St. Louis Symphony History

Founded in 1880, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is recognized internationally as an ensemble of the highest caliber, performing a broad musical repertoire with skill and spirit. The St. Louis Symphony continues to build upon its reputation for musical excellence while maintaining its commitment to local education and community activities.

In December 2003, the SLSO announced the appointment of its 12th, and second American-born, Music Director, David Robertson. He began his inaugural season in September 2005, joining the SLSO after an 18-month international search. Prior to his Saint Louis Symphony appointment Mr. Robertson was Music Director of the Orchestre National de Lyon and Artistic Director of that city’s auditorium.

The Symphony expanded its audience through frequent tours of the Midwest and the East and West Coasts in the 1980s and 90s. Tours to Europe in 1985, 1993, and 1998, and to the Far East in 1986, 1990, and 1995, spread the reputation of the Orchestra throughout the world. Appearances at New York’s Carnegie Hall continue to garner critical acclaim. Recordings by the Symphony have been honored with six Grammy Awards and 56 Grammy nominations.

The St. Louis Symphony was founded on the belief that great music should be available to everyone. Through a series of innovative and nationally recognized community-oriented activities, including many education and outreach programs, the musicians of the Symphony have shared their love for music with millions and introduced classical music to those who otherwise might not have been exposed to it. Each year, Symphony musicians participate in more than 250 free performances and events throughout the greater St. Louis area.

As part of this effort, the Symphony participates in the E. Desmond Lee Fine Arts Education Collaborative, a partnership between the Symphony, the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, the Saint Louis Art Museum, Young Audiences of Saint Louis, the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts, and more than 122 schools in 16 area school districts. Based on a 1996 pilot program that was originally funded by the Whitaker Foundation, the Collaborative enhances the music curricula of member schools through various initiatives, including classroom interaction with musicians, faculty, and artists from the participating institutions.