For press inquiries, please contact:

Jeff Trammel,
Director of Communications
314-286-4136
jefft@slso.org  




 

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jeff Trammel, (314) 286-4136

SAINT LOUIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO CELEBRATE 40^TH
ANNIVERSARY OF POWELL SYMPHONY HALL AS PERFORMANCE HOME

New Subscribers to Receive Special 40% Off Ticket Prices

Season Tickets Prices as Low as $82 Per Six-Concert Package 

            ST. LOUIS, July 12, 2007 – In celebration of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra’s (SLSO) 40-year anniversary in its home, Powell Symphony Hall, the Orchestra has introduced a series of ticket and incentive specials for symphony patrons for the 2007-08 season.

            “A large part of our rich history is the memorable performances we have enjoyed in Powell Hall for the last 40 years. We wanted to find a way to celebrate with our current subscribers, while offering some enticing ticket specials for new patrons,” said Kristi Kovalak, SLSO Vice President of Marketing. “We hope the reduced pricing and the new Compose Your Own season subscription option will provide many opportunities for new people to celebrate the anniversary season with us, starting in September.” 

            In an effort to attract new patrons this season the SLSO will offer new subscribers (anyone who has not been an SLSO subscriber in the past three years or more) a special 40% off discount on six concert season ticket packages in honor of the Powell Hall anniversary. For those patrons who have experienced one of the premiere American orchestras, led by charismatic conductor David Robertson, on a single concert basis, this is an excellent opportunity to discover the convenience, the privileges and savings season subscribers receive. Also for those patrons, who have never attended an SLSO concert this offer provides an excellent opportunity to experience extraordinary music in one of the top concert halls in the U.S.

            In addition to the season ticket specials, the SLSO has plans for historical displays in the Powell Hall foyer, website features celebrating the anniversary, additional ticket specials throughout the season and greater exposure in the media through print, radio, direct mail and multimedia placements, highlighting the anniversary and more special offers.

            As a part of the 40^th anniversary celebration the SLSO is encouraging patrons to share their fondest memories by sending in their reminiscences through regular mail or via email. Patrons wishing to share their memories may send them to: Powell Symphony Hall Memories, 718 North Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63103, via email at memories@slso.org or visit the symphony website at www.slso.org/40. Collected responses will be used throughout the season on the SLSO website and in additional promotional materials. To get more information on the 40% off season ticket packages, call 314-533-2500.

                        The SLSO’s official anniversary date is January 24, 1968 which celebrates the first performance in Powell Symphony Hall. The 128-year-old SLSO is an organization deep in tradition, from the many patrons, staff members and musicians who have been a part of the Symphony family over the years. The Orchestra’s current home, Powell Symphony Hall is a true architectural gem. The former St. Louis Theatre, built in 1925 and later named Powell Symphony Hall received a $2 million renovation in 1966. The 2,689 seat Powell Symphony Hall is named for Walter S. Powell, a Brown Shoe executive, whose widow; Helen Lamb Powell donated a $1 million charitable trust to the Orchestra to match a building endowment grant.  

40^th Anniversary Notes

--The SLSO currently has six musicians, Robert Silverman, James Meyer, George Berry, Donald Martin, Lawrence Strieby and Takaoki Sugitani, who were members of the orchestra when the first concert was performed in Powell Symphony Hall.  

--The special 40^th anniversary season ticket packages makes more than half of the seats in Powell Hall $25 or less and nearly 80% of the seats under $40 per ticket.

--The SLSO has introduced a special “Compose Your Own” season ticket option this season. This new option allows patrons to create their own customized six concert subscription series that better fit their musical tastes and schedules.  

--Part of the 2007-08 season opening weekend program (September 22 & 23) will include Stravinsky’s Petrushuka, which was on the January 24, 1968 opening night program.