It is a joy and privilege to lead the Columbus Symphony during our city and region’s period of invigorating growth. Last season, we reached numerous momentous milestones, including serving over 65,000 children through education programs, hiring nine new musicians, welcoming new Chorus Director Stephen Caracciolo, and opening the Masterworks season with a nearly sold-out performance of Holst’s The Planets.
In the 2023–24 season, our performances and programs directly served over 168,000 central Ohioans with an audience of over 3.7 million served through TV broadcasts, online media, and so much more. The Symphony offered 260+ performances and programs throughout the season, plus numerous opportunities to engage online. We are proud to be a major contributor to the local economy, generating over $16 million in economic impact for Columbus.
As our reach of impact continues to broaden, our audience extends far beyond the outer belt to the rolling hills and winding rivers of Ohio. Our Appalachian Music Series brings the magic of the Symphony to rural communities and outdoor venues like Hocking Hills State Park.
We continue to deepen our long-term impact by sharing classical music with the next generation. Music education benefits more than just the Symphony; it elevates our broader society as a whole. As we have done for many years, children ages 6-16 attend our Masterworks concerts for free, setting the stage for music fans of tomorrow.
Everything that the Columbus Symphony brings to the community is possible because of the generosity of supporters like you. We hope you enjoy reading about the remarkable highlights of the 2023–24 season. Thank you for helping us to inspire and build a strong community through music.
Sincerely,
Stephen E. Markovich, MD Rossen Milanov Daniel Walshaw Board Chair Music Director Chief Operating Officer
Governed by the Board of Trustees, the Columbus Symphony’s mission and vision guide the future growth and direction of the orchestra. Our values are the underpinning for how we conduct business and serve the community.
Mission: Inspiring and building a strong community through music
Vision: The national exemplar of a vibrant, dynamic orchestra
Strategic Pillars:
• Pursue excellence and innovation
• Elevate the quality of life in our community
• Amplify our future
Values:
• Treat others with trust and respect
• Seek diversity and inclusion of all
• Be personally accountable and support the success of the team
• Be passionate about the transformative power of music
Columbus Symphony Board of Trustees
Officers
Stephen E. Markovich, MD, Chair
Robert Morrison, Jr., Co-Vice Chair
Nelson Yoder, Co-Vice Chair
Steve Snethkamp, Treasurer
Amy Shore, Secretary
Trustees
Rosa M. Ailabouni
Aaron Alt
Kurt Bendeck
Melody Birmingham
G. Ross Bridgman
Joseph A. Chlapaty
Vinita Clements
Robert Cochran
Michael P. Foley
Kenneth M. Freedman
Hector Garcia-Santana
Jack George, MD
Terry Hoppmann
Eric Johnson
Phillip J. La Susa
Varun Mahajan, MD, DABR
The Honorable Algenon L. Marbley
Gay Su Pinnell, PhD
Ellen Pizzuti
Skip Prichard
Betsy Schumacher
Joseph Sofia
Michael Weiss
Ex-Officio Trustees
Nancy Edwards
Jody Porreca
Betsy Sturdevant
David Thomas
Honorary Trustees
Ronald A. Pizzuti
Zuheir Sofia
Nationwide Picnic with the Pops Education and Community Engagement
Pops concert: In the Air Tonight
Season Highlights. Season Highlights.
Masterworks
The season-opening performances of Holst’s celestial masterpiece
The Planets filled the Ohio Theatre on September 22–24, 2023, and featured HD imagery from NASA.
Holiday Pops
Families packed the house for the annual grand tradition of Holiday Pops during the weekend of December 1–3, 2023.
Figure Skating Championships
Over 10,000 homes tuned in to watch the U.S.
Figure Skating Championships broadcast and Olympian Jason Brown’s free skate performance at Nationwide Arena, accompanied live by a CSO ensemble on January 28, 2024.
Nationwide Picnic with the Pops
The 2024 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops season reached record ticket sales and attendance with unforgettable concerts featuring artists like hip-hop legend Nas on July 13, 2024.
