Thu, 07 May 2026 12:18:36 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2540113 en-us © 2026 Noted yes 275e2c14-55ca-5c82-befa-5ca54c1c59a5 St. Louis Symphony Orchestra episodic false A quick look into what's on stage this week at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Each episode will take you behind the scenes, revealing the personal stories and perspectives that shape St. Louis Symphony Orchestra classical programs. Hosted by Assistant Conductor Samuel Hollister and featuring St. Louis Symphony Orchestra musicians, this short podcast is perfect for your drive to Powell Hall.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) St. Louis Symphony Orchestra https://storage.buzzsprout.com/waaenfe1ztdbwf48swrrurnsf04x?.jpg Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloé: Love and Transformation Music Director Stéphane Denève, IN UNISON Chorus Director Kevin McBeth, and St. Louis Symphony Chorus Director Erin Freeman join Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to reflect on a season defined by connection, collaboration, and growth. Together, they explore the themes of love and community at the heart of a program featuring Kevin Puts, Nathalie Joachim, and Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloé, including the long-awaited premiere of Joachim’s Family. The conversation offers a look back at meaningful moments from the season and a glimpse ahead to what’s next for the SLSO.

]]> Music Director Stéphane Denève, IN UNISON Chorus Director Kevin McBeth, and St. Louis Symphony Chorus Director Erin Freeman join Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to reflect on a season defined by connection, collaboration, and growth. Together, they explore the themes of love and community at the heart of a program featuring Kevin Puts, Nathalie Joachim, and Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloé, including the long-awaited premiere of Joachim’s Family. The conversation offers a look back at meaningful moments from the season and a glimpse ahead to what’s next for the SLSO.

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-19141335 Thu, 07 May 2026 12:00:00 -0400 1129 1 22 full false Rachmaninoff's Third: Taking Flight SLSO Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister steps into the spotlight as guest, joined by host and audio engineer Kyle Pyke, for a behind-the-scenes look at a milestone moment—his SLSO subscription debut on the podium. The conversation explores the excitement and pressure of leading the orchestra, the journey to conducting, and the perspective shift from host to guest. Hollister also shares insights into shaping the energy of Gabriella Smith’s Tumblebird Contrails, approaching Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 from a pianist’s lens, and navigating the emotional arc of Rachmaninoff’s Third Symphony.

]]> SLSO Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister steps into the spotlight as guest, joined by host and audio engineer Kyle Pyke, for a behind-the-scenes look at a milestone moment—his SLSO subscription debut on the podium. The conversation explores the excitement and pressure of leading the orchestra, the journey to conducting, and the perspective shift from host to guest. Hollister also shares insights into shaping the energy of Gabriella Smith’s Tumblebird Contrails, approaching Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 from a pianist’s lens, and navigating the emotional arc of Rachmaninoff’s Third Symphony.

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-19055713 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0400 786 1 21 full false From Mozart to Wagner: Mysticism and Wonder SLSO Principal Keyboard Peter Henderson joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to reflect on the contrasting musical worlds of Wagner, Mozart, Samy Moussa, and Respighi. He shares insight into the unique color and role of the keyboard within the orchestra, including the shimmering voice of the celesta, and explores how his work as both performer and teacher shapes his musical perspective.

]]> SLSO Principal Keyboard Peter Henderson joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to reflect on the contrasting musical worlds of Wagner, Mozart, Samy Moussa, and Respighi. He shares insight into the unique color and role of the keyboard within the orchestra, including the shimmering voice of the celesta, and explores how his work as both performer and teacher shapes his musical perspective.

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-19022981 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0400 605 1 20 full false Mahler’s Fifth: Landscapes of Emotion SLSO Principal Trumpet Steven Franklin joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to explore a program that pairs new music with a towering orchestral masterpiece. Franklin shares his approach to preparing works by living composers like Carlos Simon, reflects on his long relationship with Mahler’s Fifth Symphony, and offers insight into one of the most iconic trumpet solos in the repertoire. He also discusses the role of the trumpet within the larger brass section and the artistry behind choosing the right instrument to shape the sound of the orchestra.

