The Columbus Symphony is truly one of central Ohio’s cultural treasures, and I am honored and thrilled to assume my new role as Chair of its Board of Trustees. Since 1951, the CSO has served our community through exceptional performances and programs that provide meaningful musical experiences, cultural enrichment, and unforgettable entertainment. The CSO offers four programs — Masterworks, Pops, Picnic with the Pops, and Education and Community Engagement — that appeal to diverse audiences from throughout central Ohio. Just take a look at our fantastic 2014–2015 season: whether you are a Pops fan or a Masterworks aficionado, prefer to be beguiled by a great R&B vocalist, captivated by an irresistible dance tune, thrilled by a grand choral work, or intrigued by a sublime new classical masterpiece (or anywhere in between); whatever your musical tastes, the CSO has something that will delight you this season!
The Masterworks classical series reflects all that makes symphonic music grand: the greatest music ever written, performed by passionate, dedicated, and superbly talented conductors and musicians. The season opens in September with Twisted, a groundbreaking new collaboration with BalletMet and Opera Columbus. Season highlights include a three-concert festival exploring the roots and development of American music traditions through the jazz era, and the Midwest premiere of a new cello concerto by the innovative American composer Mason Bates, co-commissioned by the CSO. The season will feature soloists from within the CSO, showcasing the truly extraordinary talent of our resident musicians. (See pages 12–13 for details.) They will be joined by a remarkable group of internationally-renowned guest musicians, singers, and conductors. You won’t want to miss any of these incredible performances!
We are pleased to be able to offer Happy Hour with the CSO once again for 2014-2015, after our wildly successful pilot program last year. These free, informal classical concerts in the Ohio Theatre introduce new audiences to the CSO, including young professionals and families, and include free appetizers, drink specials, and opportunities to meet and mingle with CSO musicians. Thanks to PNC Arts Alive for their support of Happy Hour with the CSO this season.
The 2014-2015 Pops Series entertains audiences in the Ohio Theatre with an exciting season that includes the beloved community tradition of Holiday Pops, programs celebrating ABBA’s greatest hits and Danny Elfman’s stirring music from the films of Tim Burton, the ever-popular Cirque de la Symphonie, and concerts from The Celtic Tenors and Motown legend Smokey Robinson.
Music lovers of all ages enjoy our Education & Community Engagement programming, which include concerts by the talented young musicians of the Youth Orchestras, four Young People’s Concerts for K-12 students, and two Concerts for Kids, which provide interactive musical adventures for children and families, including fun pre-concert activities. Please see page 20 for more details about these great programs.
I hope you are as excited as I am about the CSO’s 2014–2015 season. We are honored to serve central Ohio with diverse performances and programs that engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and share the transformative power of music throughout our community. On behalf of the board, staff, musicians, and the many people served by the Columbus Symphony, I thank you for your support.
Lisa Barton Board Chair
The only love affair I have ever had was with music.
—Maurice Ravel
Pops Series sponsor:
Masterworks Series sponsor: Anne Melvin Picnic with the Pops sponsor:
Photo credits:
Front cover: Jennifer Zmuda
Page 3: Randall Schieber
In an unprecedented collaboration, more than 200 artists from the Columbus Symphony and Chorus, Opera Columbus, and BalletMet join forces in the must-see arts event of the season. A brilliant integration of singers, dancers, and musicians come together on stage with premieres from four of today’s hottest choreographers set to a feast of classical music from beloved operas including La Bohème, The Magic Flute, Il Trovatore, Don Giovanni, Carmen, and more.
