Symphony Preview: 'Tis the season to be jolly

Stéphane Denève kicks off his first official season as Music Director of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) this week with concerts that can only be called celebratory.

The festivities start on Thursday, September 12, at 7 pm as Mr. Denève conducts the orchestra and Kevin McBeth's IN UNISON chorus in the annual "pops" program at the base of Art Hill in Forest Park. The evening includes favorites by Bizet, Bernstein, and Berlioz, along with St. Louis-themed numbers like the "St. Louis Blues March" (that's W.C. Handy's "St. Louis Blues," not the hockey team) by long-time SLSO Pops conductor Richard Hayman, as well as a mashup of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" and "Meet Me in St. Louis" by Hayman and St. Louis jazz/classical keyboardist and composer Adam Manness.

It all concludes with a literal bang--Tchaikovsky's "1812" overture (full title: "The Year 1812, festival overture in E-flat major, Op. 49") followed by Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever," complete with fireworks. No tickets are required, although you'll probably want to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating.

The "1812 Overture" in Melbourne in 2005
en.wikipedia.org

Regarding the "1812": while it's probably Tchaikovsky's Greatest Hit, the composer himself didn't think much of it. "The overture will be very loud and noisy," he wrote to his patroness Nadezhda von Meck, "but I wrote it with no warm feeling of love, and so it will have no artistic merits at all." Composed on commission for a concert commemorating completion of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the work frequently shows up in outdoor concerts like this one, where the large orchestra can be supplemented with a brass band, bells, and (where practical and not prohibited by law) cannons.

Since its 1882 premiere, by the way, the "1812" has been a subject of some artistic tinkering by conductors and orchestrators. One of the more notable arrangements is the one conductor Igor Buketoff put together for his 1968 RCA recording, which added a chorus and children's chorus to sing the lyrics of the two Russian folk melodies in the score. Will we hear the IN UNISON chorus adding to the joyful noise this Thursday? You'll have to attend to find out.

The first indoor concerts of the season take place Friday through Sunday as Mr. Denève conducts the orchestra and soloists Daniel Lee (cello) and Erin Scheiber (violin) in something else that has become an annual tradition-an evening of music by John Williams.

Mr. Williams, who turned 87 in February, is probably the best known and most frequently recorded film music composer of the last 100 years. He's certainly one of the most honored, with five Oscars, three Emmys, four Golden Globes, 23 Grammys, seven BAFTA awards, and, for all I know, a partridge in a pear tree. With 51 Oscar nominations, he is the second most-nominated individual in that award's history. His most visible work has been for blockbusters like "Jurassic Park", the first Harry Potter film, the "Indiana Jones" films, and the "Star Wars" series, but Mr. Williams's involvement with the film music business extends all the way back to his days as a jazz keyboardist and film and TV studio pianist. Remember the piano riff for "Peter Gunn"? That's him.

John Williams receiving the
2009 National Medal of Arts from President Obama

Former Music Director David Robertson is a great admirer of the music of Mr. Williams, and made an evening of his works something of a Christmas tradition locally. Moving this popular concert to the beginning of the season makes considerable programmatic sense, though, since it offers something of a bridge from the pops sounds of the Forest Park event to the first major works of the season the weekend of September 21. Those concerts will include Debussy's "La Mer," Ravel's Piano Concerto in G, and Gershwin's "An American in Paris," along with newer pieces by Guillame Connesson, Jennifer Higdon, and Pevin Puts.

Stéphane Denève rehearses the main title from Superman.

When you go, expect an evening of Williams's Monster Hits, including music from "Close Encounters," "Superman," and "Jaws". There will also be selections from the "Harry Potter" films along with music from less well known films like "Memoirs of a Geisha," "The Book Thief," and John Badham's 1979 version of "Dracula."

The SLSO has had quite a public affair for some time now with movies and movie music. Movie nights have been especially successful, with films projected on Powell Hall's massive screen while the orchestra performs the score live. The "Harry Potter" film series, in particular, appears to be a big hit, with "Half Blood Prince" and "Deathly Hallows Part 1" scheduled for the 2019/2020 season.

A bigger curmudgeon than yours truly might sneer at these blockbuster events, but there's no doubt that they help the SLSO's bottom line. And if they attract audiences who have never experienced the heady cocktail of a live orchestral performance then I, for one, am all for it.

