SAINT LOUIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS PATRONS WITH SPECIAL OFFER THIS SEASON Fifty free tickets now given out prior to orchestral concerts ST. LOUIS, September 18, 2003 - Add another Saint Louis attraction with free admission to the list - the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra is now making it possible for local residents to enjoy a world-class orchestra at no cost. Ninety minutes prior to the start of every orchestral concert this season, the Symphony will give away 50 free tickets (the offer excludes Friday Coffee Concerts). To be eligible for a free seat, patrons must have a membership card - available at the Powell Symphony Hall Box Office - and current ID. One membership card will be issued per person, per season. With a membership card, each customer will have the opportunity to receive six free tickets per season. Cards will be punched each time a free ticket is given. "We have offered 50 Free on Friday nights for over a decade. We felt it was a good time to expand this program to include Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays," said Stephen Duncan, vice president and director of marketing. "St. Louis residents historically have been fortunate to have a variety of free cultural attractions at their disposal. The Symphony is proud to be part of that tradition." Single tickets begin at $10 and subscription ticket packages begin at $30. Other great discounts and special offers available this season include: * Groups of 20 or more - For only $20 per person, groups receive the best available seats to any orchestral concert. * Students - SoundCheck St. Louis, an innovative student discount ticket program launched last year, continues through the 2003-2004 season. Membership is free, and students ages 17-30 receive the best available seats at time of purchase for just $10. Two tickets per student ID may be purchased. Go to www.soundcheckstlouis.org for information and to become a member. * St. Louis-area police officers, firefighters and active military - Through a program called "2 for the Badge," any local police officer, firefighter or active member of the armed forces may receive two complimentary tickets during the 2003-2004 season. *Children - Children ages 5-12 receive a half-price discount on all Symphony-sponsored events (not valid on Education Concerts). The Saint Louis Symphony Box Office sells tickets to all Symphony-sponsored events and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On concert evenings, the Box Office remains open through intermission. On Sunday concert days, the Box Office is open from 12:30 p.m. through intermission. The Saint Louis Symphony Box Office is located at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd. Call (314) 534-1700 or toll-free 1-800-232-1880 to purchase tickets or obtain further information. Please visit www.slso.org for concert information and to purchase tickets for all Symphony events 24 hours a day.