St. Louis Symphony Orchestra violinist Jessica Cheng Hellwege and pianist Peter Henderson perform for women incarcerated at the St. Louis County Justice Center. Photo by Jeremy D. Goodwin/St. Louis Public Radio.

In Wednesday’s (1/15) St. Louis Public Radio, Jeremy D. Goodwin reports, “When violinist Jessica Cheng Hellwege and pianist Peter Henderson finished performing … they received an enthusiastic ovation. Most of the audience members wore orange or khaki jumpsuits, with ‘CO JAIL’ printed on the back. The two St. Louis Symphony Orchestra musicians visited the women’s residence at the St. Louis County Justice Center in Clayton to announce Melodies of Hope, a music education program for people incarcerated there. The pilot program will start in March and run for about three months. Only 10 people at the jail will … participate in the initial run, but jail officials hope to continue the program—and perhaps expand it … Melodies of Hope is a collaboration of the St. Louis County’s Department of Justice Services and several local arts organizations. Participants will play five pianos donated by Pianos for People and take violin lessons taught by representatives from Suzuki Harmony STL. Students in Maryville University’s music therapy program will help lead music exercises. St. Louis Symphony Orchestra convened the other partners after [government officials] asked about possible music programs for people in jail…. Representatives of St. Louis Symphony Orchestra … [hope to] help advance the field of music therapy for people in jail or prison.”