The Essentials: Stéphane Denève conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in The Music of John Williams Friday and Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm, September 13-15. Performances take place at Powel Symphony Hall in Grand Center.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of September 9, 2019

The fall concert season gets rolling with the Metropolitan Orchestra, multiple St. Louis Symphony Orchestra concerts, and chamber music from the Friends of Music and Alarm Will Sound.

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The Biome School presents An Evening at the Opera with Morris Robinson on Friday, September 13, at 6:30 pm. "The Biome School’s benefit concert will feature a special performance by Morris Robinson. Morris Robinson is considered one of the most interesting and sought-after basses performing today. Mr. Robinson regularly appears at the Metropolitan Opera where he is a graduate of the Lindemann Young Artist Program." The performance takes place at The Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Rd. For more information: thebiomeschool.org.

Eliot Unitarian Chapel presents a Friends of Music concert on Sunday, September 15, at 3 pm. The program will feature Dr. Stella Markou, soprano and Dr. Martin Kennedy, pianist. Dr. Markou will sing music by Turina, Debussy, and Vivaldi, as well as operatic excerpts. Dr. Kennedy will perform Federico Busoni's piano transcription of Johann Sebastian Bach's Chaconne for solo violin and Franz Liszt's transcription of Richard Wagner's prelude to Tristan und Isolde. The concert takes place at Eliot Unitarian Chapel is at 100 South Argonne in Kirkwood. For more information: fomcstl.org.

The Metropolitan Orchestra

The Metropolitan Orchestra performs on Sunday, September 15, at 7 pm. The program includes Le Tombeau de Couperin by Ravel, Haydn's Symphony No. 92 in G major and Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4. The concert takes place at First Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Adams in Kirkwood. For more information: moslmusic.org.

Stéphane Denève conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and IN UNISON Chorus in a free outdoor concert in Forest Park on Thursday, September 12, starting at 7 p.m. "Experience St. Louis' favorite evening at the annual free Forest park concert as Stéphane Denève leads his first concert as Music Director. Pack a picnic, grab a blanket and relax with family and friends at the base of Art Hill for a musical celebration with the SLSO that is capped off with a spectacular fireworks display. No tickets are required for this event." For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Stéphane Denève

Stéphane Denève conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in The Music of John Williams Friday and Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm, September 13-15 " Relive iconic moments from your favorite blockbuster films as Music Director Stéphane Denève and the SLSO take you on the adventure of a lifetime with the beloved music of John Williams. Hear legendary scores from films including E.T., Superman, Dracula, Indiana Jones and more!" Performances take place at Powel Symphony Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents the contemporary chamber ensemble Alarm Will Sound on Friday September 13, at 8 pm. “Alarm Will Sound is a 20-member chamber orchestra that focuses on recordings and performances of contemporary classical music.” The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of September 11, 2017

The Metropolitan  Orchestra 

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The Metropolitan Orchestra of Saint Louis presents a program of works by Rossini, Mozart, and Mendelssohn on Sunday, September 17, at 7 p.m. The concert takes place at First Presbyterian Church, 100 East Adams in Kirkwood. For more information: metro-orch.org.

St. Louis Cathedral Concerts presents a free chamber music concert on Tuesday, September 12, at 7 p.m. Performers Kristin Ahlstrom, violin; Bjorn Ranheim, cello; Tzuying Huang, clarinet; and Matthew Mazzoni, piano will perform works by Beethoven, Khachaturian, and Mendelssohn. The performance takes place at Sts. Joachim and Ann Catholic Church, 4110 McClay in St. Charles. For more information: cathedralconcerts.org

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents a free outdoor concert in Forest Park on Wednesday, September 13, starting at 7 p.m."Pack a picnic, grab a blanket and enjoy our FREE concert in Forest Park. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra performs classical favorites at the base of Art Hill, closing with an impressive firework display. Invite your family and friends to join us for one of St. Louis' favorite musical events of the year!" For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The St. Louis Sympony Orchestra presents a showing of the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, with the score played live by the orchestra under the baton of Justin Freer, Friday and Saturday at 7 and Sunday at 2 p.m., September 15 - 17. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Pandit Jayateerth Mevundi

Sangeetha presents A North Indian Classical Vocal Music Concert by Pandit Jayateerth Mevundi with assisting artists on Friday, September 15, at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Mevundi "is an accomplished singer representing the illustrious Kirana Gharana and is in the lineage of the legends Sawai Gandharva and Bhimsen Joshi, master performers of yesteryears. Known for his ease and felicity of his singing style, Pandit Mevundi will be accompanied by artists on the harmonium and tabla." The concert takes place at the Midwest Music Conservatory, 15977 Clayton Road in Ballwin, MO. For more information: sangeetha.org.

