Missouri Classical Music News

When the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra hired David Robertson to be its music director, there were high hopes that this rising star in the orchestra world would boost attendance and polish its long-standing prestige. Now that his first season is completed, it's fair to ask if Robertson is living up to expectations. . . .

Is this a good combination of music director and orchestra? "From the buzz in the music world, I would say the answer would be a resounding 'yes,'" says Henry Fogel, president of the American Symphony Orchestra League, former head of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra - and the nation's pre-eminent orchestra-watcher. "There's no question that words like 'innovative,' 'engaged' and 'imaginative' have come back from people in St. Louis and the (national) music business." . . .

Civic organizations, including the Regional Chamber & Growth Association, regularly use the orchestra's Carnegie Hall concerts as a marketing tool, Adams notes, with special cocktail parties before the performances to talk up what the St. Louis region has to offer. . . .

Robertson wants to do a better job of getting the word out about the special student deals, so young people "will realize that they can actually partake of an exciting concert experience without having to forgo other things - like food."

Working to reach newbies is "more guerrilla and less traditional," Kovalak says. "We're doing a lot online, a lot with word-of-mouth to like-minded people, and we're working on some different partnerships."