The stockings are hanging, and lights are up on the roof. The wreath is on the front door, and chestnuts may even be roasting on an open fire. What’s missing? A special gift for a loved one.
At the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, we have you covered. With the holidays upon us, here are five gift ideas for you to check off your list.
1. SLSO Ornament
One of the striking symbols of Powell Hall is the ornate stained-glass window over the marquee. This window is one of the most recognizable images of the SLSO’s home, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. According to the register, “Cream-colored terra cotta arabesques frame an arched three-story window which features a stained-glass center image of King Louis IX (Saint Louis).”
During evening events, the image of Saint Louis is illuminated from within the building, displaying the colored glass that is a prominent feature of Powell Hall. Buy this ornament at the SLSO boutique and illuminate Saint Louis on your tree this season.
2. A special evening
More than ever, people are turning to special experiences as go-to gifts. The SLSO offers musical magic year-round, with special artists and unique concerts well after the “12 Days of Christmas” have ended.
On February 13-14, treat someone special in your life to a Valentine’s Night Out with singer, songwriter, and creative visionary Ben Folds.
For the movie lover, snag tickets to faraway planets, deep into forgotten ruins, or even to mystical Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with tickets to SLSO performances of the scores to Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (January 23-26, 2020), Raiders of the Lost Ark (May 16-17, 2020), and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 (March 20-22, 2020). Enjoy the thrill of live music while the movies play on Powell Hall’s big screen.
Take a trip back in time to eras with your favorite music through fun tribute concerts: the 1960s with a tribute to The Beatles (May 29, 2020), the 1970s with a tribute to Queen (February 28, 2020), and the 1980s with a tribute to David Bowie (June 26, 2020).
Purchase tickets to these special events by visiting slso.org.
3. SLSO Tote
This season, the SLSO introduced a new brand along with new Music Director Stéphane Denève. This refreshed logo expresses the future vision of the orchestra with Stéphane and now appears on items for sale in the SLSO boutique.
A new item this season, a SLSO-red tote emblazoned with the orchestra’s new look is a perfect gift for a friend or coworker needing a practical gift. The sturdy tote is strong enough for a trip to the grocery store, a summertime picnic, or a day at the beach.
Nutcracker not included.
4. New recordings
What would the SLSO be without new music to listen to? Of course, you can come to Powell Hall almost every weekend from September through June to hear extraordinary performances, but the SLSO offers recordings to take home and enjoy any time.
This year, the SLSO released a recording of two Mozart piano concerti with pianist Orli Shaham, conducted by former Music Director David Robertson. Critics have universally praised the recordings of Mozart’s Piano Concertos No. 17 and 24.
New Music Director Stéphane Denève comes to St. Louis with an already robust recording portfolio. Find his acclaimed recording of Arthur Honegger’s Joan d’Arc au bucher (Joan of Arc at the Stake) with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam.
You also can find SLSO music online, including Swing Symphony with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
Both musical treasures are available at the SLSO’s boutique located in Powell Hall.
5. SLSO subscription
For those who can’t pick one exciting SLSO concert to attend (we can’t blame you), it’s time to think about a subscription to your SLSO. It’s not too late to purchase a subscription for spring 2020, and with many options, curating your own package is easier than ever.
Pair a performance by R&B legend Aaron Neville (February 22, 2020) with a concert conducted by contemporary composition master John Adams (March 27-28, 2020). Can’t decide between Stravinsky (May 8-9, 2020) and Schubert (February 29-March 1, 2020)? Pick them both!
Hear Peter and the Wolf with your family (February 23, 2020) and Prokofiev, led by Gemma New (April 17-18, 2020). Or how about a little Beethoven (Symphony No. 9 on February 7-9, 2020 and Symphony No. 4 on April 3-5, 2020) and Bolero (March 6-7)?