Schedule of the Event:

July 6, 2025

“All American”

WashU Brookings Quadrangle

Dr. Leon Burke III, Associate Conductor

W. Mark Akin – Guitar

Experience an unforgettable summer evening with the Gateway Festival Orchestra’s “All American” concert on Sunday, July 6 at 7:30 PM at WashU’s Brookings Quadrangle. Bring your family, lawn chairs, or blankets to enjoy a lively night of music celebrating America’s musical spirit.

Led by Associate Conductor Dr. Leon Burke III, the program features stirring pieces like Morton Gould’s “American Salute,” Mary Sweetin’s “River Cathedral,” and Amy Beach’s “Gaelic Symphony.” After intermission, listen to the beautiful “Concierto de Aranjuez” by Joaquín Rodrigo, performed on guitar by W. Mark Akin, and the uplifting “Jubilee” from George Chadwick’s “Symphonic Sketches.”

This event is 100% free, perfect for families and music lovers alike. Sit back, relax, and let the melodies inspire your summer. Pack a picnic if you like and enjoy an evening of great music outdoors. No tickets needed – just come and join us.

“Notes to Munch On” – The concert will be preceeded at 7:10 PM by a short informal talk. Listeners of all ages will be introduced to the music that will be performed. 

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard ($5) and bottled water ($2) will be available at our concession stand.

July 13, 2025

“Stage and Screen”

WashU Brookings Quadrangle

Dr. Leon Burke III, Associate Conductor

Nikki Glenn – Violin & Vocalist

Charles Glenn – Vocalist

Join us for “Stage and Screen” on Sunday, July 13 at 7:30 PM at WashU’s Brookings Quadrangle. Enjoy an engaging evening of musical theater and movie favorites performed by the Gateway Festival Orchestra. Led by Associate Conductor Dr. Leon Burke III, the program features hits from “Carousel,” “South Pacific,” “Camelot,” and more. Guest artists Nikki  and Charles Glenn perform  nostalgic tunes like “All I Ask of You” from “The Phantom of the Opera” and exciting selections like “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked”.

This fun, family-friendly concert is free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit back and relax. You’re welcome to bring a picnic too! It’s the perfect summer evening for families and classical music lovers alike. Enjoy the outdoor setting, great music, and a chance to create wonderful memories with loved ones. No tickets needed—just come and enjoy.

“Notes to Munch On” – The concert will be preceeded at 7:10 PM by a short informal talk. Listeners of all ages will be introduced to the music that will be performed. 

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard ($5) and bottled water ($2) will be available at our concession stand.

July 20, 2025

“With a Norwegian Accent”

Manchester United Methodist Church

Dr. Leon Burke III, Associate Conductor

Antonio Watts – Baritone

Thomas Pandolfi – Piano

Discover the magic of music with the Gateway Festival Orchestra’s concert “With a Norwegian Accent” on Sunday, July 20, at 4 PM. Join us at Manchester United Methodist Church for a lively, family-friendly afternoon filled with beautiful melodies and stories from Norway.

Led by Associate Conductor Dr. Leon Burke III, the program features stunning pieces like Rossini’s “Largo al factotum,” Grieg’s “Peer Gynt” excerpts, and Tchaikovsky’s “Prince Yeletzky’s Aria.” Highlighting the concert is a spectacular performance by baritone Antonio Watts, singing the Toreador Song from Carmen.

After a short intermission, enjoy Grieg’s heartfelt Piano Concerto performed by Thomas Pandolfi, and end with Sibelius’ inspiring “Finlandia.” This free concert is perfect for all ages—families, classical music fans, or anyone eager for a cultural adventure.

Bring your children, sit back, and let the music take you on a journey from Europe’s fjords to Finland’s landscapes. No tickets or reservations needed—just come and enjoy an afternoon of uplifting symphonic magic.

“Notes to Munch On” – The concert will be preceeded at 3:40 PM by a short informal talk. Listeners of all ages will be introduced to the music that will be performed. 

July 27, 2025

“ Magnificence of Mozart”

Manchester United Methodist Church

Dr. Christopher Kelts, Associate Conductor

Yoojin Lee – Violin

Heejung Yang – Viola

Experience the magic of Mozart at the GFO’s “Magnificence of Mozart” concert! Join us Sunday, July 27, at 4 PM at Manchester United Methodist Church for an afternoon of joyful, family-friendly classical music.

Enjoy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s lively “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik,” and a charming Sinfonia Concertante performed by talented violinist Yoojin Lee and violist Heejung Yang. After intermission, we’ll explore Mozart’s majestic Symphony No. 41, “Jupiter,” full of bright, exciting melodies sure to inspire all ages.

This concert is completely free—no tickets needed—and takes place indoors, so you can sit back and enjoy the music comfortably. Bring your family, friends, and a smile for a fun, welcoming musical journey. Whether you’ve loved classical music for years or are new to it, this concert offers something special for everyone.

Let the Gateway Festival Orchestra bring your summer to life with wonderful music and community spirit. We can’t wait to see you there!

“Notes to Munch On” – The concert will be preceeded at 3:40 PM by a short informal talk. Listeners of all ages will be introduced to the music that will be performed.

Date: July 6-27, 2025

Location: Various Location in Missouri 

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