VIDEO: Pianist Emanuel Ax Visits St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Jennings Schools

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's 2017-2018 season opened with a two-week celebration of Mozart. Pianist Emanuel Ax was the featured guest artist.

Ax played the piano with precision, poise, and passion for during the performances.

Ax split his time between playing piano concertos and meeting music students.

8-year-old Oscar Ramirez, who is a blind, spent time with Ax backstage and onstage before a performance. "It was really cool and fun," Ramirez said. Ramirez dreams of becoming a concert pianist.

"We had a nice exchange," Ax said. "He played a few notes for me, and I played a little for him."

Ax also visited Jennings High School. He performed for the students and held a question and answer session.

James McKay, the Jennings School District orchestra teacher, helped lead the question and answer session.

"It was a really phenomenal experience to have someone who has won seven Grammys right here in our school district," McKay said.

Ax also invited the Jennings students to Powell Hall for one of his performances.

"It's just a pleasure to meet people that love music," Ax said.

For a finale to remember, Ax went to a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game with SLSO staff members.

"I got to see the St. Louis Cardinals ballpark, which was very exciting," Ax said. "It was a great stay."

About the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1880 and now in its 138th season, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country and widely considered one of the world's finest. Under the leadership of Music Director David Robertson, currently in his 13th season, the SLSO strives for artistic excellence, educational impact and community connection while meeting its mission statement: enriching people's lives through the power of music. The SLSO presents a full season of classical programs and Live at Powell Hall concerts and hundreds of free education and community programs each year. Media partners include St. Louis Public Radio, 90.7 -KWMU, which broadcasts the SLSO's Saturday night subscription concerts live and the Nine Network, which regularly features SLSO performances on its Night at the Symphony program. In addition, the SLSO is known for its Grammy Award-winning recordings, Carnegie Hall appearances, national and international tours, innovative programming, and extensive community engagement initiatives. www.slso.org

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