Thursday, September 25, 7:30 pm
Friday, September 26, 8 pm
Saturday, September 27, 8 pm
Sunday, September 28, 3 pm Ohio Theatre
Peter Stafford Wilson, conductor Columbus Symphony Chorus
PROGRAM
Wagner: Prelude to Act III of Lohengrin
Rossini: “Largo al factotum” from The Barber of Seville
Puccini: “Quando m’en vo” from La Bohème
Mozart: Queen of the Night’s Aria from The Magic Flute, K. 620
Delibes: Flower Duet from Lakmé
Puccini: “O Mimì, tu più non torni” from La Bohème
Mozart: “Soave il vento” from Cosi fan tutte Rossini: “Siete voi?” from Cenerentola
Villa-Lobos: Bachianas brasileiras No. 5
Britten: Storm scene from Peter Grimes, Op. 33a
Mozart: “Deh, vieni alla finestra” from Don Giovanni, K. 527
Verdi: “Anvil Chorus” from Il Trovatore
Bizet: “Habanera” from Carmen
Saint-Saëns: “Mon cœur s’ouvre a ta voix” from Samson and Delilah
Strauss: “Traumeri am Kamin” from Intermezzo
Lehar: “Dein ist mein ganzes Herz” from The Land of Smiles
Boito: Final Psalmody from Mefistofele
Photo: Jennifer Zmuda
Thursday, October 16, 7:30 pm*
Friday, October 17, 8 pm
Saturday, October 18, 8 pm
Southern Theatre
Nicholas McGegan, conductor
Jean-Sébastien Roy, violin
Randall Hester, flute
Genevieve Briggs, flute
PROGRAM
Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F Major
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 4
Boyce: Symphony No. 1 in B-Flat Major
Haydn: Symphony No. 104 (“London”)
*First Look Performance
Thursday, October 30, 7:30 pm*
Friday, October 31, 8 pm
Saturday, November 1, 8 pm
Southern Theatre
Vladimir Kulenovic, conductor
Liza Ferschtman, violin
Betsy Sturdevant, bassoon
PROGRAM
Schubert: Overture to Des Teufels
Lustschloss
Corigliano: “Chaconne” from The Red Violin
Greenwood: Suite from There Will Be Blood
Daugherty: Dead Elvis
Kernis: Musica Celestis
*First Look Performance
The internationally revered Baroqueera master Nicholas McGegan conducts a superlative banquet of eighteenth-century delights. The menu includes three great works associated with London, including Haydn’s final symphony, plus Bach’s enchanting Brandenburg Concerto No. 4.
Masterworks 3
Angels & Demons
Colorful and intriguing music depicting saints and sinners (and several characters that combine those roles) makes up this exhilarating program. You’ll enjoy everything from the haunting Chaconne from John Corigliano’s Oscar-winning music for the movie
The Red Violin to a cheeky miniconcerto for bassoon that pays homage to the “King of Rock and Roll” and the angelic strains of Pulitzer Prize-winner Aaron Jay Kernis’ Musica Celestis
Beethoven & Don Quixote
Beethoven’s most engaging symphony shares a program with Strauss’ wise, compelling tone poem tracing the whimsical adventures of an aging, chivalrous Spanish knight (portrayed by solo cello) and sensuous, rollicking selections from Falla’s ballet
The Three-Cornered Hat
Friday, November 21, 8 pm
Saturday, November 22, 8 pm
Ohio Theatre
Andrew Grams, conductor
Karl Pedersen, viola Luis Biava, cello
PROGRAM
Falla: Suite No. 2 from The Three Cornered Hat
Strauss: Don Quixote
Beethoven: Symphony No. 8
Masterworks 5
Dvo
řák’s Ninth—
American Roots Festival
While the homesick Czech composer Dvoř ák was living in New York, he combined his nostalgic longing for his homeland with the heartfelt emotion of African-American spirituals into his most beloved work, the richly emotional ‘New World’ Symphony. This fascinating program places it side-by-side with the type of songs that inspired it, plus favorite American folk songs arranged by Aaron Copland.
The American Roots Festival concerts will focus on American classical music’s formative years and will encompass concerts, multimedia events, and classroom activities.
Friday, January 9, 8 pm
Saturday, January 10, 8 pm Ohio Theatre
Eugene Tzigane, conductor
Kevin Deas, bass-baritone
Columbus Symphony Chorus
Joseph Horowitz, Festival Host/Program Advisor
PROGRAM
Dvoř ák: Carnival Overture
Copland: Old American songs
Traditional Spirituals
Dvoř ák: Symphony No. 9 (“from the New World”)
Friday, January 30, 8 pm
Saturday, January 31, 8 pm
Ohio Theatre
Rossen Milanov, conductor Joshua Roman, cello
PROGRAM
Mason Bates: Mothership
Mason Bates: Cello Concerto (Mid-West premiere)
Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3 (“Organ”)
The thunderous spectacle of SaintSaëns’ towering symphony for organ and orchestra shares the bill with the newly commissioned cello concerto by one of today’s most gifted and imaginative composers, Mason Bates.
