On June 19, 2026, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will transform Powell Hall into a living celebration of history, resilience, joy, and cultural excellence with Soul of a People: A Juneteenth Celebration of Black Music.
More than a concert, the evening stands as a tribute to the enduring influence of Black artistry on American music and culture. Held in observance of Juneteenth and Black Music Month, the program brings together symphonic grandeur, gospel spirit, soul rhythms, and timeless anthems that have shaped generations.
Under the direction of conductor Kevin McBeth, the performance will feature acclaimed vocalists LaKisha Jones and Ryan Shaw alongside the renowned St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus. Together with the symphony orchestra, they will breathe new life into legendary songs that have become part of the soundtrack of Black America and the nation itself.
The evening’s repertoire reads like a journey through the soul of modern music. Audiences will experience the uplifting brilliance of Stevie Wonder’s “Sir Duke” and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” the liberating anthem “I’m Coming Out” made famous by Diana Ross, and the electrifying energy of James Brown’s “I Got You (I Feel Good).”
The program also honors the emotional depth and social consciousness that have long defined Black music traditions. Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” remains one of the most powerful musical reflections of the Civil Rights Movement, while “Respect,” immortalized by Aretha Franklin, continues to resonate as a declaration of dignity, empowerment, and self-worth.
Songs such as “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers, “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang, and “All Night Long” by Lionel Richie promise moments of joy and communal connection, while “Man in the Mirror,” associated with Michael Jackson, reminds audiences of music’s power to inspire reflection and change.
Juneteenth itself commemorates June 19, 1865 — the day enslaved African Americans in Texas finally learned of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Over generations, Juneteenth evolved from regional observance into a national celebration of Black freedom, perseverance, creativity, and cultural identity.
That spirit is deeply embedded in Black music. From spirituals and gospel to jazz, blues, soul, funk, R&B, and pop, Black musicians have not only shaped American sound but also chronicled the struggles, triumphs, hopes, and aspirations of a people whose influence transformed global culture.
Soul of a People captures that legacy through symphonic interpretation, uniting classical performance with the emotional power of Black musical traditions. The collaboration between the orchestra, vocalists, and the IN UNISON Chorus reflects the continuing importance of inclusion and representation within the arts community of St. Louis.
The event also serves as a reminder that music has always been more than entertainment within the Black experience. It has been protest, worship, celebration, healing, storytelling, and survival.
Supported by the Bayer Fund, the concert offers audiences an opportunity not only to enjoy beloved classics, but also to reflect on the cultural and historical significance behind them.
As voices rise inside Powell Hall on Juneteenth night, the music will do more than fill a concert hall. It will echo generations of struggle and triumph, honoring the enduring soul of a people whose music helped define America itself.
Box Office Information
Box Office Hours
Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Open two hours prior to performances
Box Office: 314.534.1700
Main Office: 314.533.2500
Email: info@slso.org
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
718 N. Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63103
