2026/27 Season Concert Recommendations from SLSO Staff
See what concerts SLSO staff members are most looking forward to next season!
Iain Shaw, Content Manager
Marsalis’ Fifth: A Jazz Symphony (Mar 12–14 2027)
I can’t wait for Marsalis’ Fifth: A Jazz Symphony in March. That point where jazz and classical music meet and influence each other is an exciting place in American music, and I love that the SLSO is playing a part in that by commissioning the new symphony by Wynton Marsalis. It’s also an opportunity to see Marsalis perform with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra before he steps down in 2027.
Debussy’s La Mer: Stories in Sound (Oct 2&4 2027)
Early in the season, Debussy’s La Mer features an evocative, wide-ranging program. In addition to La Mer, you’ll hear contemporary Scottish composer Anna Meredith’s electrifying Nautilus alongside two works by Sibelius, and more. The SLSO’s performance of Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 was one of my favorites from this season, so I’m excited to hear more of his work in 2026/27.
Jessica Ingraham, Senior Director of Education
Concerts for Kids: Our World of Water (Apr 25 2027)
I’m especially looking forward to Concerts for Kids: Our World of Water. The collaboration with StoneLion Puppet Theatre makes it especially exciting to me, because it brings together music, visual storytelling, and creativity in a way that feels truly magical for young audiences. I also love that it offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of caring for our water and natural world. It’s the kind of concert experience that can spark curiosity, conversation, and joy for the whole family.
Hank Skolnick, Associate Librarian
Haydn and Ortiz: Resistance and Revolution (Mar 20–21 2027)
I am really excited that we will perform “Revolución diamantina” by Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz. Ortiz composed this ballet score (released 2024), inspired by the 2019 “Glitter Revolution” in Mexico, where protesters used pink glitter to protest violence against women. The piece is a six-act ballet exploring themes of domestic violence, the “disappeared,” and street protests against systemic sexism.
Bruckner’s Fourth: The Romantic (Feb 26–27 2027)
As a bassoonist (I have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in bassoon performance and have been a life-long professional bassoonist, in addition to my work as an orchestra librarian), I am thrilled that our principal bassoonist, Andrew Cuneo, will be performing the newly composed Bassoon Concerto by Kevin Puts. The bassoon rarely gets the attention of composers, and this concerto is the most important concerto written for the bassoon is a long time. Andrew is one of the finest living performers on the bassoon, and we are so fortunate here in St. Louis to hear him every week. This will be a rare treat to hear him as a soloist out front performing a new work from a composer from Saint Louis!
Eliza Caperton, Artist Services Manager
Ana Gasteyer’s Sugar Booze Holiday Spectacular (Dec 22 2026)
I’m excited to experience Ana Gasteyer’s Sugar Booze Holiday Spectacular at Powell Hall! As both an SNL icon and a renowned Broadway Elphaba, Gasteyer brings exceptional versatility to the stage. It will be a thrill to see her combine sharp comedy with powerhouse vocals in this performance.
Chris Aman-McBroom, Artistic Operations Assistant
Opening Weekend: Italian Splendor (Sep 26–27 2026)
Opening Weekend is always filled with so much excitement for the full season! Also, Pines of Rome is one of my favorite pieces of orchestral literature EVER. The triumphant fanfare at the end of the piece is incredible and really helps lay the foundation of another triumphant season.
Hook in Concert (Jan 22–24 2027)
I am also looking forward to Hook. This film is so nostalgic for me, and I can’t wait to see it with a live orchestra.
Michelle Byrd, Manager of IN UNISON Programs
Edward Scissorhands in Concert, Hook in Concert, and One Piece in Concert
There are three concert events I’m looking forward to seeing. For nostalgia, I’m looking forward to Edward Scissorhands in Concert (Oct 23–25 2026) and Hook in Concert (Jan 22–24 2027). I don’t believe my daughter as seen either, so it will be cool for mommy/daughter dates. Although I’m not a fan of anime, my daughter loves One Piece, so One Piece in Concert (Jan 2–3 2027) gives me an opportunity to share this experience with her.
Danielle Stewart, Senior Director of Marketing and Audience Development
Salomé and Elektra: Legendary Women (Jan 29–30 2027)
I’m excited for the storytelling we will see from the SLSO as they bring these pieces about two extraordinary women to life. I also look forward to the return of pianist Yeol Eum Son who wowed me with her last SLSO performance in 2024. This will be an exciting and dazzling performance.
STEVE HACKMAN CONDUCTS
I love these performances that fuse classical repertoire and today’s hits. STEVE HACKMAN CONDUCTS HIS Taylor Swift: The Symphony Era (Jan 13 2027) and STEVE HACKMAN CONDUCTS HIS Stravinsky X Kendrick Lamar (Jun 9 2027) will give us very different journeys through music, but will both bring something new, fresh, and exciting to the stage.