The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s Grand Center home Powell Hall will reopen on Sept. 19 after a two-year, $140 million renovation — though most orchestra fans will need to wait just a little longer to explore the newly renovated and expanded landmark.
Music Director Stéphane Denève will lead a private concert at Powell Hall on Sept. 19 for the SLSO’s “neighbors and community partners,” followed by a fundraising gala the next night, according to a statement released Tuesday.
The first subscription concerts will follow for three days beginning Sept. 26. That weekend, Denève will lead the SLSO through works by Aaron Copland and Joan Towe, a world premiere fanfare by James Lee III and the world premiere of Kevin Puts’ “House of Tomorrow,” with a text based on the poetry of Kahlil Gibran.
The public is invited to a free day of music on Nov. 8. Details will be announced later.
“The musicians of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra are thrilled to return to our beloved Powell Hall for a season full of orchestral fireworks,” said Bjorn Ranheim and Chris Tantillo, co-chairs of the orchestra’s musician council, in the statement.
The centerpiece of the 64,000-square-foot expansion will be the new Jack C. Taylor Music Center, which will include space for rehearsals, education programs and community gatherings.
Powell Hall opened in 1925 as a home for vaudeville performances and films. It became the full-time home of the SLSO in 1968.
The 2025-26 season will include two SLSO co-commissions plus three other world premieres, an orchestral take on the works of Chuck Berry in October and other special events.
