WEATHER UPDATE: We are closely monitoring the weather conditions for this weekend. As of now, the January 24-25 concerts are proceeding as scheduled.

SLSO Strategic Plan 2025–2030

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra thrives thanks to the incredible support of our community, and we deeply appreciate your continued engagement and enthusiasm.

In June 2025, our Board of Trustees approved a new Strategic Plan to guide the SLSO toward our 150th anniversary in 2030. Embodying the SLSO’s mission and vision, the plan is a comprehensive approach to artistic innovation, audience engagement, and operational resilience as we shape the orchestra of the future in a changing environment.

Forest Park concert

Definition of Success in 2030

  1. The SLSO is internationally celebrated for its artistic excellence and for actively redefining the role of an American orchestra in the 21st century as a champion of innovation and community connection.
  2. The SLSO brand is a cultural powerhouse, driving audience engagement, fostering community pride, and elevating St. Louis nationally and internationally.
  3. The SLSO sets a national standard for inclusive, high-impact music education, cultivating the next generation of musicians, audiences, and lifelong music lovers.
  4. The SLSO pioneers a resilient, future-focused funding model that ensures sustainability despite industry challenges, leveraging the dual strengths of its exceptional endowment and the Jack C. Taylor Music Center.
  5. The SLSO fosters a unified, inclusive, and people-centered culture rooted in its core values, successfully attracting, retaining, and empowering top talent across all organizational levels.

Strategies

Program

Create a bold artistic vision that advances orchestral music. 

  • Develop genre-defying symphonic experiences that showcase classical masterworks and reflect a range of voices and perspectives.
  • Build partnerships across artistic disciplines.

Grow learning and engagement across diverse communities. 

  • Expand reach through streaming and online learning.
  • Create learning programs that connect people across generations to music.

Audiences

Strengthen the SLSO brand to deepen trust and loyalty. 

  • Elevate the SLSO’s profile through authentic storytelling, strategic cultural partnerships, and impactful endorsements.
  • Use targeted marketing to create meaningful connections that increase attendance and giving.

Build sustainable philanthropic support. 

  • Expand the donor base by reaching diverse audiences across all ages and giving levels.
  • Secure major legacy gifts to grow the endowment.

Culture and Capacity

Nurture a culture of belonging, creativity, and empowerment. 

  • Inspire people to champion the SLSO.
  • Build leadership capacity and professional skills across the organization.

Evolve the business model for long-term artistic and financial sustainability. 

  • Implement efficient systems and technological solutions to enhance operational efficiency and audience experiences.
  • Maximize revenue from the Jack C. Taylor Music Center and explore new revenue sources that support financial sustainability and our mission.
Illustration of a flute

Mission & Values

Learn more about our mission to enrich lives through the power of music, fostering a vibrant and connected community.

Learn More