Elevating the Quality of Life
in Our Community
New Programs in 2024!
All City Festival
We relaunched the Columbus All City Orchestra program with a new format, partnering with Columbus City high school and middle school instrumental programs for a nine-week, in-school residency by CSO musicians. The program concluded with a Festival Concert at the Ohio Theatre on March 19, 2024. Each participating school performed one selection, culminating with the performance of the All City Honors Ensemble, comprised of 25 teacher-nominated students. Participating schools included Columbus South High School, Briggs High School, MarionFranklin High School, Indianola Middle School, Wedgewood Middle School, Columbus Alternative High School, Fort Hayes High School, and Mifflin High School.
CSO Fantasy Camp
This year, the annual Community Side-by-Side was transformed into an inclusive retreat for community members to become professional musicians for the day. Led by Associate Conductor Andrés Lopera, over 35 community members played side-by-side with the CSO and performed repertoire from Brahms’s Academic Festival Overture, Coleridge-Taylor’s Petite Suite de Concert, and selections from Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8. After the rehearsal, community members and musicians gathered for a light dinner and conversation before their on-stage performance in front of family and friends.
CSYO Commission
For their 40th Anniversary, the Youth Orchestra’s Chamber Strings Ensemble commissioned Soon Hee Newbold, a leading composer for young orchestras, to write a piece for strings and full orchestra. The string orchestra version of the piece, Gravitas, premiered at the Ohio Music Education Association conference in February 2024, conducted by Chamber Strings founder and OSU Professor Emeritus, Dr. Bob Gillespie. Gravitas was published in spring 2024 and is available for school orchestras to perform around the world.
Leading Music Education Resources in the
Community
10,700 students in Columbus City School and central Ohio preschools received free daily music-based mindfulness programs through Mindful Musical Moments.
11,339 Columbus City School students in grades 3–5 received access to in-school and remote music education through “CSO in the Classroom.”
27,000 students benefitted from our interactive educational website that makes learning fun and accessible from any digital device.
3,765 free tickets were provided to Title 1 students to attend the Young People’s Concerts at the Ohio Theatre.
5,600 elementary, middle school, and high school students experienced the magic of music during our free in-school concerts.
41 school bus transportation grants supported by Safelite allowed us to bring Title 1 students to experience Young People’s Concerts at the Ohio Theatre in downtown Columbus.
275 free music education resources were provided to schools throughout central Ohio.
254 young musicians and passionate music-makers participated across four Youth Orchestra ensembles.
50 annual nominations were received for the 27th annual celebration of the Music Educator Awards to celebrate the individuals who instill and inspire a love of music in children and adults. Winners included Julie Porretta (elementary educator), Jeff Rone (secondary educator), Antoine Clark (community educator), and Elmer Broecker (lifetime achievement).
400 music educators across the region received professional development sessions and free concert tickets.
43 guests attended our three open masterclasses, featuring Elinda Valhala (violin), Natasha Paremski (piano), and Thomas Mesa (cello).
6,000 children and their families were delighted by fun, interactive concerts and pre-performance activities during our Concerts for Kids and Popcorn Pops concerts.
90 young musicians showed off their skills in the Young Musicians Competition.
4 fellows participatied in the tuition-free Columbus Symphony Academy, which prepares young musicians traditionally underserved in classical music for careers as professional musicians.
An Organization Making a Difference
The Columbus Symphony is an arts leader in the community, enhancing community events and participating in charitable acts that strengthen the region. We are broadening our reach to be an organization that makes a difference in central Ohio and beyond.
Appalachian Music Series
Communities outside Greater Columbus are often unserved by professional arts organizations. The CSO has expanded outreach to Ohio’s rural and Appalachian communities with concerts in Portsmouth, Nelsonville, Chillicothe, Circleville, Lancaster, Zanesville, and Hocking Hills State Park. The Appalachian Music Series has included a Holiday Pops touring program, delighting sold-out audiences. The CSO reached 16 zip codes across 10 rural Ohio counties, serving 14,000 people across the state. The series features a close collaboration with partners at local venues and often includes education and community engagement activities, including school visits by musicians, school ensemble performances, and more.
