Kevin A. Roberts
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra announced on Tuesday that due to COVID-19 it's replacing its previously planned live concerts with digital content and smaller gatherings if conditions are safe to host them. This applies to concerts through December. For those who have season tickets, the value of the subscription will be credited to the patron's account for use next year. Subscribers can also donate their tickets to the symphony.
“One piece we were set to perform this fall was Haydn’s Symphony No. 64, ‘Tempora Mutantur.’ Translated, this means ‘The times are changed. We are also changed with them,'" said Stéphane Denève, the symphony's music director. "Never has that idea been more meaningful and relevant than today. While we face these challenging and uncertain times, music builds bridges, sparks dialogue, provides comfort and peace, and inspires us to take action. It gives a voice to the voiceless. Music transcends space and touches our hearts—we remain united. I look forward to the day when we can be together at magnificent Powell Hall with our fantastic orchestra musicians, talented St. Louis Symphony Chorus and IN UNISON Chorus members, St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra musicians, staff, volunteers, and our unparalleled audiences. Until then, we are committed more than ever to stay connected through every platform available to us.”
What that connection looks like: Listeners can hear SLSO concert rebroadcasts at 8 a.m. every Saturday on 90.7 KWMU St. Louis Public Radio and online. Upcoming rebroadcasts include a 2011 performance of Verdi’s Messa da Requiem. Fans can also watch filmed concerts at Powell Hall at 5 p.m. the first Sunday of every month on Channel 9, PBS. Coming soon to the TV station, a performance of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.
The symphony is also continuing its online programming, including a recent installment of "Songs of America"; "Music of Our Time," which features work by contemporary composers and is a continuation of the Live at the Pulitzer series; and "Songs of the Holidays." SLSO Soundbites, the symphony's new podcast, offers another point of connection: Denève will be in conversation with SLSO musicians and those from around the world about classical music.
For more information about the largely virtual season, visit the symphony's website.
