Powell Symphony Hall

Powell Hall is a cool place. Great, interesting design, comfy seating, full bar at all the performances I’ve seen. If you’re a fan of the symphony, check out the STL Symphony Orchestra playing here. There’s a show for everyone and the venue is an excellent place to catch their performance.

This is a must-​see if you live in St. Louis. The interior is absolutely gorgeous and really reverberates the sounds of the St. Louis Symphony quite nicely. I have now been here two times and both were absolutely excellent performances by the St. Louis Symphony.
In terms of seating, I’d say there isn’t a bad seat in the house. I’ve sat as close as the fifteenth row and as far away as the cheap seats up above the the orchestra. Both provide an incredible view of the symphony and allow you to get lost in a sea of sound. There is a range of prices, which is nice. Tickets range from $ 25-​$ 100+.
In terms of performances, I absolutely love the range that the Powell Symphony Hall offers. They have several family days that are more appropriate for children, such as the upcoming Ratatouille showing with a live soundtrack (which I most certainly plan to see). They previously offered Zelda, the Beatles, and Back to the Future… to name a few. I think they have Michael Jackson, Macy Gray, and Planets coming up (among many others). I saw Peter and the Wolf this past weekend and it was absolutely fantastic. The conductor was so personable and the performance was absolutely spectacular. They list their performances 6+ months out so be sure to check-​out their website. There is definitely a performance for everyone.
In terms of parking, there are (I believe) two paid lots. With that said, you can easily park a few blocks away and come in for free (which I would recommend).
In sum, such a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours. I’d highly recommend it.

I came to Powell Symphony Hall this past Friday with my date for the first time in years. There’s plenty of parking all over which makes Powell an easy in and out experience. Especially for the city-​scared, folk.
The thing that gets me about Powell is how beautiful the space is. It’s an amazing theatre for STL. I like The Fox better because of how much bigger and more colorful it is but I’m happy with them both.
The STL Symphony did a truly amazing job. I highly recommend trying out one of their shows if you like orchestra music and haven’t been in a while. My only gripe is I wish you could bring in your drinks while you watch but I guess that would make it as filthy as a movie theatre. I can only hope…

What a great place. Beautiful on the inside and great acoustics. The best musicians in the world. Go to the Symphony and support these talented people. If you don’t like classical, take your kids to the movie events where the symphony plays the musical score while you watch. ET and Ratatouille are coming up!

Went to Powell Hall on Friday night to see Back to the Future with the symphony playing the score. Wow, what a way to add a new dimension to a movie that’s 30 years old and that I’ve seen at least 50 – 100 times. It was amazing. I loved it. It brought it back to life. I always like to go to Powell Hall but this was exceptional. I’d go again right now if I could. Love the place and love the movie.

Powell does some very fun shows. I’ve gone and seen the music of John Williams and yesterday we saw The Symphony of the Goddesses, which was the Legend of Zelda music. It was fantastic. They were selling «blue potion» drinks, Zelda items and there were quite a few people in costume.
There are 2 pay lots to park in that are next to the building. Or you can look for street parking. Personally I like leaving my car in a manned, gated parking lot. Don’t let the outside of the building fool you. It’s beautiful inside.

Been here many times throughout the years. I would go here for orchestra field trips and have come to a few concerts since I finished high school. The concerts are always good. The conductor always has good music selections so they can put on good shows for everyone. Some weeks are piano focused concerts while others are string focused concerts. They also have people come in to help draw the younger crowds in from time to time (i.e. David Garrett and The Legend of Zelda Symphony). Which is always good. It’s always awesome seeing the younger crowd come to concerts like this.
Powell Hall itself is just beautiful. All the detail worked is covered with gold leaf and the seats are soft and plush. There isn’t really a bad spot to watch a performance in the hall, which is nice because you don’t feel like you have to spend a fortune to watch a show. Plus, there are plenty of doors to sneak out along the sides. Only thing is that you can’t easily come back in if you head out because of hall rules, which is meant to make the concert a better feel for all. But they do have the music playing outside so if you can’t get back in you don’t miss a thing. Also, the place echos. Meaning if you cough the whole hall hears it, so they have cough drops available in the bathroom to take.
Only downside is the parking. There is seriously no parking around the hall. What little they have you pay for. The price isn’t unreasonable, less then a Cardinals ball game parking so that’s a plus. That’s my only negative with it.