]]> SLSO Principal Trumpet Steven Franklin joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to explore a program that pairs new music with a towering orchestral masterpiece. Franklin shares his approach to preparing works by living composers like Carlos Simon, reflects on his long relationship with Mahler’s Fifth Symphony, and offers insight into one of the most iconic trumpet solos in the repertoire. He also discusses the role of the trumpet within the larger brass section and the artistry behind choosing the right instrument to shape the sound of the orchestra.

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-18951781 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400 836 1 19 full false Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto: Radiant Vision Composer Kevin Puts joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to discuss his Concerto for Orchestra and his ongoing relationship with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Puts reflects on his roots in St. Louis and the experience of writing for a specific ensemble. He also shares insights into the inspiration behind his music and the collaborative journey of bringing a new work to life alongside Beethoven and Jasmine Guo on this program.

]]> Composer Kevin Puts joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to discuss his Concerto for Orchestra and his ongoing relationship with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Puts reflects on his roots in St. Louis and the experience of writing for a specific ensemble. He also shares insights into the inspiration behind his music and the collaborative journey of bringing a new work to life alongside Beethoven and Jasmine Guo on this program.

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-18908662 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0400 569 1 18 full false John Williams and Kevin Puts: A Cosmic Journey SLSO Associate Principal Timpanist and Section Percussionist Kevin Ritenauer joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to explore a program inspired by the wonder of space and the power of cinematic sound. Ritenauer reflects on how composers like John Williams and Kevin Puts create a sense of the unknown through music, what gives a piece its cinematic feel, and how genre-blending artists like Time for Three bring a unique energy to the stage. He also shares a percussionist’s perspective on some of the most colorful moments in this out-of-this-world program.

]]> SLSO Associate Principal Timpanist and Section Percussionist Kevin Ritenauer joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to explore a program inspired by the wonder of space and the power of cinematic sound. Ritenauer reflects on how composers like John Williams and Kevin Puts create a sense of the unknown through music, what gives a piece its cinematic feel, and how genre-blending artists like Time for Three bring a unique energy to the stage. He also shares a percussionist’s perspective on some of the most colorful moments in this out-of-this-world program.

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-18871519 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0400 528 1 17 full false Scheherazade: Magic and Myth SLSO Concertmaster David Halen joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to explore a program rich in storytelling and virtuosity. Halen reflects on his long tenure with the orchestra, shares insight into the role of the concertmaster, and discusses performing the iconic solo passages of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. The conversation also touches on the emotional depth of Berg’s Violin Concerto and the unique voice of Halen’s historic Guadagnini violin.

]]> SLSO Concertmaster David Halen joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to explore a program rich in storytelling and virtuosity. Halen reflects on his long tenure with the orchestra, shares insight into the role of the concertmaster, and discusses performing the iconic solo passages of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. The conversation also touches on the emotional depth of Berg’s Violin Concerto and the unique voice of Halen’s historic Guadagnini violin.

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-18832167 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:00:00 -0400 596 1 16 full false Bernstein and Robertson: American Reflections SLSO Associate Principal Cellist Melissa Brooks joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to reflect on a program that brings together four distinct American voices, including works by Leonard Bernstein and former Music Director David Robertson. Brooks shares memories from the Robertson era, offers insight into performing music by a living composer on the podium, and considers what defines an “American” sound across generations. The conversation also explores themes of curiosity, resilience, and the role music plays in searching for meaning.

]]> SLSO Associate Principal Cellist Melissa Brooks joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to reflect on a program that brings together four distinct American voices, including works by Leonard Bernstein and former Music Director David Robertson. Brooks shares memories from the Robertson era, offers insight into performing music by a living composer on the podium, and considers what defines an “American” sound across generations. The conversation also explores themes of curiosity, resilience, and the role music plays in searching for meaning.

