Youth Orchestra musicians engage with international violinist Augustin Hadelich

By Eric Dundon

Many young musicians of the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra dream one day of playing in some of the world’s great concert halls. These rising artists recently had the opportunity to learn firsthand from someone who has achieved the goals many of them have set. Following a St. Louis Symphony Orchestra rehearsal on October 25, Augustin Hadelich—one of today’s most celebrated violinists—engaged with YO musicians in a special question-and-answer session. The opportunity, held in conjunction with Hadelich’s performances with the SLSO October 24-26, offered YO members a rare chance to interact with an internationally acclaimed artist known for his technical brilliance and expressive artistry.

The Q&A session, held in Powell Hall’s new Steward Family Education and Learning Center, drew dozens of YO musicians eager to gain insight into Hadelich’s approach to performance, interpretation, and lifelong musicianship. In a warm and engaging discussion, Hadelich encouraged the students to think broadly about what it means to be a comprehensive artist—emphasizing curiosity, versatility, and the study of music beyond their individual instruments.

“The most memorable portion of the Q&A session was when Augustin elaborated on what he believed quantified a well-rounded musician,” said Zoe Baldwin, YO violinist and a junior at Clayton High School. “When students, including me, think of a soloist’s priorities, they often believe that they solely involve sound production and personal technical proficiency. However, in the Q&A, Augustin described the qualities that make a good musician, not just a soloist, and I learned that it really goes beyond personal mastery of the instrument.”

Baldwin said she was especially inspired by Hadelich’s emphasis on the broader aspects of musicianship.

“He mentioned the application of music theory, score study, and the importance of playing chamber music,” she added. “As a student planning to pursue music professionally, I found this advice of combining multiple skill sets extremely helpful.”

The YO, founded in 1970 by then-Music Director Leonard Slatkin, has long been a cornerstone of the organization’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians. Members of the YO receive coaching from SLSO musicians, perform major symphonic repertoire in Powell Hall, and participate in enrichment programs such as this Q&A with Hadelich that connect them directly with visiting guest artists. These experiences are designed not only to develop technical skill but also to cultivate artistry, leadership, and confidence.

“Being around world-renowned soloists such as Augustin Hadelich is extremely informative not only from a musical standpoint, but also a personal one,” Baldwin said. “Watching Augustin speak and witnessing his humility was equally striking to me as the musical talent he demonstrated in his performances.”

Baldwin also attended the chamber music concert on October 26 that Hadelich curated and performed alongside SLSO musicians. His musicianship again left a strong impression.

“I found Augustin’s ability to blend his sound with the others’ was an amazing demonstration of his chamber music skills,” she said. “Chamber music and solo playing require two completely different qualities of sound as a violinist, and Augustin’s mastery over these two areas solidified him as one of my favorite violinists.”

Hadelich had performed two concerts with the full SLSO and conductor Tabita Berglund prior to his chamber concert. Over his weekend with the SLSO, he performed music by Felix Mendelssohn, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, and Sergei Prokofiev.

For the young musicians of the YO, the experience underscored how deeply the SLSO invests in their artistic growth. Through mentorship programs, performance opportunities, and direct engagement with world-class performers, the SLSO ensures that the next generation of artists is equipped not only with skill, but with inspiration.

“Moments like this remind us that music is as much about listening, collaboration, and humility as it is about performance,” Baldwin reflected. “That’s something I’ll carry with me for a long time.”

With events like the Q&A with Hadelich, the SLSO continues to bridge the gap between aspiring artists and the professionals who inspire them—nurturing a vibrant musical community that extends far beyond the concert hall.

Eric Dundon is the SLSO’s Public Relations Director.