Noted
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.
Episodes
18 episodes
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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9:29
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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8:48
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 discus...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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9:56
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. ...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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13:22
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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12:13
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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11:32
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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8:35
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 co...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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8:50
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 Dou...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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8:36
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 performan...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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9:45
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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9:26
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 ch...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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8:27
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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10:23
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 mon...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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11:50
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 in...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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9:08
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, inc...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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9:18
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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10:49
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 ca...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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11:30