In one of the final concerts of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's 144th season, internationally acclaimed cellist and philanthropist Yo-Yo Ma performed with the orchestra for the first time in more than ten years.
Ma's performance of Edward Elgar's Cello Concerto was met with a standing ovation and multiple curtain calls, before he brought his cello back out—to the roar of the crowd—for an encore of music by Pablo Casals. Called "breathtakingly stellar" (KDHX), Ma's performance was the highlight of the SLSO's gala, the biggest night of the season. Preceding the concert, guests enjoyed dinner and drinks in one of two Stifel Theatre ballrooms, and the night concluded with drinks and dancing, with live music provided by Griffin and the Gargoyles.
In total, the gala raised $1.135 million for the SLSO's artistic, education, and community programs.
SLSO Music Director Stéphane Denève introduced Ma, a personal friend, following a performance of Claude Debussy's La Mer, a three-movement suite that depicts the sea.
Photos by Virginia Harold
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