Annual Forest Park Concert with SLSO + Chorus

Let's celebrate the start of the 26/27 orchestra season with our Meetup friends at this annual concert and 'happening.' Music Director Stéphane Denève leads the full St. Louis Symphony in a vibrant program that will feature highlights of the upcoming year. Even cooler this year, that will include members of the St. Louis Symphony CHORUS and the IN UNISON chorus. That means a big program... perfect for the magnificent setting on Art Hill.

As usual, fireworks will start as the orchestra closes with the Stars and Stripes Forever. Pretty special for the 250th anniversary year of the USA.

WHAT TO KNOW
Important tips to really enjoy FREE this special event.

• Come early. I can't say this enough. You'll be able to find closer parking, locate the group on the hill, have a meal and enjoy some social time. We will set up on Art Hill and put up our Meetup flag before 5:00 to make sure you can find us.
• The Art Museum is open until 5:00 that day. It's a great opportunity to go quite early, enjoy the art museum, have a nice bite from their great snack bar and use their restrooms before closing. Come early.
• There will be many port-a-potties available at the top of art hill on both sides.
• There will be a large array of Food Trucks on-site and serving by 5:30. Lots of choices. They will be busy. Come early.
• Bring your own chairs and/or blankets. Come early to minimize your walk.
• You can bring your own food and drink. Please avoid bringing glass onto art hill.
• Although beautiful as the sun goes down behind us on art hill as the concert is about to start, it may become quite a bit cooler. Be sure to dress for the forecast. And come early.

I will try to add additional information as it becomes available regarding parking and shuttles in the park.

THE PROGRAM
Stéphane Denève, conductor
Members of the St. Louis Symphony Chorus | Erin Freeman, director
Members of the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus | Kevin McBeth, director

John Stafford Smith “The Star-Spangled Banner”
Rosamund Johnson / arr. Holland “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
Ottorino Respighi The Pines of the Villa Borghese from The Pines of Rome
Ludwig van Beethoven Allegro from Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral”
Aaron Copland Simple Gifts from Old American Songs
Carl Orff O Fortuna from Carmina Burana
George Gershwin Oh Lawd, I’m on My Way from Porgy and Bess
Leonard Bernstein “Mambo” from West Side Story
Various / arr. Hayman/Kessler Armed Forces Salute
John Williams March of the Resistance from Star Wars: The Force Awakens
John Williams Battle of the Heroes from Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
John Williams Throne Room and End Title from Star Wars Suite
John Philip Sousa The Stars and Stripes Forever