Friday, February 20, 8 pm
Saturday, February 21, 8 pm
Ohio Theatre
John DeMain, conductor
Xiayin Wang, piano
Jonita Lattimore, soprano
Kevin Deas, bass-baritone
Columbus Symphony Chorus
PROGRAM
Ellington: Les trios rois noirs (The Three Black Kings)
Gershwin: Piano Concerto in F
Gershwin/Bennett: Porgy and Bess
Porgy
Enjoy some of George Gershwin’s greatest music, including extensive selections from his glorious opera Porgy and Bess (“Summertime,” “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” “Bess, You Is My Woman Now”) and his brilliant and bluesy Piano Concerto. An orchestral suite by jazz legend Duke Ellington completes the bill with an uplifting tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. Masterworks
Xiayin Wang
Rhapsody In Blue— American Roots Festival
This concert offers not only Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, the all-time classic synthesis of Carnegie Hall and Tin Pan Alley, but two more pieces with similar flavors by Gershwin’s fellow American, George Antheil.
Thursday, February 26, 7:30 pm*
Friday, February 27, 8 pm
Saturday, February 28, 8 pm Southern Theatre
Donato Cabrera, conductor
Thomas Lauderdale, piano
PROGRAM
Dvoř ák: Humoresque
Joplin: Overture to Treemonisha
Weill: Little Threepenny Musik
Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue
Antheil: Jazz Symphony
Stravinsky: Scherzo à la Russe
*First Look Performance
Masterworks 9
Bolero & Percussion
The hypnotic crescendo of Ravel’s Bolero sets the heart racing like no other piece of music while offering an unsurpassed display of orchestral virtuosity. It’s paired with Finnish composer Rautavaara’s electrifying percussion concerto, Incantations, and Brahms’ sweeping and melodic third symphony.
Friday, March 20, 8 pm
Saturday, March 21, 8 pm Ohio Theatre
Rossen Milanov, conductor
Colin Currie, percussion
PROGRAM
Brahms: Symphony No. 3
Rautavaara: Incantations (Percussion Concerto)
Ravel: Bolero
Thomas Lauderdale
Photo: Autumn de Wilde
Friday, April 24, 8 pm
Saturday, April 25, 8 pm
Ohio Theatre
Jean-Marie Zeitouni, conductor
Hélène Brunet, soprano
Phillip Addis, baritone
Columbus Symphony Chorus
PROGRAM
Sibelius: Finlandia
Nielsen: Symphony No. 5
Fauré: Requiem
The heavenly beauty of Fauré’s Requiem provides a soothing epilogue to Sibelius’ thrilling call to freedom and Nielsen’s stirring symphonic ode to optimism.
Masterworks
Copland’s Appalachian Spring
Thursday, May 14, 7:30 pm*
Friday, May 15, 8 pm
Saturday, May 16, 8 pm
Southern Theatre
Mei-Ann Chen, conductor
Yolanda Kondanassis, harp
PROGRAM
Revueltas: Sensemayá
Piazzolla: Milonga del Angel
Ginastera: Harp Concerto
Debussy: Danses sacrée et profane
Copland: Appalachian Spring
*First Look Performance
Revel in the music of the Americas with the bold colors and spicy rhythms of Mexico’s Revueltas, the sultry jazz infusion of Argentine tango master Piazzolla, and the cheerful folksiness of “the dean of American composers,” Aaron Copland. This enticing program also offers a rare opportunity to enjoy two delectable works for harp and orchestra—the Ginastera concerto channels tropical heat and Debussy’s chamber work incites sweet reverie.
The 2014–15 Masterworks season comes to a stunning climax with two monumental works for orchestra—a mighty piano concerto by Brahms and a compelling symphony in which Tchaikovsky faces the dark forces of providence and invites us to celebrate joyous victory with him.
Friday, May 22, 8 pm
Saturday, May 23, 8 pm Ohio Theatre
Thomas Wilkins, conductor Anna Vinnitskaya, piano
PROGRAM
Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5
Photo: Gela Megrelidze
MASTER WORKS 12
Includes all 12 Masterworks programs in both the Ohio and Southern Theatres.
Subscription packages range from $276-$744.
