FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [February 27, 2019] Contacts: St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Eric Dundon [email protected], 314-286-4134 National/International: Nikki Scandalios [email protected], 704-340-4094
ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES 2019 SUMMER AT THE SYMPHONY CONCERTS, PRESENTED BY WELLS FARGO ADVISORS
Highlights include a live broadcast of the popular radio variety show Live From Here with Chris Thile with the SLSO as guest; a tribute to Nat King Cole on the 100th anniversary of his birth; and performances by Grammy Award winners Béla Fleck & The Flecktones and Grammy-nominated artist Ledisi
Tickets on sale now for Summer at the Symphony concerts; visit www.slso.org/summer to purchase tickets
(February 27, 2019, St. Louis, MO) – Today, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra announced its 2019 Summer at the Symphony line-up, including performances of a famous film score, tribute concerts, and award-winning guest artists. A first for the SLSO, Summer at the Symphony includes a live radio broadcast of Live From Here with Chris Thile that will be broadcast with the SLSO as guest to millions of homes across the country.
Summer at the Symphony begins on May 17-18 with the performance of the score to Ghostbusters, as the film plays on the big screen. On May 25, the popular radio variety show, Live From Here with Chris Thile, broadcasts live from Powell Hall with the SLSO as guest, the first major American orchestra to appear on the program. Tribute concerts include the Music of Led Zeppelin (June 1), Unforgettable: Nat and Natalie (June 9) on the 100th anniversary of Nat King Cole’s birth, and Women Rock (June 15). Grammy-nominated R&B artist Ledisi performs a one-night-only concert on June 7, while Grammy Award-winning jazz/bluegrass group Béla Fleck & The Flecktones bring their distinctive style to Powell Hall on June 27. Additional concerts will be announced at a later date.
Since 2010, the SLSO has hosted more than 150 Live at Powell Hall concerts throughout the year: from movies like Singin‘ in the Rain, Harry Potter and tributes to the movie music of John Williams, to tribute concerts and one-night-only performances with award-winning guests including Boyz II Men, Ben Folds, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Idina Menzel. Summer at the Symphony is part of Live at Powell Hall.
Summer at the Symphony is presented by Wells Fargo Advisors. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.slso.org/summer or calling the Box Office at 314-534-1700.
Ghostbusters in Concert May 17-18, 2019
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Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters! A team of scientists become “ghostbusters” and stumble upon a gateway to another dimension, leading to an attempt to save New York from complete destruction. Hear the SLSO perform Elmer Bernstein’s iconic score live while Ivan Reitman’s comedic masterpiece plays on the big screen.
Friday, May 17, 2019, 7:00pm Saturday, May 18, 2019, 7:00pm Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO
Peter Bernstein, conductor
Media support provided by Riverfront Times.
Live From Here with Chris Thile May 25, 2019 Live From Here with Chris Thile is a Saturday evening destination for radio audiences everywhere. This variety show features a unique blend of musical performances, comedy, and audience interaction. The SLSO and American Public Media will present the popular radio show on Saturday, May 25, at Powell Hall. The SLSO will perform on air as a guest, the first full symphony orchestra to appear as a guest in the show’s history. The live radio show, which airs locally on St. Louis Public Radio, 90.7 KWMU, will also feature music from Thile and the show band, thoughts from Out In America from comedian correspondent Tom Papa, comedy sketches, and more.
Saturday, May 25, 2019, 4:45pm Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO
Music of Led Zeppelin June 1, 2019 This one-of-a-kind performance bridges the gap between rock ‘n’ roll and classical music. Experience the SLSO and a full rock band perform the Music of Led Zeppelin, featuring favorites including “Kashmir,” “Black Dog,” “Immigrant Song,” and more.
Saturday, June 1, 2019, 7:30pm Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO
Ledisi June 7, 2019 Ledisi brings her unique blend of R&B and jazz to St. Louis for one night only on June 7, combining with the SLSO for a memorable night of smooth jazz. Her soulful vocals have culminated in 12 Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist in 2008. Four of her seven studio albums have been nominated for the Best R&B Album Grammy Award. Most recently, she released Let Love Rule to critical acclaim. This program also features a special celebration of the incomparable Nina Simone and her enduring influence over Ledisi and a generation of artists.
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Friday, June 7, 2019, 7:30pm Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO
Unforgettable: Nat and Natalie June 9, 2019 Nat King Cole and his trio – the King Cole Trio – revolutionized jazz in the 1940s, ‘50s, and ‘60s and forever changed the genre. In 1959, he received a Grammy Award for Best Performance By a Top 40 Artist for "Midnight Flyer" and was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990. His daughter, Natalie Cole, rose to fame in the 1970s with R&B hits including “Inseparable” and “Our Love.” She re-recorded her father’s greatest hits in an album that won seven Grammy Awards in 1992. Join the SLSO in a tribute concert celebrating the legacies of Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole on the 100th anniversary of his birth. This concert features the talents of jazz vocalists Dee Daniels and Denzal Sinclaire, under the direction of IN UNISON Chorus director Kevin McBeth.
Sunday, June 9, 2019, 2:00pm Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO
Kevin McBeth, conductor Dee Daniels, vocals Denzal Sinclaire, vocals
Women Rock June 15, 2019 The SLSO honors iconic female singers and songwriters who have changed pop and rock ‘n’ roll through history. The SLSO and special guests perform the music of Carole King, Holly Knight, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Pat Benatar, Minnie Riperton, and Heart with featured songs including “I Feel The Earth Move,” “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Freeway of Love,” “Proud Mary,” “Piece Of My Heart,” “Dancing In The Street,” “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” “I Love Rock n’ Roll,” and “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman.”
Saturday, June 15, 2019, 7:30pm Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO
Béla Fleck & The Flecktones June 27, 2019 Béla Fleck & The Flecktones bring the traditions of rural American music to Powell Hall for a night of bluegrass like you’ve never heard it. Nominated for 14 Grammy Awards and winners of seven, the members of this unique group have been praised for their improvisatory skill and musicianship. Fleck, with his banjo, brings a new sound to the bluegrass genre. (This concert does not feature the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.)
Thursday, June 27, 2019, 7:30pm
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Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO
About the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Celebrated as one of today’s most exciting and enduring orchestras, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country, marking its 139th year with the 2018/2019 season and Music Director Designate Stéphane Denève. Widely considered one of the world’s finest, the SLSO maintains its commitment to artistic excellence, educational impact, and community connections – all in service to its mission of enriching lives through the power of music.
In addition to its regular concert performances at Powell Hall, which has been the permanent home of the SLSO for 50 years, the orchestra is an integral part of the diverse and vibrant St. Louis community, presenting free education programs and performances throughout the region each year. It presents St. Louis Symphony Live at the Pulitzer, a four-program series at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. The SLSO also serves as the resident orchestra for Opera Theatre Saint Louis, with this season marking the 42nd year of their partnership.
The Grammy Award–winning SLSO’s impact beyond the St. Louis region is realized through weekly Saturday night concert broadcasts on St. Louis Public Radio, acclaimed recordings, and regular touring activity. A sought-after artistic partner by preeminent musicians and composers from across the globe, as well as by local and national organizations, the SLSO enjoys a long history of robust and enduring artistic collaborations that have developed and deepened over the years.
Today, the SLSO builds on the institution’s current momentum on all fronts, including artistic, financial, audience growth, and community impact, and looks toward the future with Stéphane Denève. Denève, who has been a frequent guest conductor with the orchestra since 2003, begins his tenure as Music Director with the 19/20 season, following this season as Music Director Designate. For more information, visit slso.org.
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