The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Make-A-Wish Missouri teamed to make a young girl’s wish come true in October.
Faith*, who is eight-years-old, wanted to experience an SLSO concert.
She was born with SOX2 anophthalmia syndrome. The genetic condition left Faith blind and with limited mobility.
Faith’s mom, Bridget*, said that life or her daughter can be a “struggle,” but music has been a “great motivator.”
On October 8, SLSO musicians Melissa Brooks, Celeste Golden Boyer, Beth Guterman Chu, and Eva Kozma performed three pieces of music for Faith at St. Francis Xavier College Church. St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Artist-in-Residence Brian Owens was the featured vocalist for the concert.
“To see the string quartet and vocalist so dedicated to making this happen for her was special to us,” Bridget said.
SLSO cellist Melissa Brooks called the experience “amazing.”
“It really was it was an honor to play for her,” Brooks said.
SLSO violist Beth Guterman Chu agreed.
“Anytime we can touch anyone it is special, but to know that this was Faith’s dream, was a real high point for me,” Guterman Chu said.
Faith’s Make-A-Wish also included a private concert in her home on October 4. The musicians performed two pieces of music, including a piece by Tony Bennett.
“This was just a great opportunity to see how much Faith is loved by so many people,” Bridget said. “It was the right wish request.”
*For privacy reasons, the SLSO is not releasing the family’s last name.