St. Louis Symphony

The organization still needs to raise funds for the plan, which calls for an education center, new lobby and improved backstage space.

The grant funds a commission by composer Nathalie Joachim for a May concert. Orchestra leaders say it’s a new way to showcase its IN UNISON chorus, which showcases African American composers.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra has hired Yolanda Alovor as vice president of external affairs and diversity.

Leonard Slatkin, conductor laureate of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, discusses his new book “Classical Crossroads” and the many forces challenging classical music.

Check out two local opportunities to learn about the era of Japanese internment camps: "Righting a Wrong: Japanese Americans and World War II" exhibit at Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, and a multimedia performance of "Improvisations on EO9066" by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra on Sept. 17.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Metro Theatre Company and the Black Rep are among the 16 organizations that will require patrons, staff members and artists to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative coronavirus test.

Tom Stubbs has played timpani and other percussion instruments with the symphony orchestra since 1970.

The money will help fund the In Unison Chorus, which focuses on works by African American composers, and various music education programs for Black students in St. Louis.

Stéphane Denève and Marie-Hélène Bernard of the St. Louis Symphony joined "St. Louis on the Air " to discuss the effects of the pandemic on the organization, a return to Powell Hall and their vision for the future.

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Music Director Stéphane Denève received a four-year extension of his contract, which was due to end next year. He plans to continue online offerings the orchestra began during the coronavirus pandemic.