Program Type: Concert

Celebrate the completion of Beethoven’s 255th Birthday celebration with two of the composer’s masterpieces! The World Chess Hall of Fame welcomes pianist Richard Jeric for the famous “Waldstein” Piano Sonata, followed by the virtuosic “Kreutzer” Violin Sonata performed by St. Louis Symphony Assistant Concertmaster Hannah Ji and Music Director Brian Woods. Don’t miss the epic conclusion to Beethoven’s complete Violin Sonatas!

World Chess Hall of Fame Music Director Brian Woods is proud to welcome award-winning pianist, pedagogue, and collaborator Dr. Richard Jeric for a special performance of one of Beethoven’s most captivating piano sonatas. Hannah Ji is an in-demand soloist and chamber musician who regularly performs with music festivals and orchestras around the United States.

Join us for a special preview of Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ 2025 50th Anniversary Festival Season and hear the “greatest hits” from the company’s upcoming productions of Die Fledermaus, Don Pasquale, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and This House. From classic to contemporary, you’ll leave humming some of opera’s most beloved tunes and eager for OTSL’s spring season in May! The program will feature OTSL’s outstanding Gerdine Young Artists, who are among the most talented singers in the country. More than 1,000 artists apply for the program each year and just 30 are selected in a nationwide audition tour. Hear these stars on the rise in Saint Louis before their careers take them to leading opera houses across the country!

Step into an intimate evening of music and storytelling with Soul in My Country, featuring four remarkable artists: Brian Owens, Rissi Palmer, Michael B. Whit, and Neil Salsich. In this old-fashioned writers’ round, these accomplished performers share the stage, trading songs and stories in a way you’ve never experienced before. With a unique blend of soul, country, and roots music, this collaborative performance weaves together each artist’s personal journeys, inspirations, and shared connections. From heartfelt ballads to foot-tapping grooves, Soul in My Country celebrates the rich intersection of musical traditions while offering a rare glimpse into the artistry behind the songs. Get ready for an evening filled with soulful harmonies, compelling stories, and magic that only happens when artists genuinely connect.

The WCHOF Music Series continues its complete journey through Beethoven’s Violin Sonatas with three of the composer’s brightest: No. 8 in G Major, No. 3 in E-flat Major, and No. 5 in F Major (“Spring”). Music Director Brian Woods is joined by guest performers from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s second violin section, including Nathan Lowry, Andrea Jarrett, and Shawn Weil, for an evening of beautiful, energetic music. World Chess Hall of Fame Music Director Brian Woods is thrilled to collaborate with the second violin section of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) for these three Violin Sonatas. Nathan Lowry has quickly established himself as an in-demand performer in St. Louis since his appointment to the SLSO in 2023. Andrea Jarrett has traveled the world as a soloist and collaborator and has performed with the SLSO since 2015. Shawn Weil is a renowned performer and educator, spending his summers at the Sun Valley Music Festival and on faculty at the Eastern Music Festival. He has played with the SLSO since 2005.

Join internationally acclaimed vocalist and bassist Janet Evra for a mesmerizing evening of love songs performed in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. With her signature blend of jazz, bossa nova, and indie pop, Evra brings new life to timeless classics and contemporary favorites, weaving together melodies and rhythms from around the world.

Whether it’s the romantic allure of French chansons, the fiery passion of Spanish ballads, or the smooth rhythms of Brazilian bossa nova, Janet Evra’s captivating performance will take you on a musical journey that transcends borders, all while celebrating the universal language of love.

5:30 p.m. | Doors Open

6:00 p.m. | Complimentary artist talk

6:30 p.m. | Break

7:00 p.m. | Concert

Limited in person seating available.

• *20% discount for WCHOF members, students, seniors, and military personnel
• Each ticket includes one free drink
• Watch online at youtube.com/worldchesshof

The WCHOF Music Series continues its journey through Beethoven’s Violin Sonatas with selections from each of the composer’s significant compositional periods: No. 2 in A Major, No. 6 in A Major, and No. 10 in G Major. Music Director Brian Woods is joined by violinist Jessie Chen, St. Louis Symphony Second Associate Concertmaster Celeste Golden Andrews, and Concertmaster David Halen. Each sonata is a unique insight into the composer’s life, and the World Chess Hall of Fame is thrilled to continue its celebration of Beethoven’s 255th with such celebrated guest artists.

World Chess Hall of Fame Music Director Brian Woods is pleased to be joined by three collaborators from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Jessie Chen joined as a replacement violinist in 2022 and regularly performs with the Chamber Music Society of St. Louis. Celeste Golden Andrews has appeared as a soloist with orchestras worldwide following her success at the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis. David Halen has been concertmaster of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra since 1995 and has built a career as one of the nation’s finest performers, educators, and artistic directors.

5:30 p.m. | Doors Open

6:00 p.m. | Complimentary artist talk

6:30 p.m. | Break

7:00 p.m. | Concert

Limited in person seating available.

