St. Louis Symphony Orchestra IN UNISON Artist in Residence Brian Owens delivered a powerful performance to accused teen detainees at the Family Court of St. Louis County Detention Center on Dec. 8, 2017.
With an SLSO string quartet by his side, Owens performed hopeful music for about 30 teens.
“Hope is something that we really can thrive on,” Owens said. “It’s something that can give us meaning and purpose.”
Janet Johnson, St. Louis County Detention Center Program Specialist, said she believes the performance will “inspire” the teens.
“I think that this will open their eyes to things that they weren’t able to see before,” Johnson said. “It could change their future.”
The performance was part of the SLSO SymphonyCares program. It’s the same program that shared music with adult offenders at Missouri Eastern Correctional Center last year.
SLSO musicians Ann Fink, Wendy Plank Rosen, Alvin McCall and Leonid Gotman were a part of both performances.
This year’s concert featured nine pieces of music, including Christmas Carols.
In addition to singing, Owens shared some positive advice with the teens.
“I think it’s really important to share positive music and messages with these young people,” Owens said.