SAINT LOUIS SYMPHONY PLANS FREE CONCERTS 
THIS SUMMER IN COUNTY PARKS

	ST. LOUIS, May 8, 2002 -- The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra will perform four free concerts in June and early July at public parks in St. Louis County.  Under the direction of Associate Conductor David Amado, the Orchestra will perform a variety of popular American patriotic music.

	"We want to reach out to the entire metropolitan area and share the gift of music," said Randy Adams, the Symphony's president and executive director.  "With the full orchestra performing June 18 at Faust Park in Chesterfield to kick off the series, we expect tens of thousands of area residents will be able to enjoy - free of charge -- one of the nation's best symphony orchestras."

	The concerts are scheduled for Tuesday, June 18, at Faust Park, Chesterfield; Friday, June 21, at Laumeier Sculpture Park, Sunset Hills; Thursday, July 4, at Florissant Civic Center, Florissant; and Friday, July 5, at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis County.  All concerts begin at 7 p.m.

	"Generous funding from St. Louis County has made this special program possible," Adams said.  "County Executive Buzz Westfall and the County Council wanted to support Symphony performances during the summer months, especially in a way that makes the Orchestra accessible to families throughout the metropolitan area.  We are pleased to have the County's support for these outdoor concerts."
"With free concerts at these parks, we can say ‘thank you' to St. Louis County and to the people of our region," Adams added.  "We're sure everyone will enjoy the patriotic favorites planned for these performances."

	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 about 300 free ensemble performances annually in a variety of venues throughout the area.