• *20% discount for WCHOF members, students, seniors, and military personnel
• Each ticket includes one free drink
• Watch online at youtube.com/worldchesshof

Experience the timeless power of Marvin Gaye’s legendary album What’s Going On as interpreted by the soulful artistry of Brian Owens, joined by an extraordinary ensemble of musicians. Featuring members of The 442’s, alongside the talents of Jahmal Nichols (Gregory Porter), Emmanuel Harrold (Gregory Porter), and Adaron “Pops” Jackson, this live performance weaves together elements of jazz, soul, and classical music to reimagine Gaye’s masterpiece for today’s audience.
 
With a fusion of Owens’ emotive vocals and the band’s innovative arrangements, What’s Going On Live speaks to the challenges of our times while honoring the legacy of one of music’s most profound voices. Expect a powerful, thought-provoking, and soul-stirring performance that connects the past with the present in a night of music, reflection, and unity.

5:30 p.m. | Doors Open

6:00 p.m. | Complimentary artist talk

6:30 p.m. | Break

7:00 p.m. | Concert

Limited in person seating available.

• *20% discount for WCHOF members, students, seniors, and military personnel
• Each ticket includes one free drink
• Watch online at youtube.com/worldchesshof

Join World Chess Hall of Fame Music Director Brian Woods, award-winning Canadian violinist Daniel Dastoor, St. Louis Symphony violinist Xiaoxiao Qiang, and St. Louis Symphony Associate Concertmaster Erin Schreiber as the WCHOF Music Series kicks off its celebration of Beethoven’s 255th with three powerful Violin Sonatas: No. 1 in D Major, No. 4 in A Minor, and No. 7 in C Minor. Filled with virtuosic displays and passionate melodies, the music will captivate and delight. Welcome the New Year with the drama and fire of Beethoven!

WCHOF Music Series Director Brian Woods is thrilled to embark on a journey with world-class guests through Beethoven’s Violin Sonatas. Erin Schreiber joined the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra as assistant concertmaster in 2008 at just 20 years old and has since performed with the orchestra around the world. Xiaoxiao Qiang is an accomplished soloist, chamber musician, and educator. Violinist Daniel Dastoor has won numerous awards and international competitions, including the Trondheim International Chamber Competition as part of the Rilian Trio.

5:30 p.m. | Doors Open

6:00 p.m. | Complimentary artist talk

6:30 p.m. | Break

7:00 p.m. | Concert

Limited in person seating available.

• *20% discount for WCHOF members, students, seniors, and military personnel
• Each ticket includes one free drink
• Watch online at youtube.com/worldchesshof

Enjoy an original performance honoring chess legend Bobby Fischer by the WCHOF’s Music Director Brian Owens. Inspired by our current exhibition, 1972 Fischer/Spassky: The Match, Its Origin, and Influence, Owens collaborated with the WCHOF’s curators to create a unique piece celebrating Fischer’s World Chess Championship victory. Along with “The Fischer Quartet”—Adam Maness, Jahmal Nichols, Emmanuel Harrold, and Cecil McClendon—Owens will perform some of Fischer’s favorite songs from the era of his win.

Music and love define the artistry of singer, songwriter, and World Chess Hall of Fame Music Director Brian Owens. Owens’ performances have garnered more than 100 million views on Facebook and YouTube, including a duet with five-time Grammy-winning vocalist Michael McDonald and a heartfelt interpretation of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” recorded with his father, Thomas Owens. As a community advocate, Owens is committed to providing artistic resources, opportunities, mentoring, and positive experiences to help students in underserved communities throughout Ferguson and the Saint Louis metropolitan area. Additionally, Owens serves as the CEO of Life Creative Group. For more information, visit brianowenssoul.com.

Reservations are required.

5:30 p.m. | Doors Open

6:00 p.m. | Artist Talk

7:00 p.m. | Concert

$25 General Admission. $12.50 (50% off) for WCHOF members, students, seniors, and military personnel.

For additional information, please call 314-367-9243 or email [email protected].

Attend a series of free pop-up concerts featuring local artists at chess pocket parks across the Saint Louis area! Concerts begin at 6 p.m.; bring your own drinks and snacks! 

April 7 | Gerard Erker (of The Mighty Pines) | Francis Park (Eichelberger & Donovan)

June 2 | Red and Black Brass Band | Tilles Park (Hampton & Fyler)

June 30 | Tony Barbata | Piazza Imo (near Saint Ambrose Church)

August 4 | Dave Grelle & The Playadors with Joanna Serenko | Strauss Park (near Fabulous Fox Theatre)

September 1 | Funky Butt Brass Band | Benton Park (Arsenal & Jefferson)

October 6 | We Are Root Mod | Old North (near Crown Candy Kitchen)

Make plans to attend the companion exhibition, Sound Moves: Where Music Meets Chess, on view beginning May 17, 2023.