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-18789514 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0500 802 1 15 full false Lift Every Voice: Black History Month Celebration SLSO IN UNISON Chorus Director Kevin McBeth joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to reflect on Lift Every Voice, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s annual Black History Month Celebration. McBeth shares insights from his years leading the IN UNISON Chorus and explores the spiritual and emotional through-line connecting works by Rosephanye Dunn Powell, Carlos Simon, beloved hymns, and treasured spirituals. The conversation highlights Lift Every Voice as a powerful community gathering that honors heritage, faith, resilience, and the enduring impact of Black artistry.

]]> SLSO IN UNISON Chorus Director Kevin McBeth joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to reflect on Lift Every Voice, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s annual Black History Month Celebration. McBeth shares insights from his years leading the IN UNISON Chorus and explores the spiritual and emotional through-line connecting works by Rosephanye Dunn Powell, Carlos Simon, beloved hymns, and treasured spirituals. The conversation highlights Lift Every Voice as a powerful community gathering that honors heritage, faith, resilience, and the enduring impact of Black artistry.

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-18749225 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0500 733 1 14 full false Mozart’s Magic Flute: Opera in Concert SLSO Music Director Stéphane Denève joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to explore Mozart’s The Magic Flute in concert. Denève reflects on what makes opera in concert a unique artistic experience, how Mozart brings timeless themes vividly to life through music, and the balance of humor and philosophy at the heart of the work. He also shares what continues to reveal itself in this beloved opera and what he hopes audiences carry with them after experiencing its magic at Powell Hall.

]]> SLSO Music Director Stéphane Denève joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to explore Mozart’s The Magic Flute in concert. Denève reflects on what makes opera in concert a unique artistic experience, how Mozart brings timeless themes vividly to life through music, and the balance of humor and philosophy at the heart of the work. He also shares what continues to reveal itself in this beloved opera and what he hopes audiences carry with them after experiencing its magic at Powell Hall.

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-18695600 Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0500 692 1 13 full false Prokofiev and Childs: Anthems of Resilience SLSO violist Andrew François joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to reflect on a program shaped by resilience, healing, and the endurance of the human spirit. François shares personal insights on returning to music-making after the pandemic, discusses the significance of presenting Billy Childs’ Diaspora in spaces like Powell Hall, and explores the quiet strength and hope embedded in Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony. The conversation invites listeners to consider how music can honor struggle, foster connection, and offer renewal.

]]> SLSO violist Andrew François joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to reflect on a program shaped by resilience, healing, and the endurance of the human spirit. François shares personal insights on returning to music-making after the pandemic, discusses the significance of presenting Billy Childs’ Diaspora in spaces like Powell Hall, and explores the quiet strength and hope embedded in Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony. The conversation invites listeners to consider how music can honor struggle, foster connection, and offer renewal.

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-18621318 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 19:00:00 -0500 515 1 12 full false Tchaikovsky’s Fourth: Devotion and Destiny SLSO horn player Julie Thayer joins Assistant Conductor Samuel Hollister to explore a program that balances playfulness, innovation, and emotional depth. Thayer reflects on the energy of Lotta Wennäkoski’s Flounce, the excitement of collaborating with unusual instruments like the sheng in Jukka Tiensuu’s Teoton, and the technical demands of the horn—especially in the brass-driven moments of Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony.

]]> SLSO horn player Julie Thayer joins Assistant Conductor Samuel Hollister to explore a program that balances playfulness, innovation, and emotional depth. Thayer reflects on the energy of Lotta Wennäkoski’s Flounce, the excitement of collaborating with unusual instruments like the sheng in Jukka Tiensuu’s Teoton, and the technical demands of the horn—especially in the brass-driven moments of Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony.

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-18547121 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0500 530 1 11 full false Stravinsky and Debussy: Music in Motion Saint Louis Dance Theatre Artistic Director and choreographer Kirven Douthit-Boyd joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to explore the intersection of music and movement in a program inspired by dialogue, character, and storytelling. Hear Douthit-Boyd discuss shaping relationships through choreography, reimagining Stravinsky’s Pulcinella for today’s stage, and what makes collaborating with a live orchestra a singular artistic experience. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how dance and music come together to bring this program to life. 

