The Saint Louis Symphony has a rich history going back 120 years. During Leonard Slatkin's tenure as music director, the symphony gained international recognition. His successor, Dutch conductor Hans Vonk, has continued to maintain the ensemble's high profile and to pursue its groundbreaking music education projects. Here's a selected list of concerts from the first half of the season. Check out our recommended recordings of works being played. For more information on the St. Louis Symphony and how to order tickets, call (314) 533-7888 or visit their Web site at www.slso.org.

November 19, 20, 1999

Paavo Jarvi, conductor;

Mikhail Rudy, piano

Bartok, Piano Concerto No. 3; Pärt, Symphony No. 1; Sibelius, Symphony No. 5

November 28, 1999

Emmanuel Villaume, conductor;

Adam Neiman, piano

Mozart, Piano Concerto No. 27; Mendelssohn, Symphony No. 3 ("Scottish")

December 11, 1999

Harry Christophers, conductor

Handel, Messiah

January 7-9, 2000

Jesus Lopez-Cobos, conductor;

Pamela Frank, violin

Copland, El Salon Mexico; Bruch, Violin Concerto No. 1

January 21, 22, 2000

Hans Vonk, conductor;

Hilary Hahn, violin

Beethoven, Violin Concerto; Wagner, Siegfried Idyll; Wagner, Overture and Venusberg music from Tannhäuser

January 27-29, 2000

Hans Vonk, conductor;

David Halen, violin