Photos: See the SLSO Ring in 2019

In a night of fun surprises and soaring melodies, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra ushered in 2019 with its annual BMO Private Bank New Year's Eve Celebration. Former SLSO Resident Conductor Ward Stare returned to the podium to lead the occasion, with special appearances by SLSO Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin leading two pieces and Slatkin and Cardinals legend Ozzie Smith hosting a play-by-play of the first movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5.

Principal trombone Timothy Myers shined on euphonium in Bellstadt's Napoli and Assistant second violin Eva Kozma soloed on Hubay's Scene from the Czarda No. 4, op. 32, "Here Kati."

See more from the fun-filled concert in the gallery below:

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra closed 2018 in style.

Concertmaster David Halen and Cardinals legend Ozzie Smith share a laugh.

Former SLSO Resident Conductor Ward Stare turns to the audience during a piece.

Eva Kozma performs as the featured soloist during a selection by the composer Jeno Hubay.

Timothy Myers, principal trombone, wowed audiences with his euphonium solo on "Napoli".

SLSO Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin provided some comic relief during a surprise appearance.

Principal oboe Jelena Dirks "argues" with conductor Ward Stare over an impromptu solo during a humorous interpretation of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5.

Leonard Slatkin, SLSO Conductor Laureate, introduces an arrangement of the traditional folk song "Shenandoah," arranged by his wife, Cindy McTee.

Bass trombone Gerry Pagano acts as referee during a conductor vs. orchestra "battle" of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5.

Leonard Slatkin honors double bass Don Martin, who retired on December 31, 2018, after 56 years with the SLSO.

Jelena Dirks celebrates after a call goes her way in the conductor vs. orchestra rendition of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5.

From left, Ozzie Smith and Leonard Slatkin provided the play-by-play of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5.

Ward Stare dons his Cardinals hat in preparation for a showdown between he and the SLSO.

Ward Stare returned to St. Louis to conduct the beloved annual New Year's Eve Celebration.