Overview/History

DISCOVERING MUSICIANS

Since its inception in 1947, Artist Presentation Society has encouraged and promoted exceptional young musicians, giving them public performance opportunities in the early stages of their careers. Nearly 200 winners have delighted audiences with their performances. Many have gone on to careers as soloists, music educators, and members of orchestras and opera companies, with some achieving international fame.

A classical music competition is held annually for vocalists, pianists, solo instrumentalists and chamber ensembles. Requirements are detailed on our requirements page. Each winner is presented in recital and receives a substantial monetary award.

Malcolm Frager, piano
Winner from 1947,
the first year of APS

PRESENTING ARTISTS

Artist Presentation Society boasts a stellar history of showcasing highly accomplished young classical musical artists. In addition to presenting outstanding recitals to our St. Louis audiences, APS collaborates with other cultural organizations in order to recognize and promote talented musicians and to make classical music more accessible, particularly to the younger generation. For 5 years, from 2011 to 2015, APS sponsored an annual competition for members of the Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra in which the winners performed “On Stage at Powell.” The highly popular event aided in highlighting the depth and remarkable talent of that exceptional ensemble. Future plans call for partnering with other area institutions to bolster our collective efforts in sustaining and celebrating tomorrow’s talented musical artists.

Currently, APS supports Community Music School (Webster University) by encouraging their young artists to perform with excellence, and rewarding them with performance opportunities and cash awards. This competition is held bi-annually, and two winners are chosen. The winners are presented in a recital at which they are presented with their certificate and cash award. This is part of our collective efforts in sustaining and celebrating tomorrow’s talented artists.

Shelby Nugent, horn
2011 Winner of the
Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra Competition,
the inaugural year

To learn more about us, click here for our informational brochure.