Washngton University's Danforth University Center Chamber Music Series presents an evening of opera favorites with soprano Gina Galati and other soloists from Winter Opera on Tuesday, September 12, at 7:30 p.m. The concert takes place at the Goldberg Formal Lounge in the Danforth University Center on the Washington University Campus. For more information: music.wustl.edu

The Washington University Department of Music peresnts the Zafira Quartet on Thursday, September 14th, at 7:30 p.m. "The Zafira Quartet brings you a concert of Latino music, on acoustic and electric instruments. Featuring composers from Chile, Argentina, and Mexico, this program is passionate and emotional. The music of Latin America is very personal for the Zafira Quartet. We have all connected through our experiences living and working in South America, and continue to enjoy those cultures and traditions within our music-making. In this concert, Holly, Sarah, Amy, and Ranya combine the classical string quartet form, with modern electric instruments, and the old and new sounds of South American music. The performance takes place at the 560 Music Center at 560 Trinity in Universit City. For more information, call 314-935-5566.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of August 7, 2017

The Compton Heights Concert Band
Photo: J. Sparks Photography

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The Compton Heights Concert Band presents the last of its free Musical Mondays concerts, featuring marches, show tunes and classical favorites, at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, August 7th. This week the soloists are tenor Hugh Kash Smith and Winter Opera founder soprano Gina Galati. The concert takes place in Tower Grove Park at the historic Henry Shaw Bandstand. For more information: chband.org.

The Gesher Music Festival presents a Family Concert on Saturday, August 12 at 2 p.m. "Bring the whole family for a 45 minute interactive concert geared towards primary school age children and their entire families. Free, no reservations" The event takes place at the Ferguson Public Library, 35 N. Florissant Road in Ferguson, MO. For more information: www.geshermusicfestival.org.

The Gesher Music Festival presents a Family Concert at the J on Sunday, August 13 at 4 p.m. "Bring the whole family for a 45 minute interactive concert geared towards primary school age children and their entire families." For more information: www.geshermusicfestival.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of July 24, 2017

The Compton Heights Concert Band
Photo: J. Sparks Photography

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The Compton Heights Concert Band presents free Musical Mondays concerts featuring marches, show tunes and classical favorites at Mondays at 7:30 p.m. through August 7. This week (July 24) it's "This Band is Your Band", a band showcase night. The concert takes place in Tower Grove Park at the historic Henry Shaw Bandstand. For more information: chband.org.

The Compton Heights Concert Band presents free Sunday Serenades concerts featuring marches, show tunes and classical favorites on Sundays at 7:30 PM through August 6. This week (July 30) its a Chuck Berry Tribute with Butchwax and the Hollywoods and Billy Peek. The concerts takes place in Francis Park at Donovan and Eichelberger on the Compton Heights Band's Carol Joy Brooks Memorial Stage. For more information: chband.org.

The Gateway Festival Orchestra presents Many Miniatures and a Masterpiece, a free concert on Sunday, July 30, at 7:30 PM. "Enjoy a free live concert by a fifty-piece professional orchestra. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket for relaxing on the grass in beautiful Brookings Quadrangle on the campus of Washington University. Parking is free and plentiful. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is available for purchase, and children receive an attendance prize." The all-Russian program includes music by Glinka and Borodin and features Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto with soloist Julia Sakharova. The concert takes place at the Brookings Quadrangle on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.gatewayfestivalorchestra.org.

The Lemp Neighborhood Arts Center presents Orchestrating Diversity's Youth Orchestra in concert on Sunday, July 30, at 3:30 p.m. "The orchestra is students from McCluer, Normandy, Metro, Gateway, and Grand Center Arts Academy as well community members. They are known for performing world-class music with unusual skill. Orchestrating Diversity is a free orchestral music education program for all St. Louis Area youth. As a part of the El Sistema Movement, we see playing music in ensembles as a key tool for empowering and uniting our youth." The program includes music by Tchaikovsky and Janacek and takes place at Pilgrim Congretaional Church, 826 Union.

