Before there was alternative music, before there was Woodstock, before you could take any adolescent with more than two body piercings and make him or her a teeny-bopper sensation overnight … there was classical music.
Yup, as in Beethoven, Mozart, Bach-the musical icons of the 17th through 19th centuries. And though classical music may not be blasting from every Saint Louis University student’s stereo system, an internationally recognized symphony resides just a few blocks north of campus in Powell Symphony Hall.
The Saint Louis Symphony kicks off its season this weekend, Friday, Sept. 14 through Sunday, Sept. 16, with a theme that is familiar even to nonclassical music listeners.
Three musical versions of Romeo and Juliet are on the program: Prokofiev’s “Excerpts from Romeo and Juliet,” Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet” (sensing the theme yet?) and Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.” Even if you’ve never heard of the first two pieces, you’re sure to recognize the catchy, rhythmic tunes of that third selection.
For those who already have plans for this weekend, the rest of the Symphony’s 2001-2002 season provides ample opportunities to hear great music. To celebrate National Piano Month, piano lovers may want to catch next weekend’s concert series, featuring two works for piano and orchestra by Strauss and DeBussy.
To experience one of the most dramatic and magnificent violin concertos, check out Tchaikovsky’s “Violin Concerto in D Major,” featured in the Oct. 5-7 concerts. You’d recognize snippets from Mozart’s “Symphony No. 40 in g minor” and “Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major.”
Think about all of the commercials and television ads you were exposed to in your childhood that utilized classical music as a back drop. Now you can hear those pieces in their entirety (Oct. 25-27 and Feb. 14-16).
The Pops at Powell-a separate concert series at the same hall- also has promising performances on tap. For the movie buff, “A Night at the Oscars” (Nov. 23-25) will feature music from the golden age of Hollywood, including songs from Gone With the Wind, Citizen Kane and The Wizard of Oz.
Other notable performers include Tony-award winner Bernadette Peters (Oct. 19-21) and generation-defining Art Garfunkel (Jan. 18-20, 2002). Jazz fans will appreciate the “Preservation Hall Jazz Band” (Feb. 7, 2002) and a concert devoted to legendary jazz singer Sarah Vaughan (May 9, 2002).
If you have never attended a classical music concert before, don’t worry. Friday and Saturday evening performances are a bit more formal (i.e., the musicians will don tuxes for the evening), but the Sunday afternoon concerts are just as entertaining and a tad more casual.
Yes, you will get the typical symphony-goers who can actually afford to attend every concert in the lower deck and who will shoot daggers at anyone who sneezes during a performance.
But take away the red velvet seats and crystal chandeliers and you’ve got what you’ve come for: a world-class orchestra that anyone can appreciate.
For those who are afraid they can not afford a ticket to the symphony, don’t fret: Full-time students can purchase selected tickets at half price for orchestral series and Pops at Powell concerts.
A valid student ID must be presented at the Saint Louis Symphony box office at the time of purchase. The discount is good for two tickets per ID.
(Note that this discount is offered on events at Powell Hall with 300 or more seats remaining.)
Student tickets are not available online or by phone. Or, for an even better offer, try the Symphony’s special student subscription: admission to six Friday evening concerts for only $49.
