Forest Park Concert

Celebrate the opening of the 2025/2026 season with a cinematic encore of St. Louis’s beloved free concert in Forest Park. In “Forest Park Concert,” the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, guided by Music Director Stéphane Denève, presents a vibrant program of highlights from the coming year. Vocals by SSgt. MeLan K. Smartt join the orchestra for a feast of American and classical classics, from John Stafford‑Smith’s “The Star‑Spangled Banner” (arr. Adam Maness) and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (J. Rosamond Johnson, arr. Hale Smith) to Aaron Copland’s bold “Fanfare for the Common Man” and Ludwig van Beethoven’s soaring excerpt from Symphony No. 7. Delight in Mozart’s “Le nozze di Figaro” overture, Stravinsky’s “Firebird” suite, George Gershwin’s “Girl Crazy” overture, and W.C. Handy’s “St. Louis Blues” March—all arranged by the skilled hands of Richard Hayman and others. The show culminates with John Williams’ rousing “Liberty Fanfare,” the iconic “Main Title from Star Wars Suite,” and John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” Bring your own drinks, snacks, and chairs, settle in on Art Hill, and immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of music, community, and natural beauty—exactly the spirit of this cherished St. Louis tradition.