The University City Summer Band presents a concert on Tuesday, 25 11, at 7 p.m. "Concerts last about 80 minutes, and include a short intermission. Seating is on the lawn. Bring a lawn chair or blanket as available seating is limited. Bring your children! Bring a picnic!" The concert takes place in Heman Park, 1028 Midland in University City. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church 6800 Washington Ave (at Kingsland). For more information: ucsummerband.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of July 17, 2017

The St. Louis Rivermen

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The Compton Heights Concert Band presents free Musical Mondays concerts featuring marches, show tunes and classical favorites at Mondays at 7:30 p.m. through August 7. The soloists this week (July 17) are Red Lehr and the St. Louis Rivermen. The concert takes place in Tower Grove Park at the historic Henry Shaw Bandstand. For more information: chband.org.

The Compton Heights Concert Band presents free Sunday Serenades concerts featuring marches, show tunes and classical favorites on Sundays at 7:30 PM through August 6. This week (July 23) it's "This Band is Your Band", a band showcase night. The concerts takes place in Francis Park at Donovan and Eichelberger on the Compton Heights Band's "Carol Joy Brooks Memorial" Stage. For more information: chband.org.

The Gateway Festival Orchestra presents Parisian Romance, a free concert on Thursday, July 20, at 7:30 PM. "Enjoy a free live concert by a fifty-piece professional orchestra. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket for relaxing on the grass in beautiful Brookings Quadrangle on the campus of Washington University. Parking is free and plentiful. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is available for purchase, and children receive an attendance prize." The program includes music by Franck, Herold, Debussy, and Offenbach along with selections from the musical Gigi. The concert takes place at the Chesterfield Ampitheater, 631 Veteran's Place Drive in Chesterfield. For more information: www.gatewayfestivalorchestra.org.

The Gateway Festival Orchestra presents Wolfgang and Felix, a free concert on Sunday, July 23, at 7:30 PM. "Enjoy a free live concert by a fifty-piece professional orchestra. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket for relaxing on the grass in beautiful Brookings Quadrangle on the campus of Washington University. Parking is free and plentiful. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is available for purchase, and children receive an attendance prize." The program consists of music by Mozart and Mendelssohn, including Mozart's Symphony No. 40 and the Fingal's Cave Overture by Mendelssohn. The concert takes place at the Brookings Quadrangle on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.gatewayfestivalorchestra.org.

The University City Summer Band presents a concert on Tuesday, July 18, at 7 p.m. "Concerts last about 80 minutes, and include a short intermission. Seating is on the lawn. Bring a lawn chair or blanket as available seating is limited. Bring your children! Bring a picnic!" The concert takes place in Heman Park, 1028 Midland in University City. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church 6800 Washington Ave (at Kingsland). For more information: ucsummerband.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of July 10, 2017

Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers

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The Compton Heights Concert Band presents free Musical Mondays concerts featuring marches, show tunes and classical favorites at Mondays at 7:30 p.m. through August 7. The soloists this week (July 10) are Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers. The concert takes place in Tower Grove Park at the historic Henry Shaw Bandstand. For more information: chband.org.

The Compton Heights Concert Band presents free Sunday Serenades concerts featuring marches, show tunes and classical favorites on Sundays at 7:30 PM through August 6. The soloists this week (July 16) are Red Lehr and the St. Louis Rivermen. The concerts takes place in Francis Park at Donovan and Eichelberger on the Compton Heights Band's "Carol Joy Brooks Memorial" Stage. For more information: chband.org.

The Gateway Festival Orchestra presents Parisian Romance, a free concert on Sunday, July 16, at 7:30 PM. "Enjoy a free live concert by a fifty-piece professional orchestra. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket for relaxing on the grass in beautiful Brookings Quadrangle on the campus of Washington University. Parking is free and plentiful. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is available for purchase, and children receive an attendance prize." The program includes music by Franck, Herold, Debussy, and Offenbach along with selections from the musical Gigi. The concert takes place at the Brookings Quadrangle on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.gatewayfestivalorchestra.org.

The University City Summer Band presents a concert on Tuesday, July 11, at 7 p.m. "Concerts last about 80 minutes, and include a short intermission. Seating is on the lawn. Bring a lawn chair or blanket as available seating is limited. Bring your children! Bring a picnic!" The concert takes place in Heman Park, 1028 Midland in University City. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church 6800 Washington Ave (at Kingsland). For more information: ucsummerband.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of July 3, 2017

The Compton Heights Concert Band in Tower Grove Park
Photo: Jim Sparks

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The Compton Heights Concert Band presents free Musical Mondays concerts featuring marches, show tunes and classical favorites at Mondays at 7:30 p.m. through August 7. The soloist this week (July 3) is baritone Ralph Ellison in a concert that includes Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture with real civil war cannons. The concert takes place in Tower Grove Park at the historic Henry Shaw Bandstand. For more information: chband.org.

