The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is continually grateful to the women who work tirelessly to advance the orchestra, both on stage and in the community. Get to know a few of the countless women who have made their mark on the SLSO.
Quick Start
Living Legacies - In this story—originally created in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment—get to know the SLSO's history through the words of some key women who have influenced its path.
Lunch & Learn: Women of the SLSO - Join SLSO musicians and leadership for an inside perspective on the crucial role women have played in the orchestra.
Listen In
Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman No. 5, by Joan Tower - Music Director Stéphane Denève and the trombones of the orchestra perform former Composer-in-Residence Joan Tower's fifth work in a series dedicated to uncommon women.
Dam Mwen Yo, by Nathalie Joachim - Cellist Elizabeth Chung performs Nathalie Joachim's take on the songs of Haitian women, one of "strength, beauty, pain, and simplicity."
Until We Gather Again, by Alice Chance - Members of the IN UNISON and Symphony Choruses join together to perform Alice Chance's work alongside the composer's animated illustrations.
One-on-One
Stephanie Childress - Get to know the SLSO's new Assistant Conductor and Music Director of the Youth Orchestra in this interview, and don't miss her welcoming Lunch & Learn and striking interview with the French Institute UK.
Susan Slaughter - The legendary trumpeter traces her career in this 2010 Playbill article.
Marie-Hélène Bernard - In this 2015 article from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the SLSO's President and CEO shares her vision for the orchestra.
Nadia Maddex - This IN UNISON scholar shares her experience with the IN UNISON program and how it's moved her to pursue music education.
Kay Drey - This activist with an eye for education programs takes pride in the SLSO.
Diana West - A self-described "local girl" knows that music is her purpose and is thriving in the IN UNISON program.
Gemma New - Previous Resident Conductor Gemma New remembers how her experience with the SLSO was "love at first sight."
On the Historic Pandemic
Amy Kaiser - The Symphony Chorus Director reflects on cancelling what would have been "the high point of a musical life."
Beth Guterman Chu - Principal Violist Beth Guterman Chu on playing for an audience of one.
Jennifer Nitchman - Flutist Jennifer Nitchman opens up about finding her rhythm during the early months of the pandemic.
Jelena Dirks - Principal Oboist Jelena Dirks shares her concept of flexible hope.
In Memoriam
Sarah Bryan Miller - The SLSO family celebrates the life of Sarah Bryan Miller, a one-of-a-kind critic who motivated the orchestra to keep improving. Read more about her hopes for the orchestra here.