MASTER WORKS 8
Includes the eight Masterworks programs to be performed in the Ohio Theatre only. Subscription packages range from $184-$496
• Masterworks 1, Twisted
• Masterworks 4, Beethoven & Don Quixote
• Masterworks 5, Dvo ř ák’s Ninth— American Roots Festival
• Masterworks 6, Organ Symphony
• Masterworks 7, Porgy and Bess— American Roots Festival
• Masterworks 9, Bolero & Percussion
• Masterworks 10, Finlandia & Fauré
• Masterworks 12, Brahms & Tchaikovsky
MASTER WORKS 4
Includes the four Masterworks programs to be performed in the Southern Theatre only.
Subscription packages range from $96–$252.
• Masterworks 2, Baroque Festival
• Masterworks 3, Angels & Demons
• Masterworks 8, Rhapsody In Blue American Roots Festival
• Masterworks 11, Copland’s Appalachian Spring
MASTER WORKS PICK 4
Choose any four Masterworks programs in the Ohio Theatre only.
Subscription packages range from $100–$260.
POPS SERIES
For additional subscription, theatre and ticket information, see pages 22 and 23. Pick your package & save!
Includes all six Pops programs to be performed at the Ohio Theatre
Subscription packages range from $138-$372.
Photos: Patt Barr and Pavana Stetzik
Karl Pedersen, viola Masterworks
Betsy Sturdevant, bassoon Masterworks 3
Luis Biava, cello Masterworks 4
Happy Hour with the CSO
What a great way to end the day! Raise a glass with your friends after work and enjoy a free concert, complimentary appetizers, and special drink prices at the Ohio Theatre. Bar opens at 5:30, concert begins at 6:30.
Just so you know — it’s creating quite a buzz! My husband and I attended the Happy Hour with the CSO last night and we loved it.
October 2, 2014
February 12, 2015
April 16, 2015
Photos: Kyle Widder
The Celtic Tenors
The only tenor group with a truly global audience, The Celtic Tenors guarantee a professional, sparkling, and good-humored performance featuring gorgeous Celtic songs like the haunting “Danny Boy” and exhilarating classics like “Nessun Dorma.”
Albert-George Schram, conductor
Saturday, October 4, 8 pm
Ohio Theatre
Danny Elfman’s Music
From the films of Tim Burton
Featuring music from Batman, Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Alice in Wonderland, and many more, this brand new orchestra event features Danny Elfman’s famous film scores brought to life on stage by the Columbus Symphony with big screen visuals of Tim Burton’s original film sketches, drawings, and storyboards.
Ted Sperling, conductor
Saturday, November 15, 8 pm Ohio Theatre
Photo: Barry McCall
Photo: Paul Sanders
Holiday Pops
A great annual Columbus tradition continues as Ronald J. Jenkins leads the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in some of the season’s most-loved holiday songs and carols. Santa will also stop by to help spread holiday cheer!
Ronald J. Jenkins, conductor Columbus Symphony Chorus Columbus Children’s Choir
Friday, December 5, 8 pm Saturday, December 6, 8 pm Sunday, December 7, 3 pm Ohio Theatre
Photos: Randall Schieber
Cirque de la Symphonie
Cirque de la Symphonie is a unique and elegant fusion of cirque and orchestra, adapting the stunning artistry of cirque with the majesty of a full symphony orchestra. The program will feature works from the world’s greatest composers while showcasing some of the most accomplished veterans of exceptional cirque programs from across the globe, including aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, balancers, and strongmen.
Stuart Chafetz, conductor
Saturday, January 24, 8 pm
Ohio Theatre
ABBA the Concert
ABBA the Concert is the top ABBA tribute group in the world, dazzling audiences with their fantastic performances of the most iconic ABBA hits of all time including “Mamma Mia,” “S.O.S,” “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes All,” “Waterloo,” “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme,”and “Dancing Queen.”
Albert-George Schram, conductor
Saturday, February 14, 8 pm
Ohio Theatre
Smokey Robinson
During the course of his 50-year music career, Smokey Robinson has accumulated more than 4,000 songs to his credit and continues to thrill soldout audiences around the world with his high tenor voice, impeccable timing, and profound sense of lyric.
Albert-George Schram, conductor
Saturday, April 18, 8 pm Ohio Theatre
Nationwide Insurance Picnic with the Pops
Picnic with the Pops is a chance to see some of today’s most popular entertainers performing with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra at an amazing price. The casual, outdoor evening performances are a great opportunity to gather with friends, family, and co-workers.
