THE ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES SPECIAL DECEMBER 2018 HOLIDAY PROGRAMS FOR THE 2018/2019 SEASON
Traditional holiday concerts, a surprise New Year’s Eve program, and holiday-themed performances feature the return of TAKE 6, music by John Williams, and SLSO’s own IN UNISON Choir
(May 17, 2018, St. Louis, MO) – Holidays with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra always mean incredible music, outstanding guest artists, and beautiful decorations at Powell Hall. Today, the SLSO announced its special December 2018 line-up, which includes the SLSO’s traditional holiday programs, plus a holiday-themed Live at Powell Hall concert.
This December also will feature the most awarded a cappella group in history and audience favorite TAKE 6 in the return of the SLSO’s A Gospel Christmas. The ten-time Grammy Award-winning group, which was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2014, joins the SLSO and IN UNISON Chorus to ring in the holidays.
The SLSO will welcome a holiday-themed family favorite as part of Live at Powell Hall: the comedy classic Home Alone. The SLSO will perform the charming score, composed by America’s most accomplished and successful film composers, John Williams, as the film plays on the big screen.
The SLSO welcomes 40,000 visitors between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve each year for Live at Powell Hall events and the SLSO’s Holiday Concerts, including the annual Mercy Holiday Celebration and the BMO Private Bank New Year’s Eve Celebration, a tradition for more than 10 years. The Mercy Holiday Celebration will include the festive sounds of the season and a visit from Santa Claus. For the BMO Private Bank New Year’s Eve Celebration, former Resident Conductor Ward Stare returns to the podium to lead the evening’s surprise musical selections.
Tickets for these concerts are on sale now and can be purchased slso.org/tickets or by calling the SLSO Box Office at 314-534-1700. Additional Live at Powell Hall programs for the 18/19 season will be announced this summer.
Live at Powell Hall Concerts
Home Alone
Friday, December 14, 2018, 7:00pm
Saturday, December 15, 2018, 2:00pm
Sunday, December 16, 2018, 2:00pm
This beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams' charming and delightful score performed live by the SLSO. See what antics eight-year-old Kevin McCallister comes up with when he is accidentally left behind from a family vacation. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family.
SLSO Holiday Concerts
A Gospel Christmas with TAKE 6
Thursday, December 20, 2018, 7:30pm
Kevin McBeth, conductor
TAKE 6, vocals
St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus
The annual Gospel Christmas concert returns with IN UNISON Chorus and Director Kevin McBeth and the SLSO performing with ten-time Grammy Award-winning a cappella group TAKE 6. Heralded by Quincy Jones as the “baddest vocal cats on the planet,” TAKE 6 and the SLSO will perform unforgettable contemporary gospel renditions of favorite holiday classics and more.
This concert is supported by Monsanto Fund.
Mercy Holiday Celebration
Friday, December 21, 2018, 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Saturday, December 22, 2018, 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Sunday, December 23, 2018, 2:00pm
Holiday Festival Chorus
Kevin McBeth, director
Experience St. Louis’ favorite musical holiday tradition. The SLSO is joined by the Holiday Festival Chorus for festive performances featuring timeless classics, carols, familiar favorites, and Santa Claus. These concerts are presented by Mercy.
BMO Private Bank New Year’s Eve Celebration
Monday, December 31, 2018, 7:30pm
Ward Stare, conductor
Ring in 2019 with everyone’s favorite surprise party – New Year’s Eve with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Ward Stare returns to the SLSO podium to lead an evening of magical music and unforgettable surprises. Don’t miss the most anticipated concert of the year! This concert is presented by BMO Private Bank.
About the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Celebrated as one of today’s most exciting and enduring orchestras, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country, celebrating its 139th year in the 2018/2019 season. Widely considered one of the world’s finest, the SLSO maintains its commitment to artistic excellence, educational impact, and community connection – all in service to its mission of enriching lives through the power of music.
In addition to its regular concert performances at Powell Hall, which has been the permanent home of the SLSO for 50 years, the orchestra is an integral part of the diverse and vibrant St. Louis community, presenting hundreds of free education programs and performances throughout the region each year. The Grammy Award–winning SLSO’s impact beyond the St. Louis region is realized through weekly Saturday night concert broadcasts on St. Louis Public Radio, celebrated recordings, and regular touring activity.
Today, the SLSO builds on the institution’s current momentum on all fronts, including artistic, financial, audience growth, and community impact, and looks toward the future with Stéphane Denève. Denève, who has been a frequent guest conductor with the orchestra since 2003, begins his tenure as Music Director with the 19/20 season, following next season as Music Director Designate. For more information, visit slso.org.
