Podcasts / The 314 Podcast / Marie-Hélène Bernard on Powell Hall’s rebirth

Marie-Hélène Bernard on Powell Hall’s rebirth

As Powell Hall prepares to reopen after a $140 million transformation, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s president and CEO reflects on the challenges of the project and the bright future she sees for the city she now calls home.

by SLM Staff September 18, 2025 at 5:45 AM September 22, 2025

The 314 Podcast with Sarah Fenske ft. Marie-Hélène Bernard, president and CEO of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra — Sarah Fenske, host of The 314 Podcast; Marie-Hélène Bernard, president and CEO of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Marie-Hélène Bernard, president and CEO of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, on the eve of its return to Powell Hall after a $140 million renovation. A native of Quebec who moved here from Boston, Marie-Hélène explains how the SLSO pulled off the project on time and on budget—and what made her fall in love in St. Louis. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the troubling eviction of two young brothers in South City, made possible by a new law that makes critical changes to Missouri evictions. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

We have a lot of people coming from Kansas City to hear us. We are traveling also in the Midwest. It’s important for us to be also the orchestra of the Midwest. We have this nimbleness, and I think we’re the best thing around. I think we’re a better orchestra than the Chicago Symphony. —MHB

This episode is sponsored by Ryan Lawn & Tree and supported by Great Forest Park Balloon Race. For nearly 40 years, Ryan Lawn & Tree has helped families across the area bring their outdoor dream to life with expert lawn care, tree and shrub service, landscaping, and pest control. Learn more.

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About The Hosts

Sarah Fenske

Sarah Fenske is St. Louis Magazine‘s executive editor. She manages news and business coverage and edits The Daily newsletter. She’s been a reporter, columnist, newspaper editor, and radio host, and she is currently host of the monthly Legal Roundtable on St. Louis Public Radio and a panelist on Nine PBS’ Donnybrook. She lives in the city, where she attempts to juggle herding her kids to sports practice and swapping political gossip over a good martini.

Ryan Krull

Ryan Krull is a staff writer at St. Louis Magazine, writing for the The Daily newsletter. A graduate of the University of Missouri-St. Louis, he taught there for many years before joining the staff of the Riverfront Times, where he was a reporter for the last years of the paper’s life. He lives near Tower Grove Park in the city with his wife and son.