THE PUBLIC MIND: CONDUCTOR THANKS CAPE FOR WARM ORCHESTRA RECEPTION

To the Editor:

On behalf of the musicians, board, and staff of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra I would like to thank the people of Cape Girardeau for their warm hospitality during the symphony's recent "America's Musical Spirit: Concerts for Missouri" tour.

Although the orchestra was initially disappointed by the postponement of our tour of Europe due to the crisis in the gulf, the concerts in Missouri were an ample and appropriate alternative during this time. We were moved by the capacity crowd at the concert in Cape Girardeau and the genuine responses of audience members.

Special recognition should go to the staff of the A.C. Brase Arena and the Southeast Missouri Arts Council for making arrangements for this performance on only two weeks notice. The tour would not have been possible without their tireless efforts.

Our associate conductor David Loebel, the orchestra and I immensely enjoyed our experiences on this tour. Many thanks to all those who came out to hear us.

Leonard Slatkin

Music Director and Conductor

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra