Fast Forward STL: Marie-Hélène Bernard on Music Shaping St. Louis’ Future

In this episode of Fast Forward STL, Keith Alper sits down Marie-Hélène Bernard, president and CEO of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. She shares how one of the nation’s oldest orchestras continues to break barriers and redefine its role in the community. Drawing from her immigrant roots, she’s expanding access to music and looking to build a more inclusive future for the arts locally. Bernard also goes deep on the $140 million transformation of Powell Hall and the long-term vision that drove it. In a challenging funding landscape, she makes the case for why the arts and philanthropy are essential to innovation, education, and a thriving city. It’s an inspiring look at leadership, resilience, and the power of music to shape what’s next for St. Louis. Watch on YouTube, and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe.

“We spend a lifetime trying to fit in. So when you’re a foreigner and you come into a new country, you learn the ways. I think that is also shaping a lot of my experience. A lot of my musicians—while most of them are Americans—a lot of them, like me, grew up in a different country. So I’m particularly sensitive to creating access to music from the standpoint that you always want music to be part of someone’s life, regardless of where they come from and regardless of their circumstances. And I think that has driven my philosophy always and still to this day, and I think it will continue to drive it for years to come. ” –MHB

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About The Host

Keith Alper

As the CEO of St. Louis–based Nitrous Effect, Keith has more than 30 years of experience in marketing, branding, and event production. He works across large-scale live events, broadcast projects, and creative strategy. He’s an active contributor to the region’s entrepreneurial community, serving in advisory and board roles. Keith is the author of From Like to Love, a reflection on how organizations build stronger, more meaningful connections. He’s excited for you to join him on his podcasting journey with Fast Forward STL.