Conductor Laureate of SLSO Leonard Slatkin Receives Lincoln Medal in Washington, D.C.
Co-authored by Joan Berkman and Grayling Holmes / Ceremony Gala Performance photos by Scott Suchman; US Capitol, Red Carpet, and National Portrait Gallery Dinner photos by Jeremy Norwood, Norwood Photography; Video by Miran Halen Productions
For more than three decades, thousands of classical musical lovers filled St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s Powell Hall to experience conductor Leonard Slatkin’s masterful program of work. He has elevated St. Louis' cultural landscape from the podium of Powell Hall, where generations of music lovers experienced his inspired interpretations and unwavering commitment to American music.
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin
Slatkin, who not only continues to command a presence in American classical music but also is widely recognized as a leading advocate for the nation’s repertoire and his commitment to accessibility, education and preservation of musical heritage spanning his 60-year+ career.
Now, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's Conductor Laureate has added another extraordinary distinction to his remarkable career.
The Grammy Award-winning conductor was recently honored in Washington D.C. at the Ford’s Theatre Society celebration of the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln and was presented with the prestigious 2026 Lincoln Medal by American lyric soprano and arts advocate Renée Fleming.
Slatkin was presented with the prestigious Lincoln Medal by American lyric soprano and arts advocate Renée Fleming.
He is the first classical musician to ever receive this recognition. The Lincoln Medal, awarded by the Ford’s Theatre Society, recognizes individuals whose body of work, accomplishments and character reflect the enduring legacy and strength of character embodied by President Abraham Lincoln.
Highlights from the festivities
A number of Slatkin’s family and friends attended the gala including leading arts champion and advocate Noémi Neidorff, who also serves on the Ford’s Theatre Society Board of Trustees, former St. Louisan Cynthia Brinkley and Joyce Aboussie who are both Board of Trustees of Ford’s Theatre Society, Slatkin’s wife, Cindy McTee – who is also an American composer, educator and musician as well as his son, Daniel, a composer, conductor, multi-instrumentalist and music producer and his wife, Bridget, Marie-Hélène Bernard, SLSO President & CEO and Miran Halen, Documentary Producer & Director, soprano and arts advocate.
A number of Slatkin’s family and friends attended the gala.
“I am truly humbled by this award. Let me thank the Board of Trustees for bestowing it. It is also wonderful to have my wife, son, and his wife here, as well as friends who made my twelve years in Washington so memorable. Lincoln believed that the arts revealed deep, enduring truths, and that the unity he so strived for existed in drama, poetry, sculpture, and music,” Slatkin said.
Click here to read Leonard Slatkin’s full remarks.
What’s next for Leonard Slatkin?
Along with his upcoming role as Music Director of the Nashville Symphony beginning with the 2027–28 season, Leonard Slatkin continues to be the subject of Don’t Call Me Maestro, a feature documentary produced and directed by award-winning documentarian Miran Halen.
Award-winning documentarian Miran Halen with Maestro Leonard Slatkin.
The documentary charts Leonard Slatkin’s extraordinary musical journey while exploring the legacy of four generations of the Slatkin family and their extraordinary contributions to American music. Halen has interviewed many of Slatkin’s iconic musical colleagues, including Emanuel Ax, Itzhak Perlman, and Renée Fleming, along with many other internationally renowned soloists, composers, conductors, arts leaders, critics, family members, and colleagues.
“As a filmmaker and documentarian my goal is to bring inspirational stories from the cultural world to light. Few Americans since Leonard Bernstein have exemplified this more than Leonard Slatkin, who has championed American music and inspired generations of composers, musicians, educators, and audiences.
“It is my hope that this documentary will inform, educate, inspire, and encourage audiences to discover the values, artistry, and humanity that Leonard Slatkin and his family have shared through their extraordinary musical journey,” said Halen. More details about the documentary will be announced later this year.
Past recipients of the Lincoln Medal include
The Lincoln Medal
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi (2024) and philanthropist Stephen A. Schwarzman (2024)
EGOT-winning and trailblazing actress Rita Moreno (2023) and health advocate Marlene A. Malek (2023)
The Honorable James E. Clyburn (2022) and music industry legend Clive Davis, Jr. (2022)
General Colin L. Powell and Alma J. Powell (2019) and political humorist Mark Russell (2019)
Philanthropist and businesswoman Sheila C. Johnson (2018) and golf champion Jack Nicklaus (2018)
Former NFL player Peyton W. Manning (2017)
Civil rights activist Diane Nash (2015)
Congressman John D. Dingell (2014) and actor James Earl Jones (2014)
Former Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice (2013)
Holocaust survivor and author Elie Wiesel (2012)
Human rights activist Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu (2010) and Justice Albie Sachs (2010)
Filmmaker George Lucas (2009), singer Aretha Franklin (2009) and actor Sidney Poitier (2009)
Dr. Maya Angelou (2008), actor Ruby Dee (2008) and Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor (2008)
And Congressman John Lewis (2007).
Joining the ranks of such luminaries, Leonard Slatkin's latest honor is a fitting tribute to one of America's most influential musical ambassadors—and a source of enduring pride for St. Louis.
