Powell Hall was decked out in red, green, and gold. Santa was in front of the Christmas tree. Families and friends gathered for selfies in the Wightman Grand Foyer. Yes, it was time for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's Mercy Holiday Celebration concerts.
This year, the SLSO was joined by conductor/vocalist/trumpeter Byron Stripling, vocalist Mamie Parris, and a small jazz combo for new takes on traditional favorites.
There were some beloved traditions, including Santa Claus selecting a child to conduct the orchestra in Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride. And some newer traditions, including two performances at the J. Scheidegger Center for Performing Arts at Lindenwood University in St. Charles.
Photos by Virginia Harold