Always beautiful, always clean, always a great time. This is a gem of St. Louis.

How do you review the Powell?! Of course it’s awesome if you want to hear the St. Louis Symphony. A couple suggestions, if you want to take your family go on a Sunday for reduce tickets and educational breaks. Also if you go in the winter bring a quarter so you can grab a locker.

I have always wanted to go to hear the Symphony. I was offered tickets and I actually got giddy… I asked a friend who wanted to go but her husband said it would be boring. We did the street parking, which it is free after 7 pm. They could have used a few more ushers, we had to get on the floor to get a program. We finally found our seats, the lights dimmed and the music started. It was so relaxing, then a lady came out and sang. I don’t think that you can have a bad seat at the Symphony. We did not get anything to eat or drink, we I noticed people munching on cheesecake… Next time.

Powell Hall is renowned for its’ excellent acoustics and boy, I can see why! Some of the finest musicians in the world play here weekly, home of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Amazing building too. Yes it’s an old building so there aren’t as many bathrooms but so what if you wait five minutes? I’ve never had trouble parking in the adjacent lot but I get there 30 – 40 minutes ahead. I think people who come later than that have longer lines for parking. You can get into the parking lot via Delmar or Sam Shepherd street. Delmar is faster, in my experience, if I come west from Jefferson.
The lobby and halls are stunning. Pictures of famous visiting musicians on the walls… gilded plaster all over the place and the warm acoustic of the space is second to none… and I’ve been to many concerts in halls around the world. Just go. You will love the experience.

Came here because my friends daughter is in the junior symphony and they had a concert last weekend. I was blown away by the performance. These kids are awesome!!! If you get a chance to get a ticket you should go!

Hells yes… Cool, intimate, ornate space. Much smaller than the Fox. Where else would you want to hear killer classical music? The Saint Louis Youth Symphony uses this space which is why I was there. It’s perfect for their art.

Have been to Powell Symphony Hall on a number of occasions for shows including classical, Carmina Burana, music of John Williams, and most recently a showing of Casablanca with live orchestra. Every time I step inside Powell you feel like you are stepping into the 1950s or even the 1920s. A gorgeous cinder hall, amazing acoustics, historic building with a beautiful lobby and lighting. I put Powell up against any of the orchestra venues I’ve been to in New York City. The primary conductor, David Robertson, is a mainstay in the St. Louis community.

This is an amazing setting for classical music. Powell Symphony Hall is grand, yet intimate; ornate, yet accessable to all. Do yourself a favor and arrive early to appreciate its architectural beauty and craftsmanship. Not a bad sat in the 3,000 seat house either.
While you are in this part of St. Louis, you might want to walk along the revitalised Grand Avenue and enjoy the shops and restaurants between Powell Hall and the Fox Theatre. If the weather is nice and you feel up to the walk, you might even consider using Metrolink as your mode of transportation.

Cherie took me here for the symphony on Saturday evening where they played a 2 hour long classical concert for us.
What a beautiful venue! All the historical significance behind it and lovely architecture. I honestly did enjoy every last bit of it. Everything was gold and white with red carpets outlining the interior of the concert hall and the chairs.
I did find it a bit weird how the usher lady was rushing me out of the bathroom to get to my seat before it started. Apparently you cannot enter the auditorium after the show begins… no matter what. Aside from that, I will be back and I look forward to their upcoming shows.