Popcorn Pops are kid-friendly shows featuring preconcert activities and music sure to have the entire family on their feet and moving. So pack your picnic basket to share and enjoy a fun and memorable experience at the Columbus Commons.
June –July, 2015
Photos: Randall Schieber
Education Events and Youth Orchestras
CONCERTS FOR KIDS
February 22, 2015 Capitol Theatre 3 pm
April 19, 2015 Capitol Theatre 3 pm
Pre-concert activities begin at 2 pm and will include instruments to see and play, crafts from the Columbus Museum of Art, conducting lessons and more.
YOUTH ORCHESTRA
The goal of the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra program is to introduce young musicians to the highest level of orchestral music under the direction of experienced conductors in a professional setting. Including nearly 400 students in grades 3-12, our six orchestras make up one of the leading youth orchestra programs in the nation.
YOUTH ORCHESTRA CONCERTS
October 12, 2014 Capitol Theatre 3 pm
November 19, 2014 Capitol Theatre 7 pm
March 8, 2015 location TBD 3 pm
Talented central Ohio musicians in grades 9-12 performing professional music under the direction of Peter Stafford Wilson. Tickets available only at the concert: $8 adults, $5 students & senior citizens.
YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERTS FOR SCHOOLS
November 18, 2014 Grades K-2 10:30 am
“S is for Symphony” Ohio Theatre
November 19, 2014 Grades 3-5 10:30 am
“Words & Notes: Poetry & Music” Ohio Theatre
April 22, 2015* Grades 6-12 10:30 am
“Nationalism in Music” Ohio Theatre
May 20, 2015** Grades 3-5 10:30 am
“Link Up: the Orchestra Moves” Ohio Theatre
YPC tickets available for schools and home school groups. Please contact Jeani Stahler for more information 614.221.4916.
*Tickets available to the general public. **In partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute.
YOUNG MUSICIANS COMPETITION, GRADES 3-12
The Ohio State University School of Music
January 25 – Senior Divisions
February 8 – Junior Division & Senior Finals
COLUMBUS SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRAS
SHOWCASE CONCERT
February 1, 2015 (Featuring all four orchestras, grades 3-12) Capitol Theatre, 3 pm
2015 MUSIC EDUCATOR AWARDS
March 21, 2015
Sheraton Hotel, 5:30 pm
COLUMBUS ALL CITY ORCHESTRA CONCERT
March 15, 2015
The Ohio State University School of Music
Weigel Auditorium, 3 pm
Instrumental students from Columbus City High Schools rehearse for 8 weeks under the direction of Peter Stafford Wilson and present a culminating concert.
MASTER CLASSES
Josh Roman, cello Capital University January 2015
Colin Currie, percussion Capital University March 2015
Lindsay Deutsch, violin TBD March 2015
BACKSTAGE WITH THE SYMPHONY
Joined by a knowledgeable docent, adults and students in grades 3 and up can enjoy this comprehensive tour of the Ohio Theatre, home of the Columbus Symphony, followed by an inside peek of the orchestra in rehearsal. Students can see how professional musicians work together in rehearsal to prepare for a concert.
Please visit the CSO website at ColumbusSymphony.com for more information about these and other education programs.
Education support is provided by:
All Life Foundation, American Electric Power, Battelle, Huntington Bank, Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, The Paul G. Duke Foundation, Safelite AutoGlass, The Woodhull Fund of the Columbus Foundation, and The Women’s Association of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.
MW12
All Masterworks at both the Ohio and Southern Theatres
MW8
The 8 Masterworks at the Ohio Theatre
MWP4 Pick 4 Masterworks at the Ohio Theatre (choose 4)
MW 1
MW 4
MW 5
MW 6 MW 7 MW 9 MW 10 MW 12
MW4
The 4 Masterworks at the Southern Theatre POPS
The 6 Pops Series at the Ohio Theatre
FLEX TICKETS
Any Masterworks or Pops show at the Ohio or Southern Theatre
FRI. EVENING
EVENING
REAR
LOGE
ORCHESTRA / MEZZANINE
RING / REAR MEZZ
/ REAR ORCH
PRIME ORCHESTRA / MEZZANINE
ORCHESTRA RING / REAR MEZZ REAR BALCONY / REAR ORCH
