Looking Ahead to the SLSO’s October Calendar
By Maddie Hurst
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s October 2026 concerts span a variety of decades, genres, and debuts, reflecting the SLSO’s commitment to providing audiences with a diverse range of musical offerings. The month features a Concert for Kids, the orchestra’s first presentation of the Edward Scissorhands in concert, a Playlist: Symphony Happy Hour concert, classical subscription programs with masterworks from Debussy, Mozart, and Beethoven, and a jazz performance from Grammy-winning artists.
Here are the highlights of the SLSO’s October concert lineup.
A Month of Firsts
October welcomes several new works and artists to the SLSO. Up first is the internationally acclaimed conductor Dalia Stasevska making her SLSO debut (October 2 & 4) with a nautical themed program. The concert features several first-time SLSO performances including Anna Meredith’s Nautilus, Jean Sibelius’ Scene with Cranes, and Luciano Berio’s Folk Songs. The program concludes with Jean Sibelius’ Luonnotar and Claude Debussy’s La Mer.
Another October debut comes from Estonian conductor Kristiina Poska (October 16–17), who leads a program that pairs Mozart’s beloved Piano Concerto No. 21 with the US premiere of fellow Estonian composer Ülo Krigul’s Proteus Pulse.
The roster of new additions continues with the SLSO’s first performance of Edward Scissorhands in concert, featuring the film on the big screen while the orchestra plays Danny Elfman’s score live to picture. The SLSO is among the first orchestras ever to present the Tim Burton classic in the symphonic setting.
The month’s debuts conclude with soprano and St. Louis native Julia Bullock joining Music Director Stéphane Denève and the orchestra for sentimental and heartfelt music by Samuel Barber. Bullock won the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album and will accompany the orchestra for Barber’s moving Knoxville: Summer of 1915. The work is a musical setting of a prose poem by James Agee. It captures a quiet, peaceful summer evening in Knoxville, Tennessee.
A Month of Variety
October’s concerts span more than classical powerhouse performances. On October 9, actor and pianist Jeff Goldblum and his band, the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, join the SLSO for a one-night-only evening of jazz and American Songbook classics.
Just a few days later, Assistant Conductor Samuel Hollister leads the orchestra for a Halloween themed Concert for Kids, Howl at Powell (October 11). The 45-minute concert is filled with playful melodies, ghostly tunes, and fun surprises. Families are encouraged to come in costume to this not-so-scary Halloween concert and come an hour early for pre-concert activities.
Additionally, the SLSO will travel to St. Charles County for the first of two programs this season with Symphonic Dreamscapes: Hisaishi and Beyond at Lindenwood University (October 10). The concert features Joe Hisaishi’s music from Howl’s Moving Castle and the Spirited Away Suite. The evening also includes pieces from Felix Mendelssohn, Kaija Saariaho, and Arnold Bax. The program will have a twin performance on October 8 at Powell Hall.
Grammy-Winning Artists Take the Powell Hall Stage
As jazz fans around the world commemorate the centennial birthday of the late John Coltrane, the SLSO marks the occasion with a star-studded experience. Grammy-winning artists Branford Marsalis (saxophone) and Dianne Reeves (vocals) take the Powell Hall stage for a special tribute concert (October 18). Inspired by the landmark 1963 recording by John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman, this anniversary concert joins two critically acclaimed performers with the artistry and influence of one of the most important figures in jazz history. Jazz fans won’t want to miss this.
October has a lot to offer; from classical concerts to exciting specials, the SLSO hopes there’s something this month that excites everyone. Bring friends, family, and loved ones and come visit Powell Hall this October.
To learn more about this month’s concerts and grab tickets go here.
Maddie Hurst was the SLSO’s summer 2026 Communications and Public Relations intern.
