The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra has received a $150,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund for its In Unison program. Established in 1992, the In Unison program provides music-related resources to churches in the St. Louis area’s African-American communities while increasing access to Powell Symphony Hall, where the orchestra performs. Through the program, orchestra musicians visit 40 St. Louis-area churches, performing during services, special-event concerts, and educational events. Members of participating churches are eligible for discounted tickets to SLSO concerts, tuition discounts to area music camps, and scholarships to pursue music studies at college or conservatory level. The Saint Louis In Unison Chorus performs during an annual Black History Month celebration and at Gospel Christmas concerts, community concerts, and other events. “The In Unison program supports the enrichment of lives through music, and allows St. Louisans to experience the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra within their own community,” said Deborah Patterson, president of the Monsanto Fund. The Monsanto Fund is the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, based in St. Louis.
Posted June 19, 2009
