Our story
The Ariel Concert Series was born in the summer of 2020, during a time when the world had gone quiet. The early months of the pandemic brought isolation, uncertainty, and a deep longing for connection—especially for musicians and audiences in St. Louis. Out of that need, and with the generous support of Dr. Tai Lin, President and CEO of Ariel Premium Supply, the idea took shape: to bring music back, safely and freely, to the people who needed it most.
Our very first concert happened on July 22, 2020, on the lawn in front of Ariel Premium Supply’s office building. It was simple—no stage lights, no fancy hall—just musicians, fresh air, and a grateful audience. From there, we began taking the music directly into neighborhoods. We played porch concerts and lawn performances across St. Louis, offering moments of beauty and calm in a time of chaos.
When it was finally safe to return indoors, we did—but we never stopped moving. The idea of bringing music to people where they are stayed with us. That’s why today, even with life more or less back to normal, we still host our concerts in a different venue each month. Whether it’s a church, a concert hall, or a community center, every performance is free to attend, just like those early outdoor concerts.
Now four seasons in, the Ariel Concert Series continues to grow. What began as a response to a crisis has become a lasting part of the city’s cultural life—a space where world-class classical music is shared freely, generously, and with heart.
Ariel Premium Supply, the founding sponsor behind this vision, has been a family-run business in the promotional products industry since 1993. In April 2023, they were honored with the Supplier Star Award from PPAI’s Golden Pyramid Awards—just one reflection of their ongoing commitment to excellence and community.
Our very first concert happened on July 22, 2020, on the lawn in front of Ariel Premium Supply’s office building. It was simple—no stage lights, no fancy hall—just musicians, fresh air, and a grateful audience. From there, we began taking the music directly into neighborhoods. We played porch concerts and lawn performances across St. Louis, offering moments of beauty and calm in a time of chaos.
When it was finally safe to return indoors, we did—but we never stopped moving. The idea of bringing music to people where they are stayed with us. That’s why today, even with life more or less back to normal, we still host our concerts in a different venue each month. Whether it’s a church, a concert hall, or a community center, every performance is free to attend, just like those early outdoor concerts.
Now four seasons in, the Ariel Concert Series continues to grow. What began as a response to a crisis has become a lasting part of the city’s cultural life—a space where world-class classical music is shared freely, generously, and with heart.
Ariel Premium Supply, the founding sponsor behind this vision, has been a family-run business in the promotional products industry since 1993. In April 2023, they were honored with the Supplier Star Award from PPAI’s Golden Pyramid Awards—just one reflection of their ongoing commitment to excellence and community.