Salute Our Troops: Vet Tix
Last season, over 500 tickets were provided to active-duty military and veterans, worth over $32,000. In total, over 5,000 tickets have been provided since the program was established in 2012.
Windborne’s Music of Led Zeppelin Picnic with the Pops
The nostalgic journey through the concert let me re-live high school with great joy, none of which could have been possible without the awesome gift and blessing given to us veterans by your beautiful gift! As a disabled veteran with limited resources, your gift is the only way I could have seen such a wonderful concert!
—James, U.S. Air Force, 1976–1978
Rachmaninoff & Tchaikovsky
This was an amazing experience and great venue. My daughter loved when the piano came out and such an amazing talent. It took me years to accept offers to veterans because I didn’t think I deserved it. You are appreciated.
—Jeff, U.S. Air Force, 1999–2003
Welcome to Spring
What a wonderful evening filled with amazing performances by the orchestra and chorus. It was a night to remember.
—John, U.S. Navy, 2002–2006
Building a musical landmark for our community.
In an ambitious goal for the future of our orchestra and our community, the Columbus Symphony is embarking on a historic journey to build a dedicated musical landmark for central Ohio. An acoustically calibrated, 1,600-seat orchestra hall will bring vibrancy to an unused corner of downtown Columbus, enhance the listening experience for music lovers, and provide much-needed education and community space for everyone across the region.
CSO Cares
CSO Cares combines the arts with community service by employing an innovative approach to engage the most vulnerable populations and underserved audiences in our community. Through strategic partnerships with social service organizations and local schools, we bring the transformative power of music to their clients, constituencies, students, and staff. The CSO Cares Outreach program reached over 10,000 underserved families and refugees in the 2023–24 season.
Outreach By the Numbers
• 10,000 homes tuned in to watch the U.S. Figure Skating Championships and Jason Brown’s free skate performance accompanied live by the CSO on NBC4 TV.
• 2,478 children ages 6-16 attended Masterworks concerts for free.
• 12 free performances at senior living and skilled nursing facilities reached isolated populations with support from Orthopedic ONE.
• 4 Pint Size Performances featuring small ensembles were hosted in local breweries.
• Over 1,000 residents attended Community Concerts across three diverse neighborhoods in partnership with City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.
Amplifying Our Future
Symphony Gala
The 2024 Symphony Gala on May 11, 2024 at OhioHealth recognized Alex Fischer and Lori Barreras as Honorary Chairs. With an Honorary Committee of distinguished volunteers and sponsors, the Gala celebrated the orchestra’s critical role in our community’s symphonic journey.
The generosity of our supporters helped to make the 2024 event the biggest and most successful in the 70+ year history of the Columbus Symphony!
The evening featured special performances by our Columbus Symphony musicians, including concertmaster Joanna Frankel, principal horn Megan Amos, and principal percussion Cameron Leach.