]]> Saint Louis Dance Theatre Artistic Director and choreographer Kirven Douthit-Boyd joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to explore the intersection of music and movement in a program inspired by dialogue, character, and storytelling. Hear Douthit-Boyd discuss shaping relationships through choreography, reimagining Stravinsky’s Pulcinella for today’s stage, and what makes collaborating with a live orchestra a singular artistic experience. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how dance and music come together to bring this program to life. 

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-18470273 Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0500 516 1 10 full false Handel’s Messiah: Joyful Praise Former St. Louis Symphony Chorus director Amy Kaiser joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to reflect on the enduring power of Messiah and its deep roots in the SLSO’s holiday tradition. She shares memories from her over 30 performances of the work, insights into Handel’s expressive yet demanding choral writing, and thoughts on keeping a beloved masterpiece fresh year after year. Kaiser also offers a window into the chorus’s preparation process and the sense of community and celebration that Messiah inspires for audiences across St. Louis. 

]]> Former St. Louis Symphony Chorus director Amy Kaiser joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to reflect on the enduring power of Messiah and its deep roots in the SLSO’s holiday tradition. She shares memories from her over 30 performances of the work, insights into Handel’s expressive yet demanding choral writing, and thoughts on keeping a beloved masterpiece fresh year after year. Kaiser also offers a window into the chorus’s preparation process and the sense of community and celebration that Messiah inspires for audiences across St. Louis. 

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-18321342 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0500 585 1 9 full false Shostakovich's 15th: Rebellion and Reckoning SLSO Principal Percussionist Will James joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to unpack a program that spans the intimate lyricism of Clara Schumann and Joseph Haydn to the sharper edge of Dmitri Shostakovich. James offers a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate planning required for major percussion setups, reflects on the orchestra’s history with Shostakovich’s music, and shares how choices as specific as mallets can shape musical storytelling.

]]> SLSO Principal Percussionist Will James joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to unpack a program that spans the intimate lyricism of Clara Schumann and Joseph Haydn to the sharper edge of Dmitri Shostakovich. James offers a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate planning required for major percussion setups, reflects on the orchestra’s history with Shostakovich’s music, and shares how choices as specific as mallets can shape musical storytelling.

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-18289240 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0500 566 1 8 full false Beethoven’s Seventh: Energy and Reverie SLSO bassist and St. Louis native Sarah Hogan Kaiser joins Assistant Conductor Samuel Hollister to explore a program energized by Bartók, Rachmaninoff, and Beethoven. She reflects on the rhythmic drive at the heart of these works, the unique challenges and joys of anchoring the orchestra from the bass section, and the continual process of rediscovering familiar masterpieces. Kaiser also shares early memories of Rachmaninoff and offers a performer’s perspective on navigating the distinct musical worlds of three iconic composers. 

]]> SLSO bassist and St. Louis native Sarah Hogan Kaiser joins Assistant Conductor Samuel Hollister to explore a program energized by Bartók, Rachmaninoff, and Beethoven. She reflects on the rhythmic drive at the heart of these works, the unique challenges and joys of anchoring the orchestra from the bass section, and the continual process of rediscovering familiar masterpieces. Kaiser also shares early memories of Rachmaninoff and offers a performer’s perspective on navigating the distinct musical worlds of three iconic composers. 

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-18254686 Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0500 507 1 7 full false Stravinsky’s Firebird: Flame and Fantasy SLSO Principal Horn Roger Kaza joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister for an inside look at a vibrant program featuring Connesson, Khachaturian, and Stravinsky. Kaza reflects on approaching new music for the first time, revisits the magic and intensity of The Firebird, and shares what it feels like to anchor some of the score’s most iconic moments from the horn section. He also discusses the sense of transformation woven through all three works and offers insight into how his dual life as both performer and conductor shapes his artistic perspective.

