Symphony Volunteer Association Testimonial: Susanne Mertens
For 100 years, members of the St. Louis Symphony Volunteer Association (SVA) have given their time, talents and enthusiasm in support of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. As the SVA celebrates its centennial, we’re highlighting some of the volunteers who continue that tradition today—and the experiences that have made their service meaningful.
Susanne Mertens, a St. Louis native, has been a member of the SVA for about 30 years. A retired trust and estate paralegal who previously worked as an elementary school teacher, Mertens has built a decades-long connection to the SLSO—one that began well before she officially became a volunteer. In September 2026, Mertens was named a Hospitality Hero by Explore St. Louis for her efforts as a volunteer.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
How did your relationship with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra begin?
I have been attending SLSO concerts since I was child. The concerts were then performed at Keil Opera House, now Stifel. When I was in high school the SLSO opened Powell Hall so of course I attended concerts there.
I also helped my mother during education concerts at Powell Hall. My mom, Helen Gillespie, was the elementary music curriculum coordinator at Lindbergh and would sometimes fill up the entire auditorium with students. I helped get students to their seats and then to the buses afterward.
Of all the experiences you have had as an SVA volunteer, which one stands out most—and why?
There are actually two similar experiences years ago that happened while working at the gift boutique. Both times I was working with [former SVA President] Sara Fabick. One occasion she challenged me to sell an infant pacifier that played a melody. I sold one almost right away. Another time was during the Christmas season. The boutique had three large carousel type music boxes remaining and it was the last concert before the holiday. Sara again challenged me to sell one of the music boxes, priced at $100 plus. I sold all three that day.
Can you share a moment when you saw firsthand that your volunteer work had made a difference?
Greeting the senior patrons as a Group Host volunteer has been an important SVA contribution. Acknowledging the seniors as they arrive, smiling and chatting with them, and expressing how great it is to have them at Powell Hall seems to make the seniors feel like they are in a good place. It takes some of them a lot of effort to attend and letting them know that I am happy that they are at the concert uplifts them. Most of the seniors are long time patrons and chatting about the concert afterwards is important to them. I believe that showing that the SLSO and SVA care about them makes them feel better that day.
What part of your SVA work are you most passionate about? What makes that particular role or activity meaningful to you?
I love giving tours of Powell Hall and sharing my passion for the SLSO with others. Many who have been in my tour groups comment what a beautiful place Powell Hall is, and they are so glad that they had a tour. Many are appreciative of the SVA’s effort to provide the tours.
The SVA is celebrating 100 years of service to the SLSO. What does it mean to you to be part of that legacy, and what do you hope the SVA carries forward into its next century?
The many ways the SVA works with the SLSO is phenomenal. The SLSO would not be doing some of the things if it were not for the dedicated SVA volunteers. I appreciate that the SLSO acknowledges the tremendous effort of the SVA volunteers. The SVA must remain a constant in the future of the SLSO so that the community has the various opportunities to experience music and Powell Hall.