GALA CO-CHAIRS
Amy Shore
Betsy Schumacher
GALA SPONSORS
Presenting Sponsor
OhioHealth
Featured Sponsor
Nationwide
Production Sponsor
Above Sound & Lighting
Event Sponsor
Gay Su Pinnell
Supporting Sponsors
AEP
Aaron Alt & Jennifer Konz-Alt
Chlapaty Investments, LLC
Crawford Hoying
First Financial Bank
ImprovEdge
OCLC
The Schumacher Family
Young Presidents Organization (YPO)
The Zunkiewicz Family
Partner Sponsors
AECOM
BakerHostetler
CK Construction
The Columbus Partnership
DLZ
Jane & Mike Endres
Mrs. Pauline M. Fritz
Joe & Lori Hamrock
Cindy & Larry Hilsheimer
Christopher & Tonia Irion
NiSource
PNC
Squire Patton Boggs LLP
Dr. Gifford Weary & Mr. David Angelo
GALA HONORARY COMMITTEE
Rosa Ailabouni & Dr. Scott A. Smitson
Giordano Albertazzi
Lois H. Allen
Aaron Alt & Jennifer Konz-Alt
George Barrett
Dr. Constance Bauer
Frank Birinyi & Catherine L. Wood*
Melody Birmingham
Alfred H. Bivins
Nadine Block
Sarah & Michael Bongiorno
G. Ross & Patricia Bridgman
Joe & Linda Chlapaty
Derrick & Sydnee Clay
Vinita & Larry Clements
Robert & Susan Cochran
Pam Conrad
Jeff & Lisa Edwards
Nancy Edwards
Pete & Christine Edwards
Jane & Mike Endres
Arthur Flesch
Alex Fischer & Lori Barreras
Kris & Mike Foley
Victoria & Ken Freedman
Mrs. Pauline M. Fritz
Drs. Annie Marie Garraway &
Ira W. Deep
Miriam Matteson & Hector Garcia-Santana
Zach & Cathleen Graves
Joe & Lori Hamrock
Silvana Hildebrandt
Richard Hillis
Cindy & Larry Hilsheimer
Russell & Jacqueline Hodge
Christopher & Tonia Irion
Dan Jensen
Mr. Eric T. Johnson &
Dr. Rachel G. Mauk
Tom & Mary Katzenmeyer
Andrew H. King
Phil La Susa & Dr. Jesse Sheldon
Vicki & Ron Linville
Nancy & Tom Lurie
Angela & Michael Mahaffey
Drs. Monica & Varun Mahajan
Todd Majidzadeh &
Karen Hough Majidzadeh
Kathy & Steve Markovich
Traci Martinez
Kenny & Jennifer McDonald
Lawrence & Katherine Mead
Karen & Gregory Morrison
Lori & Robert Morrison
Jim Negron
Drs. Deborah Parris & David Bisaro
Bob Philips & Kara Trott
Gay Su Pinnell & Jeff Forster
Skip & Anita Prichard
Doug Preisse
Ram & Amy Rajadhyaksha
Anil & Subha Raman
Martyn & Lynne Redgrave
Denise Rehg
Erica Rozanczyk
Betsy & Charles Schumacher
Scott Shaw
Amy & Alan Shore
George L.* & Patricia G. Smith
Lindsey & Steve Snethkamp
Lewis & Benita Smoot
Christina & Joseph Sofia
Sheldon & Rebecca Taft
Kirt & Cindy Walker
Drs.Grant M. Wallace &
Stephanie R. Davis Wallace
Daniel Walshaw
Rodney Wasserstrom
Dr. Gifford Weary & Mr. David Angelo
Gwen Weihe
Arlene & Michael Weiss
Chad & Melinda Whittington
Nelson & Betsy Yoder
Richard & Karen Zunkiewicz
Gregory P. Zunkiewicz
GALA COMMITTEE
Rosa M. Ailabouni
Kamal Boulos
Kris Foley
Phil La Susa
Cameron Leach
Kathy Mead
Jessica Pasternack
CSO Cares About Kids Benefit Week
In 2024, the 6th annual CSO Cares About Kids Benefit Week raised critical funds supporting vital education programs that enable us to reach tens of thousands of children during the season. Outreach activities during the week of March 3, 2024 featured full-time musicians donating their time and talent once again to reach more than 2,455 children in local schools across our community this year, including 5 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, 3 high schools, and 11 school systems and districts. Audiences ranged from 15 students at a Musical Storytime to over 300 for string ensemble performances.
BENEFIT WEEK SPONSORS
Diamond Sponsor
Joe & Linda Chlapaty
Platinum Sponsors
Cardinal Health
Friends of the Columbus Symphony
Gay Su Pinnell
State Auto Insurance Companies
Gold Sponsors
Robert & Susan Cochran
Mr. Eric T. Johnson &
Dr. Rachel G. Mauk
NiSource
Chris & Susan Timm
The Robert Weiler Company
The Zunkiewicz Family Redstory
Silver Sponsors
Vanessa & George Arnold
Jim & Margaret Boggs
Patricia Ann Chmiel
Martyn & Lynne Redgrave
Betsy & Charles Schumacher
Bronze Sponsors
Lois H. Allen
Linda & Frank Kass
Sadie & Seyman Stern
Donors
Government, Corporate, & Foundation Partners
With gratitude, the Columbus Symphony acknowledges all our corporate and foundation supporters. This publication lists names of donors who made gifts, pledges and in-kind donations of $1,000 or more from September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024.