]]> SLSO Principal Horn Roger Kaza joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister for an inside look at a vibrant program featuring Connesson, Khachaturian, and Stravinsky. Kaza reflects on approaching new music for the first time, revisits the magic and intensity of The Firebird, and shares what it feels like to anchor some of the score’s most iconic moments from the horn section. He also discusses the sense of transformation woven through all three works and offers insight into how his dual life as both performer and conductor shapes his artistic perspective.

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-18219841 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:00:00 -0500 623 1 6 full false Britten’s War Requiem: A Call for Peace St. Louis Symphony Chorus Director Erin Freeman joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to reflect on the immense emotional and musical scope of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem. She shares insights into preparing the chorus for this monumental work, which interweaves the Latin Requiem Mass with the haunting war poetry of Wilfred Owen. Hear Freeman discuss the challenges of performing such deeply human music, the balance between beauty and tragedy, and the enduring message of peace at the heart of Britten’s masterpiece. 

]]> St. Louis Symphony Chorus Director Erin Freeman joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to reflect on the immense emotional and musical scope of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem. She shares insights into preparing the chorus for this monumental work, which interweaves the Latin Requiem Mass with the haunting war poetry of Wilfred Owen. Hear Freeman discuss the challenges of performing such deeply human music, the balance between beauty and tragedy, and the enduring message of peace at the heart of Britten’s masterpiece. 

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-18140063 Wed, 05 Nov 2025 19:00:00 -0500 710 1 5 full false Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff: Passion and Drama SLSO Principal Clarinetist Scott Andrews reflects on the emotional depth and enduring beauty of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff’s music. Hear Andrews share personal insights into performing Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony—home to one of the most intimate clarinet solos in the repertoire—and explore how both composers transformed personal struggle into music of lasting resonance and renewal. 

]]> SLSO Principal Clarinetist Scott Andrews reflects on the emotional depth and enduring beauty of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff’s music. Hear Andrews share personal insights into performing Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony—home to one of the most intimate clarinet solos in the repertoire—and explore how both composers transformed personal struggle into music of lasting resonance and renewal. 

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-18085407 Mon, 27 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0400 548 1 4 full false Prokofiev and Sibelius: From Dark to Light SLSO Principal Oboist Jelena Dirks offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of preparing for a performance. She shares how musicians interpret a composer’s vision and explores the expressive possibilities of woodwind playing, including insights into the music of Jean Sibelius. 

]]> SLSO Principal Oboist Jelena Dirks offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of preparing for a performance. She shares how musicians interpret a composer’s vision and explores the expressive possibilities of woodwind playing, including insights into the music of Jean Sibelius. 

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-18045273 Mon, 20 Oct 2025 17:00:00 -0400 558 1 3 full false Slatkin and Ax: Hope and Humanity SLSO Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin shares insights into the U.S. premiere of his new work, Schubertiade: An Orchestral Fantasy. Hear Slatkin reflect on his enduring friendship with pianist Emanuel Ax and explore his connection to Edward Elgar’s Symphony No. 1

]]> SLSO Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin shares insights into the U.S. premiere of his new work, Schubertiade: An Orchestral Fantasy. Hear Slatkin reflect on his enduring friendship with pianist Emanuel Ax and explore his connection to Edward Elgar’s Symphony No. 1

]]> St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Buzzsprout-17977485 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0400 649 1 2 full false Opening Weekend: Fanfare for Powell Hall In our debut episode of Noted, Music Director Stéphane Denève shares reflections on the SLSO’s return to a newly renovated Powell Hall. From celebratory fanfares to Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben, discover how the opening program captures the spirit of a heroic homecoming. 

]]> In our debut episode of Noted, Music Director Stéphane Denève shares reflections on the SLSO’s return to a newly renovated Powell Hall. From celebratory fanfares to Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben, discover how the opening program captures the spirit of a heroic homecoming. 

]]> SLSO Buzzsprout-17887861 Mon, 22 Sep 2025 17:00:00 -0400 690 1 1 full false