Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra

Ward Stare, Music Director
Peggy Neilson, Manager

The Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra has had a significant impact on the region’s Student musicians for over 35 years. The Youth Orchestra consists of 95-100 young musicians ranging in age from 12-22. The Youth Orchestra rehearses weekly on Saturday afternoons during the school year and presents three programs a season in Powell Symphony Hall. This season we welcome new music director Ward Stare, who is also the new resident conductor for the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Members of the Youth Orchestra represent more than three dozen schools throughout the St. Louis region and some from as far away as Springfield, Illinois, and Rolla, Jefferson City, and Columbia, Missouri. The Youth Orchestra members receive coaching from the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra members during the season.

Founded in 1970 by Leonard Slatkin, the SLS Youth Orchestra has been a springboard for many young musicians seeking a career in orchestral music – including some current members of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. There are over than 1,000 alumni now playing, teaching and in fields other than music.

In 2006, the YO performed in the Missouri State Capital Building in Jefferson City and spoke with legislators about the importance of music education. The SLSYO continues its advocacy for music education locally and state wide.

Admission to the Youth Orchestra is by annual auditions. Preliminary auditions are held in May.

For information on the Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra please contact Peggy Neilson, Youth Orchestra Manager, at (314) 286-4407, at peggy@slso.org.

Ward Stare

2009–2010 Season

Ticket prices: $8, 12, 14 in advance; $12, 16, 18 day of concert

RELATED LINKS

Ward Stare Bio

Youth Orchestra

Youth Orchestra

- Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 3pm

Ward Stare, conductor

Ward Stare, conductor
Jecoliah Wang, violin
Winner Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition

BERNSTEIN Candide Overture
JOSEPH SCHWANTNER Chasing Light...
WIENIAWSKI Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor
VAUGHN WILLIAMSFantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
BRITTEN Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes

Joseph Schwantner’s Chasing Light… is part of Ford Made in American, made possible by the Ford Motor Company Fund.