This is a pretty sweet concert hall! The architecture and interior is really lovely and they always put on really great shows. I’ve only been to Powell twice during my time in STL, but I would really love to go back again. The only downside is parking. It reeeallly sucks. But thankfully I don’t have this problem because I live within 10 minutes walking distance so I almost always walk. It can be a little sketchy by yourself at night in the city but when the shows let out, it’s not so bad because there are a lot of other folks walking too so it’s a bit safer. Parking is just an utter nightmare so try to avoid at all costs. Park on Lindell Blvd. and walk, walk, walk!
The staff here are generally pretty friendly although it can be a little scary when you’re trying to use the restroom during intermission. The only have a couple of bathrooms so the lines are always insanely long and the staff people are running around trying to herd patrons like animals.
I’ve never been to their bar or giftshop so I can’t really comment on those but I will mention the giftshop is more like a «gift bar» and it’s pretty tiny.
Overall, not a bad place! Interior wise I do like the Fox better but Powell isn’t bad! The Final Fantasy: Distant Worlds concert was amaaaazing and I wish I could have gone for both nights!

Nothing has changed here in years, but it doesn’t have to. Powell Hall is a jewel, especially when it’s decked out for Christmas. We were fortunate enough to have row A balcony seats for a recent SLSO performance, so I can’t tell you how good the music sounds way in back. I can tell you, though, that from our seats, the view of the stage, the acoustics, the ambience all were amazing and I can’t think of a more special place to visit during the holidays.
The staff were all polished and professional, including the bartenders. If you haven’t been recently (ever?), please make it a point to get down and support this great local institution. You’ll be impressed.

Every true St. Louisan should experience at least one concert at the Powell Symphony Hall, if not for the love of classical music, just to support local arts and the great ensemble that is the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (one of the best in the country right in our back yard!).
The hall is beautifully decorated and of the perfect size. The seats are comfortable. I especially love that you have your own arm-​rest (vs. trying to elbow-​fight the person next to you for some space). There is more to be desired for the acoustics, but I don’t find acoustics to be all that important at these types of concerts.
I’ve been to a few classical concerts here over the years and it has always been a wonderfully enriching experience. The program throughout the year is very dynamic and caters to different interest groups. But I always find it sad that 90% of the audience at a classical concert are people twice my age. Some say classical music is a dying genre. Today’s youth simply does not have the patience for it, but I believe most people just need to experience a live concert first hand before they write it off as «old people’s art». I may be biased as I have played the violin since I was three, but I truly believe the energy from an orchestra is contagious and will take anyone’s mind to amazing new heights.
So go to their website, read about the upcoming concerts, find someone you find remotely interesting, and get tickets to see the show!
P. S. When I’m at a Bassnectar concert at the Pageant, I don’t mind seeing your ass-​baring short skirt, but please have some decency and courtesy and not wear it to the symphony! Seriously, take your hooch outfits somewhere else.
P. S. 2: The concession and bathroom lines are long so keep that in mind during intermission. You will not have a lot of time to do both at a leisurely pace. Please realize that no symphony hall will allow you to take food or drinks in during the concert. These are not musicals or pop concerts. If you don’t get back before the second half starts, you are not allowed in.

I was told by the couple next to us that the St. Louis Symphony is ranked 2^nd in the World (**EDIT: Further research online can not back this claim up. So it is most likely false, although they are highly ranked in the U.S.) Today I learned why.
What a beautiful concert!
We sat towards the center in the Dress circle and the view was great. I think I want to be a bit closer next time.
The theater itself was pretty and dressed with rich history of a glamor of old. Chandeliers are placed through out the hall and blended so well with the bright and light interior.
It is nice to peek around at the interior as the music plays, at times, to put beauty to the eyes as well as to the ears.
Beverage: The lemonade tasted freshly squeezed and was sold at a separate stand then the rest of the beverages. I enjoyed that very much.
Food: A caterer sold 2 different meals that were served with chips but we were not hungry.
Seating: The leg room is very cramped, especially for my tall husband, where we sat. That is why we will move to where there is more leg room next time.
I was very happy to see there are early Friday concerts.
Not an overly cool environment but this was a very hot day.
If you have not been, please treat yourself and enjoy.