The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is marking a major milestone this season as the St. Louis Symphony Chorus reaches its 50th year. The ensemble will be featured across nine programs during the 2026–27 season, closing with a May 2 anniversary concert at Powell Hall.
The season’s celebration began in September at the SLSO’s annual Forest Park concert, where members of both the Symphony Chorus and the IN UNISON Chorus joined the orchestra on Art Hill. It was the first time a full combined chorus had performed at the event since the tradition started in 1968.
Founded during the 1976–77 season under Music Director Jerzy Semkow, the Symphony Chorus has grown into an ensemble known for its discipline and versatility. Singers from across the region rehearse weekly and return to Powell Hall several times each season to take on major works. Over five decades, the group has performed at Carnegie Hall, premiered new pieces, and covered repertoire spanning more than three centuries and multiple languages.
“Celebrating 50 years of the St. Louis Symphony Chorus marks an important milestone carrying its extraordinary artistic legacy from its 1976 founding under inaugural Director Thomas Peck through its remarkable ascension under former Director Amy Kaiser, and currently embracing new horizons with Erin Freeman’s leadership,” said Marie-Hélène Bernard, President and CEO of the SLSO. “Since its founding, the Symphony Chorus has flourished along with our orchestra, pushing the boundaries of the traditional repertoire while championing new works. Exceptional artistry, combined with each individual singer’s commitment, has elevated our ensemble to new heights and stands as a testament to the Chorus’ impact in the national arts landscape and the timeless power of vocal music. Bravo to Erin and this wonderful group of artists!”
Freeman became director in 2024. She said the season reflects the Chorus’ long arc and the thousands of singers who have shaped it. “For 50 years, the St. Louis Symphony Chorus has cultivated a reputation for remarkable performances that demonstrate both virtuosity and dexterity,” Freeman said. “I’m excited to take the Chorus into the future as we raise our voices to build our artistic profile, collaborate with our marvelous SLSO, and strengthen our community.”
This season’s programs include works by Stravinsky, Poulenc, Haydn, and Mahler. The Chorus will also take on pieces new to its profile, including Mendelssohn’s Psalm 114, Ravel’s L’enfant et les sortilèges, and Gabriela Ortiz’s Revolución diamantina, which will feature soloists from within the ensemble. Non-classical appearances include the Mercy Holiday Celebration, The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert, and the Extra Credit Choral collaboration with local educators.
The Chorus’ history includes more than 200 major works, Grammy-nominated recordings, and performances in venues ranging from the Cathedral Basilica to Busch Stadium. It has also anchored concert opera productions of Fidelio, Aida, The Flying Dutchman, The Magic Flute, and Peter Grimes — the latter performed at Carnegie Hall on the centennial of Benjamin Britten’s birth.
The Symphony Chorus is one of two resident choral ensembles at the SLSO. The IN UNISON Chorus, founded in 1994 and led by Kevin McBeth, centers its work on music of the African diaspora.