Program Type: Offsite Program

Celebrate the accomplishments of the 2025 World Chess Hall of Fame inductees Grandmaster (GM) Pia Cramling, GM Vlastimil Hort, and GM Jan Timman, as well as the 2025 U.S. Chess Hall of Fame inductees GM Irina Krush and National Master Bruce Pandolfini.

Each year, candidates for induction to the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame are nominated by the US Chess Recognitions Committee, which includes leading chess historians. The Committee’s selections are sent to the US Chess Executive Board for review, and the Board’s recommendations are then forwarded to the U.S. Chess Trust, whose Trustees have the official authority to determine inductees into the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame.

Representatives of the International Chess Federation (Fédération Internationale des Échecs or FIDE) nominate and select new candidates for induction into the World Chess Hall of Fame.

Players and others who have made an impact as authors, journalists, organizers, and in other ways are eligible for induction.

This year’s inductions will be held in conjunction with the 2025 U.S. and U.S. Women’s Chess Championships Opening Ceremony.

Date: Saturday, October 11th

Cocktails: 5:30 PM

Program: 6:30 PM

Ticket Price: $25 per person

Location: Budweiser 703 Club, 700 Clark Ave, St. Louis, MO 63102

Enjoy complimentary valet, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres.

Renowned vocalist Sissel Kyrkjebø, who mesmerized audiences worldwide as the ethereal voice of the movie Titanic, joins the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO)—in partnership with the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries—for an unforgettable evening of artistry, elegance, and emotion. Considered one of the world’s top crossover sopranos, Sissel’s musical style ranges from classical vocals and operatic arias to pop and folk songs. Sissel has partnered with a variety of renowned vocalists—from stars of the opera world like Plácido Domingo and José Carreras to Irish folk band The Chieftains, singer/songwriter and pianist Neil Sedaka, Brian May of the band Queen, rapper Warren G, and jazz singers Dee Dee Bridgewater and Diana Krall—showcasing her vast range and appreciation for music in all forms.

A few things to know:

• In 1997, the Titanic soundtrack brought Sissel to a massive global audience. While Celine Dion may have sung the words to the theme, it’s Sissel’s beautiful and haunting wordless soprano vocal that carries through the whole film.
• In May 2020, Sissel completed a year-long project called Reflections, celebrating her life for her 50th birthday. For 50 weeks, she released a song along with an explanation of what the song meant to her.
• Sissel received her first Grammy nomination in 2007 for a collaboration with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Spirit of the Season, a collection of songs from the choir’s 2006 Christmas concert at Temple Square, was nominated for the Best Classical Crossover Album of the Year.