About our Society

Founded in 1963, we are the nation's second-oldest guitar society. Our mission is to promote an appreciation for music of the classical guitar within the St. Louis community. We also occasionally sponsor the music of allied classical fretted instruments such as the lute, Baroque guitar, mandolin, and flamenco guitar. Incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation, we are also an IRS 501(c)(3) organization. All donations to us beyond benefits received are tax-deductible.

The Society sponsors an annual Great Artist series featuring many of the world's finest performers of the fretted instruments. In addition, two Special Performances by artists or ensembles of wide appeal are also offered each season. Performances occur on Saturday evenings at the Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road in Ladue.

Performers will also conduct a traditional master class at local universities on the Sunday following their performance. In addition, twice each season two of the above artists or ensembles give two morning performances at the Ethical Society for classes and their teachers from St. Louis City public schools, presented in cooperation with the Division of Curriculum. Public schools participate at no charge.

The Society also offers an annual membership program. Members receive a membership card entitling them to free admission to all master classes, discounts of $2 on concert tickets, $2 discounts on performers' CD's offered at the evening performances, opportunities to volunteer, and invitations to members' social gatherings.

We thank our Sponsors, without whom the above programs would not be possible: the Missouri Arts Council; the St. Louis Regional Arts Commission; the Whitaker Foundation; the Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis; the D'Addario Foundation; the Mid-America Arts Alliance; the National Endowment for the Arts; the Seven Gables Inn; Buckingham Asset Management; Music Folk, Inc.; KFUO-FM Classic99 Radio and KETC-TV Channel 9.