Broadway to Bel Canto

From Broadway’s Bright Lights to Opera’s Grand Stages: Experience “Broadway to Bel Canto” – Absolutely FREE!

Ever wondered what unites the soaring ballads of Broadway with the dramatic power of opera? This summer, the Gateway Festival Orchestra (GFO) invites you on an unforgettable journey, bridging two musical titans in “Broadway to Bel Canto.” Prepare for an evening where the lines blur, and the universal language of music shines brightest!

At GFO, we believe extraordinary music should be accessible to everyone. Our concerts are completely free, family-friendly, and open to all. Whether you’re a Broadway buff, an opera aficionado, or simply love a great tune, come as you are, bring your friends and family, and let the music transport you!

Main Event Spotlight: “Broadway to Bel Canto”

Sunday, July 26, 2026 | 7:30 PM | WashU Brookings Quadrangle

PARKING AT BROOKINGS QUADRANGLE

Get ready for an evening under the St. Louis stars that celebrates the very best of vocal music! Under the dynamic leadership of Associate Conductor Dr. Christopher Kelts, we’ve curated a program that proves the heart of a showstopping aria beats in harmony with a Broadway power ballad.

We are incredibly honored to feature the captivating talents of tenor Seokho Park, whose voice effortlessly transitions from the passionate heights of Verdi and Puccini to the iconic melodies of Rodgers & Hammerstein and Andrew Lloyd Webber. He’ll be your guide through this extraordinary musical landscape.

The Program: Where Showtunes Meet Opera’s Greatest Hits!

This program isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a vibrant conversation between musical eras and styles, revealing how stories of love, ambition, and dreams are told through the power of the human voice. You’ll be amazed by the connections you discover!

Part I: The Classics & A Phantom’s Whisper

• Prelude to Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (Richard Wagner)
  • The Scene: Imagine a grand festival, a celebration of art and tradition! Wagner’s majestic prelude instantly immerses you in a world where craftsmanship and passion intertwine – a perfect start to an evening honoring musical artistry.
• “Lunge da lei… De’ miei bollenti spiriti” from La traviata (Giuseppe Verdi)
  • The Young Lover’s Heart: Tenor Seokho Park steps into the role of Alfredo, deeply in love and full of hope. This aria is a passionate outburst, capturing the exhilarating feeling of pure, unadulterated romance. It’s the kind of fervent declaration that makes both opera and Broadway shine!
• Selections from The Sound of Music (Richard Rodgers / Oscar Hammerstein II)
  • Beloved Melodies: From the Austrian Alps to the St. Louis stage, these iconic tunes need no introduction! Get ready to hum along to the familiar, heartwarming melodies that have charmed generations and remain a cornerstone of American musical theatre. It’s pure joy.
• Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana (Pietro Mascagni)
  • A Moment of Serenity: After the vibrant energy, Mascagni’s famous Intermezzo offers a moment of lush, instrumental beauty. It’s a sweeping, romantic respite that speaks volumes without a single word – a testament to the orchestra’s power.
• “The Phantom of the Opera” selections (Andrew Lloyd Webber)
  • Broadway’s Dark Romance: Tenor Seokho Park commands the stage as the mysterious Phantom, bringing to life the dramatic, haunting melodies that have captivated millions. This is the ultimate crossover hit, blending operatic scale with Broadway spectacle – a true fusion piece!

— INTERMISSION —

Part II: Dreams, Dances & A Tenor’s Triumphs

• Salute to Broadway (arr. Carl Strommen)
  • A Theatrical Overture: The GFO orchestra lights up the stage with a vibrant medley of Broadway’s greatest hits. This high-energy piece will have you tapping your feet and recalling countless nights under the stage lights!
• “The Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha (Mitch Leigh / Joe Darion)
  • The Power of Hope: Tenor Seokho Park delivers one of Broadway’s most enduring and inspirational anthems. This song is a rallying cry for anyone who dares to dream, to fight for what’s right, and to reach for the stars – a universal message of resilience.
• “Maria” from West Side Story (Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim)
  • First Love in the City: What happens when a soaring operatic voice meets a gritty New York City street? You get “Maria.” Seokho Park brings the exquisite tenderness and explosive joy of Tony’s iconic declaration of love to life. It’s a moment of pure, romantic bliss.
• Highlights from West Side Story (Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim)
  • The Urban Epic: Experience the electrifying energy and dramatic sweep of Bernstein’s masterpiece! From the rhythmic clashes to the lyrical beauty, these orchestral highlights showcase why West Side Story is a landmark work that bridges classical sophistication with Broadway grit.
• “Nessun dorma” from Turandot (Giacomo Puccini)
  • The Ultimate High Note: And for our grand finale, the aria that defines the heroic tenor! Tenor Seokho Park will deliver the powerful, soul-stirring “Nessun dorma.” This is opera at its most glorious – a moment of pure triumph that will send shivers down your spine and leave you breathless. If you know one opera song, it’s likely this one!

Your Perfect St. Louis Summer Evening Awaits! 🌳 Symphony Under the Stars

This concert takes place at the picturesque Washington University Brookings Quadrangle, offering the quintessential St. Louis outdoor summer experience.

• Picnic Paradise: Grab your lawn chairs, spread out a big blanket, and pack your favorite picnic foods. Our outdoor concerts are relaxed, wiggle-friendly, and perfect for all ages. It’s the ideal backdrop for making cherished summer memories with friends and family.
• Sweet Treats: What’s a St. Louis summer without frozen custard? St. Louis favorite Ted Drewes will be on-site and available for purchase!
• Our Vibe: Casual, community-focused, and welcoming. Just show up and enjoy the magic!

Dive Deeper: “Notes to Munch On” 🗣️ (Before the Baton Drops!)

Ever wonder how opera inspired Broadway’s biggest hits? Or the surprising stories behind these beloved songs? Join us just before the concert for “Notes to Munch On.” This fun, informal chat is your perfect appetizer, sharing fascinating stories, hidden details, and historical gossip behind the composers and the pieces you’re about to hear. Get an insider’s view that will deepen your appreciation for this incredible musical journey!

Why the Gateway Festival Orchestra?

At GFO, we are driven by the belief that great music transforms lives and builds communities. We’re dedicated to bringing world-class, free symphonic and chamber music concerts to St. Louis. “Broadway to Bel Canto” is our invitation to you to explore the rich tapestry of vocal music, showing that incredible artistry transcends genres and always speaks to the human heart.

Join Us!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 26, 2026. Bring your loved ones, your blankets, and your appetite for incredible music under the stars. We can’t wait to share this “Broadway to Bel Canto” experience with you – a true celebration of musical storytelling, right here in the heart of St. Louis!