The nation’s second-oldest orchestra, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra traces its roots to 1880 with the founding of the St. Louis Choral Society by Joseph Otten, recognized as the SLSO’s first Music Director, on September 1, 1880.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.