For Immediate Release
Contact: Jeff Trammel, 314-286-4136
jefft@slso.org  
 

SAINT LOUIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA REACHES $17 MILLION MARK IN SPECIAL $20 MILLION ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN

William T. Kemper Foundation, SBC Foundation

and The Harding Foundation Contribute Large Gifts 

ST. LOUIS, October 28, 2005 – Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra President and Executive Director Randy Adams announced today a new mark of $17 million has been raised toward the $20 million special endowment campaign for musician salaries.

Included in the many generous contributions from corporations and individuals were gifts from the William T. Kemper Foundation-Commerce Bank, Trustee and The Harding Foundation for $1 million each; SBC Foundation for $500,000; Ameren Corporation Charitable Trust for $250,000; Mabel Reeder for $100,000 in honor of Dr. Mabel Purkerson; and Mr. and Mrs. David C. Farrell for $50,000.  Lead gifts were also received from Edward Jones, Emerson, Cheryl and Ray Holman, Dr. and Mrs. W.R. Konneker, Noemi and Michael Neidorff, Rex Sinquefield and the Jack C. Taylor Family.

            “Once again I’m encouraged by the response from the St. Louis community, which has stepped forward to contribute to the special endowment goal to benefit our musicians’ compensation,” said Randy Adams, president and executive director of the SLSO. “The recent labor agreement with our musicians would not have been achieved without the donors’ support, for which I am truly grateful. This is one more step toward bringing our endowment closer to that of other peer orchestras.”

            The special endowment campaign started in July 2004 and continues today in an effort to secure the remaining $3 million to complete the goal. The SLSO’s current overall endowment stands at $112 million. Most of the top U.S. orchestras have endowments in the $150 to $200 million range, with the Boston Symphony Orchestra topping the list at more than $280 million.

            "SBC is proud to support the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, one of our community's true treasures," said Cynthia J. Brinkley, President of SBC Missouri. "We are especially pleased that the SBC Foundation grant will help fund the musicians' work in the St. Louis educational community, as they bring classical music into the public schools. Learning in and through the arts improves student achievement in critical academic areas. It's a pleasure to facilitate this unique learning opportunity."

    The SBC Foundation also contributed $1 million toward the recently completed Taylor Family Challenge.

            “The William T. Kemper Foundation and Commerce Bank are pleased to be a part of this important effort in further strengthening the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra which in turn strengthens the St. Louis community,” said David Kemper, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. “Our Symphony is a cultural asset and we are proud to continue our long-standing support which helps ensure this asset is here for generations.”

Founded in 1880, the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra is recognized internationally as an ensemble of the highest caliber, performing a broad musical repertoire with skill and spirit.  In the 2005-2006 season, the Symphony continues to build upon its reputation for musical excellence while maintaining its commitment to local education and community activities.

A familiar presence in recording media, releases by the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra have met with critical acclaim and have been honored with six Grammy Awards and fifty-six Grammy nominations. The Symphony also has issued several recordings on its own label, Arch Media, documenting its artistic distinction.