More Than a Quarter Million Dollars Raised at Chamber Music Society’s Vintage Gala Concert to Celebrate Slatkin's 80th

by Joan Berkman / Photos by Suzy Gorman

Chamber Music Society of St. Louis raised more than $275,000 at its Vintage Gala, which celebrated the 80th birthday of acclaimed conductor, composer, and author Leonard Slatkin. The concert and special event on Monday, September 9, at The Sheldon, also honored CMSSL’s 15th anniversary.

The event was the single-largest fundraiser for the society, with all money raised going to support its artistic, education, and community programs.

“Leonard has been a Chamber Music Society of St. Louis board member since our founding 15 years ago and continues to be a mentor, champion, and inspiration to us and so many musicians,” said Marc Gordon, Chamber Music Society of St. Louis Executive and Artistic Director. “We were excited to celebrate his milestone birthday alongside our anniversary. It was fun to throw in a few birthday surprises for him, too.”

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Conductor Emeritus Leonard Slatkin.

St. Louis Cardinals Baseball’s Ozzie Smith presents Leonard Slatkin with a Louisville Slugger bat.

St. Louis Cardinals Baseball legend Ozzie Smith presents Leonard Slatkin with Louisville Slugger.

During the program, Slatkin shared memories from his musical family. Anecdotes from throughout his storied musical career were featured in a clip from the upcoming film “Don’t Call Me Maestro: The Story of the Slatkin Family’s Musical Legacy” a Documentary by Miran Halen. The concert featured internationally renowned musicians and friends of Slatkin: pianist Olga Kern and violinist Cho-Liang Lin. Kern also performed a special composition written in honor of Slatkin’s birthday by composer Joan Tower. Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith presented Slatkin with a custom baseball bat. The evening ended with musicians, singer Sylvia McNair, and the audience serenading Slatkin with “Happy Birthday.”

Glimpse the Music of the Night

Chamber Music Society of St. Louis and Vintage Gala audience of hundreds sing happy birthday to Leonard Slatkin.

Chamber Music Society of St. Louis musicians play.

Pianist Olga Kern serenades Leonard Slatkin with "Love Letter" from composer Joan Tower.

The evening’s higlights In Pictures

Megan Holmes, Mary Wimley, and Grayling Holmes.

Chamber Music Society of St. Louis extends its gratitude to gala sponsors, including Noémi K. Neidorff, Presenting Sponsor and Dr. Tai Lin – Ariel Premium Supply, Artists Sponsor. It also thanks gala chairs Mary Strauss, Thomas, R. and Carol Voss, Miran Halen, Becky Domyan, and Amalia Pfannenstiel.

Miran Halen, pictured here with Maestro Leonard Slatkin, is working on a documentary on Leonard Slatkin's musical career entitled "Don't Call Me Maestro" and will premiere in 2025.

Chamber Music Society of St. Louis kicks off its 2024/2024 Season on September 23, 2024, with “Open Strings,” featuring Mendelssohn’s Octet. Details about the Subscriptions are on sale now at www.chambermusicstl.org.

Chamber Music Society of St. Louis’ 16th season will also include events featuring students from CMSSL education programs, as well as its education outreach concerts and the 13th year of its Master Class Series, which serves more than 30 St. Louis area schools and is free to students.

About Chamber Music Society of St. Louis

For 15 years, the Chamber Music Society of St. Louis (CMSSL) has offered world-class chamber music performed in intimate settings to inspire and enchant audiences, as well as nurture future generations of classical musicians. Each season, patrons experience music at concerts across St. Louis, including its signature cabaret-style programs. CMSSL also offers unique education opportunities, such as its Master Class Series for students from 30+ St. Louis-area schools, which provides them with professional mentorship, coaching, and performance experience. CMSSL also founded the Rader Young Artists, which has nurtured exceptional student musicians in St. Louis for more than a decade.