The Compton Heights Concert Band presents free Sunday Serenades concerts featuring marches, show tunes and classical favorites on Sundays at 7:30 PM through August 6. The soloists this week (July 9) are Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers. The concerts takes place in Francis Park at Donovan and Eichelberger on the Compton Heights Band's "Carol Joy Brooks Memorial" Stage. For more information: chband.org.

The Gateway Festival Orchestra presents Ye Olde London Towne, a free concert on Sunday, July 9, at 7:30 PM. "Enjoy a free live concert by a fifty-piece professional orchestra. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket for relaxing on the grass in beautiful Brookings Quadrangle on the campus of Washington University. Parking is free and plentiful. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is available for purchase, and children receive an attendance prize." The program includes music by William Boyce, Vaughan Williams, and Haydn The concert takes place at the Brookings Quadrangle on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.gatewayfestivalorchestra.org.

The University City Summer Band presents a concert on Tuesday, July 4, at 7 p.m. "Concerts last about 80 minutes, and include a short intermission. Seating is on the lawn. Bring a lawn chair or blanket as available seating is limited. Bring your children! Bring a picnic!" The concert takes place in Heman Park, 1028 Midland in University City. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church 6800 Washington Ave (at Kingsland). For more information: ucsummerband.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of August 1, 2016

The Compton Heights Concert Band
Photo: Jim Sparks

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The Compton Heights Concert Band presents free Musical Mondays concerts featuring marches, show tunes and classical favorites at Mondays at 7:30 p.m. through August 8. This week (August 1) is Band Showcase Night. The concert takes place in Tower Grove Park at the historic Henry Shaw Bandstand. For more information: chband.org.

The Compton Heights Concert Band presents free Sunday Serenades concerts featuring marches, show tunes and classical favorites on Sundays at 7:30 PM through August 7. The soloist this week (August 7) is tenor Hugh Smith The concerts takes place in Francis Park at Donovan and Eichelberger on the Compton Heights Band's "Carol Joy Brooks Memorial" Stage. For more information: chband.org.

The Lemp Neighborhood Arts Center presents the Orchestrating Diversity Summer Concert on Sunday, August 7, at 3 p.m. "The students musicians and community players have worked countless hours to prepare a truly moving program. We'll begin with the exciting Rossini “La gazza ladra” (The Thieving Magpie) Overture. Then, our own David Brown will perform the thrillingly difficult Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No.1, Op.33. The concert concludes with the singular, noble, and deeply personal Schumann Symphony No. 2 in C Major, Op. 61." The performance takes place at Pilgrim Congretational Church, 826 Union in the Central West End. For more information: lemp-arts.org

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of July 25, 2016

The Compton Heights Concert Band in Tower Grove Park
Photo: Jim Sparks

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The Compton Heights Concert Band presents free Musical Mondays concerts featuring marches, show tunes and classical favorites at Mondays at 7:30 p.m. through August 8. The guest performer this week (July 25) is soprano and Winter Opera founder Gina Galati. The concert takes place in Tower Grove Park at the historic Henry Shaw Bandstand. For more information: chband.org.

The Compton Heights Concert Band presents free Sunday Serenades concerts featuring marches, show tunes and classical favorites on Sundays at 7:30 PM through August 7. . This week (July 31) is Band Showcase Night. The concerts takes place in Francis Park at Donovan and Eichelberger on the Compton Heights Band's "Carol Joy Brooks Memorial" Stage. For more information: chband.org.

The Gateway Festival Orchestra

The Gateway Festival Orchestra presents Music for the Royals, a free concert on Monday, July 25, at 7:30 PM. "Enjoy a free live concert by a fifty-piece professional orchestra. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket for relaxing on the grass in beautiful Brookings Quadrangle on the campus of Washington University. Parking is free and plentiful. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is available for purchase, and children receive an attendance prize." The program includes music by Handel Mozart, Beethoven and Rodgers and Hammerstein. The concert takes place at the Brookings Quadrangle on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.gatewayfestivalorchestra.org.

