the opening with a five-work program, starting with not one, but three fanfares. Following Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man and Joan Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman No. 1, the orchestra delivered the first of two world premieres. The first heralded the hall’s opening with a fanfare: James Lee III’s Fanfare for Universal Hope, inspiring the first of several standing ovations.

The centerpiece of the program was Kevin Puts’ House of Tomorrow, a song cycle for orchestra, chorus, and mezzo-soprano set to the text of writer Khalil Gibran. Acclaimed vocalist Joyce DiDonato served as the soloist in the performances, bringing her powerhouse vocals to the piece, which explores themes of life, work, pain, and joy.

Following the intermission, Denève paid homage to the SLSO’s musicians as heroes in Richard Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life). A true showpiece for each section of the orchestra, the music follows the life of a fictional hero through trials and tribulations, and ultimately to a satisfactory conclusion.

Photos by Virginia Harold.

On Saturday, September 27, the celebration continued after the concert with a DJ and afterparty. Guests explored the Jack C. Taylor Music Center while DJ limewire.prime provided the good vibes.

Photos by Miranda Munguia and Joa Frey.

Eric Dundon is the SLSO’s Public Relations Director.