The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra was established in 1880. It is one among the largest symphony orchestras in St. Louis, Missouri. It ranks as the second-oldest symphony orchestra in the United States. Presently it performs at Powell Symphony Hall, and has executed for several at the Kiel Opera House. The orchestra has appeared at concerts frequently at Carnegie Hall and toured to Europe and to Japan for several dates. Since its formation they have recorded for the Columbia, RCA Victor, Red Seal, Telarc, and Angel EMI labels. And also released CD recordings on its own label, ArchMedia. They are credited with six Grammy Awards and fifty-six nominations. For Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has been a home for the SLSO, performing since 1978. They have divided themselves into two ensembles, each performing two of the operas in the season.

The SLSO first director was Thomas Peck, and its present director is Amy Kaiser. T Leonard Slatkin accomplished the Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra in 1970. The national prestige of the SLSO achieved high acclaim during the tenure of Leonard Slatkin. Under his direction the SLSO worked on various recordings for the EMI and RCA Victor labels, and traveled to Europe and the Far East, as well as had opportunities to perform at Carnegie Hall. As of 2000, the SLSO funds emerged as US$28 million. Roth relinquished his position in July 2001, and was followed by Randy Adams, a retired St. Louis bank administrator. Adams went on extensive fund-raising tours in the following years, in an effort to increase the endowment of the SLSO. As part of the budget reduction and cost-saving measures, the musicians agreed to salary reductions over that time.

In 2003, David Robertson was recruited as the Music Director of the SLSO and he functions till date. Directing till 2006, he expanded his contract to 2010. Scott Parkman, who will resign after the 2007-2008 season, presently accommodates the position of Assistant Conductor, who also works as music director of the Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra. Throughout the long career of SLSO abides talented Assistant Conductors including Slatkin, Gerhardt Zimmermann, David Loebel, and David Amado. Most recently in January 2007, Peter Czornyj was hired as the orchestra's new vice-president of artistic administration, following Jeremy Geffen. In February 2007, the SLSO declared the resignation of Adams from the post of President and Executive Director. The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra has come through a long and well-reputed tenure, featuring their talents at notable venues and reaching the heights of entertainment.