SAINT LOUIS SYMPHONY ENTERTAINED TENS OF THOUSANDS AT 2002 OUTDOOR OVERTURES CONCERTS 
More than 33,000 enjoyed free performances at five area parks

ST. LOUIS, July 11, 2002 - More than 33,000 people attended the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra's 2002 Outdoor Overtures concert series, which began June 2 and ended July 5, the Symphony announced today.  The free concert series consisted of performances at Faust Park in Chesterfield, the Florissant Civic Center, Jefferson Barracks in South County, Laumeier Sculpture Park in Sunset Hills, and Shaw Park in Clayton.

Families from throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area brought lawn chairs, blankets, refreshments, and even pets to the casual outdoor concerts to hear - free of charge - one of the nation's best symphony orchestras.  Each concert, under the direction of Associate Conductor David Amado, focused on American music and patriotic favorites.
"We are delighted with the turnout at the Outdoor Overture concerts this summer," said Randy Adams, president and executive director of the Symphony.  "With generous funding from Saint Louis County, the Orchestra brought great music to families of all ages in the north, south, central and west areas.  We hope to make these free parks concerts a summer tradition, and eventually expand them to include the city of St. Louis and other parts of the metropolitan area.  We were particularly pleased to see so many families with young children in attendance."

Adams added that attendance at the five parks concerts outstripped attendance of 25,000 at the 2001 Queeny Parks pops series, which consisted of 18 concert dates.  The Queeny series was discontinued after several years of declining attendance and financial losses.
The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra has been a source of pride for the St. Louis region since its founding in 1880.  The Symphony has earned a reputation as a first-tier orchestra through the generations of excellent performances, through its mastery of a wide-ranging repertoire, and a tradition of partnering with leading musical artists from around the world.

In addition to its regular concert season, the Symphony has extensive community programs aimed at encouraging thousands of children of all ages to learn about classical music through the E. Desmond Lee Education Collaborative.  Through its Community Partnership Program, the Symphony also provides more than 250 free ensemble performances annually in a variety of venues throughout the area.