Make-A-Wish Missouri and SLSO Team To Grant Faith's Wish

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Make-A-Wish Missouri teamed to make a young girl's wish come true in October. Faith*, who is eight-years-old, wanted to experience an SLSO concert.

She was born with SOX2 anophthalmia syndrome. The genetic condition left Faith blind and with limited mobility.

Faith's mom, Bridget*, said that life or her daughter can be a "struggle," but music has been a "great motivator."

On October 8, SLSO musicians Melissa Brooks, Celeste Golden Boyer, Beth Guterman Chu, and Eva Kozma performed

three pieces of music for Faith at St. Francis Xavier College Church. St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Artist-in-Residence Brian Owens was the featured vocalist for the concert.

"To see the string quartet and vocalist so dedicated to making this happen for her was special to us," Bridget said.

SLSO cellist Melissa Brooks called the experience "amazing."

"It really was it was an honor to play for her," Brooks said.

SLSO violist Beth Guterman Chu agreed.

"Anytime we can touch anyone it is special, but to know that this was Faith's dream, was a real high point for me," Guterman Chu said.

Faith's Make-A-Wish also included a private concert in her living room. The musicians performed two pieces of music, including a piece by Tony Bennett.

"This was just a great opportunity to see how much Faith is loved by so many people," Bridget said.

*For privacy reasons, the SLSO is not releasing the family's last name.

About the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1880 and now in its 138th season, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country and widely considered one of the world's finest. Under the leadership of Music Director David Robertson, currently in his 13th season, the SLSO strives for artistic excellence, educational impact and community connection while meeting its mission statement: enriching people's lives through the power of music. The SLSO presents a full season of classical programs and Live at Powell Hall concerts and hundreds of free education and community programs each year. Media partners include St. Louis Public Radio, 90.7 -KWMU, which broadcasts the SLSO's Saturday night subscription concerts live and the Nine Network, which regularly features SLSO performances on its Night at the Symphony program. In addition, the SLSO is known for its Grammy Award-winning recordings, Carnegie Hall appearances, national and international tours, innovative programming, and extensive community engagement initiatives. www.slso.org