A Welcoming Community

Diversity | Equity | Inclusion

From its beginnings dating back to 1953, TCSO has strived to maintain a diverse and inclusive orchestra, audience, and board of directors. Based in Town and Country, our instrumentalists of a wide range of ages and professions enjoy serving the metropolitan community and promoting a sense of community. TCSO is proud that its orchestra and Board of Directors reflects and is responsive to the rich diversity of St. Louis area residents.

TCSO promotes inclusion from the full spectrum of cultural, ethnic, racial, age, and gender diversity within our musical community and audience. There is a wide range of playing levels, including working and retired professionals, experienced and inexperienced amateurs, and advanced students. Payment to principal players and guest musicians has always been equal. Musicians from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and professional backgrounds have performed live with the orchestra. Our annual Rising Talents Youth Concerto Competition provides emerging young musicians with the opportunity to perform with a live symphony. Musicians under age 18 meeting artistic standards are encouraged to join the orchestra. All are welcomed, because what the orchestra may lack in perfection, it makes up for in dedication and a shared passion for presenting audiences with beautiful, quality concerts. The orchestra actively seeks to showcase compositions by composers from a variety of backgrounds, including world-premiere music written by local artists and by composers from around the world. TCSO balances non-standard and contemporary repertoire with more traditional repertoire.

TCSO understands that this musical outlet exists because of the community. TCSO is proud to present concerts that are free and open to the public, making live, family-friendly orchestral music accessible to people who might not otherwise be able to attend a ticketed concert. The orchestra chooses venues which provide full accessibility, allowing us to accommodate and welcome every member of our community, no matter their background or physical challenge. Children are encouraged to attend all of our concerts, where they can be exposed to music without expense, and have opportunities to meet TCSO musicians. At every concert, the Master of Ceremonies tells the audience, “Thank you for coming today. Without you, this would just be another rehearsal!”