$150,000 & ABOVE
$25,000–$49,999
Bath & Body Works Foundation
Big Lots Foundation
Cardinal Health Foundation
Fidelity Charitable
First Financial Bank
Friends of the Columbus Symphony
The Huntington Foundation
$2,750–$4,999
$1,000–$2,749
$6,000–$9,999
Anonymous (4)
Rosa M. Ailabouni & Dr. Scott A. Smitson
Melody Birmingham
G. Brent Bishop
Pam Conrad
Sandy Doyle-Ahern & Michael Ahern
Michael & Kris Foley
James Garland & Carol Andreae
Patrick & Carol Huber
Nancy & Tom Lurie
Angela & Michael Mahaffey
Susan J. Mancini
Robert & Lori Morrison
Brad Myers & Steve Rowlands
Sandra & Howard Pritz
Elizabeth Sawyers*
Mr.* and Mrs.* Arthur E. Shepard
Tadd & Nancy Seitz
Kara Trott & Bob Philips
James Weinberg & Joanne Kesten
Denise & Michael Wible
$1,350–$3,499
Anonymous (8)
John & Elizabeth Allemong
June Allison & Stephen Tracy
Nada & Ali Aried
Vanessa & George Arnold
Lois & Brian Bäby
Rita Barnum
Dr. Constance Bauer
Ronald A. Bell
Alfred H. Bivins
Monica & Don Brown
Bill Calvert & Autumn Lemons
Stephen & Sandra Caracciolo
Tom & Mary Katzenmeyer
Chris Keller
James & Rose Kent
George Knight & Ellen Berndt
Janet Kohn
Polly B. Lindemann
Mary Ann & Skip Loeb
Jeffrey & Wendy Luedke
Drs. Varun & Monica Mahajan
Barbara Markle
Mark & Christine McHenry
Dr. Violet Meek & Dr. Don Dell
Patricia & John Melvin
Mark & Susan Meuser
Scott & Gretchen Mote
Nancy Niemuth & Mark Ervin
Annegreth T. Nill & Bruce C. Posey
Jason & Stephanie Niswonger
Charles Pace*
Jean Bay
Karen Bell & Ben Maiden
Michael & Sarah Bongiorno
Noel & Kathy Booker
Carol Ann Bradley
Dr. & Mrs. J. Richard Briggs
Don & Monica Brown
Robert V. Byrd
Connie & Denny Cahill
Lyn Charobee
Judy Connelly
Jim & Karen Conrad
James R. Craft
Laura Dehlendorf Crane
Tom W. Davis
Danielle Demko
Philip & Susan DeVol
Michael Dixon
Colleen & Ted Donley
Johnstone Fund for New Music
Mills James
NiSource
The Nth Degree Companies
OhioHealth
Safelite AutoGlass Foundation
$15,000–$24,999
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
Battelle
Edward Jones
Individual Partners
With gratitude, the Columbus Symphony acknowledges all our individual donors. This publication lists names of donors who made gifts, pledges and in-kind donations of $550 or more from September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024.