The Gateway Festival Orchestra presents Triumph or Tragedy, a free concert on Sunday, July 31, at 7:30 PM. "Enjoy a free live concert by a fifty-piece professional orchestra. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket for relaxing on the grass in beautiful Brookings Quadrangle on the campus of Washington University. Parking is free and plentiful. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is available for purchase, and children receive an attendance prize." The program includes Schubert's Symphony No. 4 ("Tragic"), Brahms's Tragic Overture, and music from James Horner's score for the movie Titanic. The concert takes place at the Brookings Quadrangle on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.gatewayfestivalorchestra.org.

The University City Summer Band presents a concert on Tuesday, July 19, at 7 p.m. "Concerts last about 80 minutes, and include a short intermission. Seating is on the lawn. Bring a lawn chair or blanket as available seating is limited. Bring your children! Bring a picnic!" The concert takes place in Heman Park, 1028 Midland in University City. For more information: ucsummerband.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of July 18, 2016

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The Compton Heights Concert Band presents free Musical Mondays concerts featuring marches, show tunes and classical favorites at Mondays at 7:30 p.m. through August 8. The guest performer this week (July 18) is St. Louis Symphony trombonist Jonathan Reycraft, who will perform Rimski-Korsakov's Trombone Concerto. The concert takes place in Tower Grove Park at the historic Henry Shaw Bandstand. For more information: chband.org.

The Compton Heights Concert Band presents free Sunday Serenades concerts featuring marches, show tunes and classical favorites on Sundays at 7:30 PM through August 7. The guest performer this week (July 24) is soprano and Winter Opera founder Gina Galati. The concerts takes place in Francis Park at Donovan and Eichelberger on the Compton Heights Band's "Carol Joy Brooks Memorial" Stage. For more information: chband.org.

The Gateway Festival Orchestra

The Gateway Festival Orchestra presents Music for the Royals, a free concert on Sunday, July 24, at 7:30 PM. "Enjoy a free live concert by a fifty-piece professional orchestra. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket for relaxing on the grass in beautiful Brookings Quadrangle on the campus of Washington University. Parking is free and plentiful. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is available for purchase, and children receive an attendance prize." The program includes music by Handel Mozart, Beethoven and Rodgers and Hammerstein. The concert takes place at the Brookings Quadrangle on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.gatewayfestivalorchestra.org.

The University City Summer Band presents a concert on Tuesday, July 19, at 7 p.m. "Concerts last about 80 minutes, and include a short intermission. Seating is on the lawn. Bring a lawn chair or blanket as available seating is limited. Bring your children! Bring a picnic!" The concert takes place in Heman Park, 1028 Midland in University City. For more information: ucsummerband.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of July 11, 2016

The Compton Heights Concert Band in Tower Grove Park
Photo: Jim Sparks

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The Compton Heights Concert Band presents free Musical Mondays concerts featuring marches, show tunes and classical favorites at Mondays at 7:30 p.m. through August 8. The July 11 concert features David Morris, the "World's Top Whistler'. The concert takes place in Tower Grove Park at the historic Henry Shaw Bandstand. For more information: chband.org.

The Compton Heights Concert Band presents free Sunday Serenades concerts featuring marches, show tunes and classical favorites on Sundays at 7:30 PM through August 7. The guest performer this week (July 17) is St. Louis Symphony trombonist Jonathan Reycraft, who will perform Rimski-Korsakov's Trombone Concerto. The concerts takes place in Francis Park at Donovan and Eichelberger on the Compton Heights Band's "Carol Joy Brooks Memorial" Stage. For more information: chband.org.

The Gateway Festival Orchestra presents Let the Show Begin, a free concert on Sunday, July 17, at 7:30 PM. "Enjoy a free live concert by a fifty-piece professional orchestra. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket for relaxing on the grass in beautiful Brookings Quadrangle on the campus of Washington University. Parking is free and plentiful. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is available for purchase, and children receive an attendance prize." The program includes popular overtures by Beethoven, Rossini, Offenbach, and Wagner. The concert takes place at the Brookings Quadrangle on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.gatewayfestivalorchestra.org.

The University City Summer Band presents a concert on Tuesday, July 12, at 7 p.m. "Concerts last about 80 minutes, and include a short intermission. Seating is on the lawn. Bring a lawn chair or blanket as available seating is limited. Bring your children! Bring a picnic!" The concert takes place in Heman Park, 1028 Midland in University City. For more information: ucsummerband.org.