Founded in 1880, the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra is recognized internationally as an ensemble of the highest caliber, performing a broad musical repertoire with skill and spirit. 

Through the leadership of Leonard Slatkin, SLSO Conductor Laureate, the Symphony expanded its audience through frequent tours of the Midwest and the East and West Coasts in the 1980s and 1990s. Tours to Europe in 1985 and 1993, and to the Far East in 1986, 1990 and 1995 spread the reputation of the orchestra throughout the world. During Mr. Slatkin’s tenure as Music Director, recordings by the orchestra were honored with six Grammy Awards and 56 Grammy nominations.

Since the departure of Mr. Slatkin in 1996, the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra has continued bringing great music to cities here in the states and also in Europe, and garnering international attention and acclaim for the city of St Louis and for the orchestra through the leadership of the late Hans Vonk. In December 2003, the SLSO announced the appointment of its 12th- and second American-born-, Music Director, David Robertson.