Photos: SLSO performs in Vienna, Austria

By Eric Dundon

A week after giving audiences in St. Louis a taste of its first tour program since 2017, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra performed for a European audience.

The first stop in the five-city, four-country tour was Vienna, Austria, where classical music giants like Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Franz Schubert earned fame.

On March 23, 2023, the crowd at the historic Wiener Konzerthaus gave the SLSO a warm and enthusiastic reception of the program, which included Sergei Prokofiev's The Love for Three Oranges Suite, Sergei Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances, and Edvard Grieg's Piano Concerto, which featured pianist Víkingur Ólafsson.

Along with the announced program, there were three encored: two by Ólafsson, and one by the entire orchestra.

Arriving in Vienna on March 22, musicians explored the city, soaking up the culture that has made Vienna famous for its cultural contributions.

The SLSO performed for a nearly full house on March 23 in Vienna, Austria.

Pianist Víkingur Ólafsson performed two encores in Vienna.

Rehearsing at Wiener Konzerthaus.

Pianist Víkingur Ólafsson acknowledges the audience in Vienna.

SLSO violinist raise their bows at the conclusion of Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances.

The audience in Vienna gave the SLSO at warm reception, calling Music Director Stéphane Denève on stage four times following the encore.

SLSO violinist Emily Ho framed by concertgoers in Vienna.

SLSO Principal Timpani Shannon Wood.

From left, SLSO horn players Tod Bowermaster and Julie Thayer and Principal Horn Roger Kaza.

SLSO Music Director Stéphane Denève at rehearsal.

Stéphane Denève leads the SLSO in Vienna, Austria, March 23.

SLSO Music Director Stéphane Denève and pianist Vīkingur Ólafsson embrace after a performance of Grieg's Piano Concerto.

SLSO Concertmaster David Halen at rehearsal.

From left, Kristin Ahlstrom (Associate Principal Second Violin), Jonathan Chu (Assistant Principal Viola), and Alejandro Valdepeñas (Associate Principal Viola).

From left, SLSO trombone players Amanda Stewart (Associate Principal), Jonathan Reycraft, and Chris Bassett (bass trombone).

From left, SLSO cellists Daniel Lee (Principal), David Kim (Assistant Principal), James Czyzewski, and Bjorn Ranheim.