$250,000 & ABOVE
FLOURISH bespoke
Huntington
iHeart Media
KPMG
Martha Holden Jennings Foundation
Media Machine
Renewal by Andersen
State Auto Insurance Companies
The Reinberger Foundation
$10,000–$14,999
Anonymous (1)
American Electric Power
Crane Group
Crawford Hoying
Dayton Foundation
Giant Eagle Market District
Greif
OCLC
Young Presidents Organization (YPO)
$50,000–$149,000
Above Sound & Lighting
Columbus Symphony League
$5,000–$9,999
AECOM
BakerHostetler
Columbus Jewish Foundation
Columbus Partnership
CK Construction
DLZ
Encova Insurance Group
G&J Pepsi
Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP
ImprovEdge
J.P. Morgan Charitable Giving Fund
Mount Carmel Health System
Orthopedic ONE
PNC
Jack & Joan George
Gay Su Pinnell
Louise & David* Swanson
Michael & Arlene Weiss
$100,000–$249,999
Anonymous
Joe & Linda Chlapaty
Jerome & Bette Dare
$50,000–$99,999
Mrs. Rhoma Berlin
Marie Caren Fisher*
Anne H. Melvin*
Andy & Sandy Ross
Sheldon & Rebecca Taft
$25,000–$49,000
Anonymous (2)
Aaron Alt & Jennifer Konz-Alt
G. Ross & Patricia Bridgman
Robert & Susan Cochran
Dr. Gordon N. Shecket
Amy & Alan Shore
George L. * & Patricia G. Smith
Kim & Judith Swanson
The Zunkiewicz Family
$15,000–$24,999
George Barrett
Jim & Margaret Boggs
Nancy Edwards
Mr. Eric T. Johnson &
Dr. Rachel G.Mauk
Karen Karlsberger
Mary Lazarus
Steve & Kathy Markovich
Jane P. Mykrantz
Skip & Anita Prichard
The Schumacher Family
$10,000–$14,999
Anonymous (2)
Lois H. Allen
Paul & Tere Beck
Frank Birinyi
Nadine Block
Vinita J. Clements
Charles Driscoll
The Rev. Earl * & Pauline Fritz
Marty Golubitsky & Barbara Keyfitz
Thomas R. Gross Jr.
Cindy & Larry Hilsheimer
David Ives
Sue & Seth Kantor
Mike & Linda Kaufmann
Keith Klingler & Maura Stevenson
Phil La Susa & Dr. Jesse Sheldon
Matteson Garcia Family
Lawrence & Katherine Mead
Rossen Milanov
Andrew & Bette Millat
Drs. Deborah Parris & David Bisaro
Marilyn R. Smith
Rebecca Stilson & Mike Sullivan
Chris & Susan Timm
David H. Timmons
Dr. Gifford Weary & David Angelo
Tom & Mary Weatherwax
Lillian Webb
William H. & Jane T. Wilken
Joseph Wisne & Bridgette Mariea
Steve & Lindsey Snethkamp
Drs. Grant M. Wallace &
Stephanie R. Davis Wallace
Connie & Craig Walley
Gwen Weihe
$3,500–$5,999
Anonymous (5)
Giordano Albertazzi
Aurelia & Ernest Stern CSO
Endowment Fund
Lisa & Chris Barton
Kurt & Jennifer Bendeck
Felicia Bernardini
Jim & Susan Berry
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas H. Brinker
Don & Ann Casto
Barbara L. Chuko
Ted & Lynn Coons
Beth Crane & Richard McKee
Dr. Patricia A. Cunningham
Mr. C. John Easton
Jane & Mike Endres
Cornelia Bridges Ferguson
Francille & John Firebaugh
Drs. Annie Marie Garraway & Ira W. Deep
Jeff Harris
Ellis & Beverly Hitt
Terry & Michelle Hoppmann
Chris & Tonia Irion
Daniel L. Jensen
Mike & Linda Kaufmann
Barry & Karen Keenan
Keith Klingler & Maura Stevenson
Janet Kohn
Eric Linsley & Michelle Kerr
Ginny & Alan Litzelfelner
Mary Ann & Skip Loeb
Margaret A. Malone
Barbara McAdam Muller
Tom* & Melanie Murray
Vincent Parisi
Ron & Ann Pizzuti
Denise L. Rehg
Cheri & Wayne Rickert
Dr. Philip & Mrs. Elizabeth Samuels
Matthew & Cathy Satterwhite
Patricia Ann Chmiel
Derrick & Sydnee Clay
Matthew Cohen & Susan Geary
Lori Copeland
Janet L. Cox
Tom Crumrine
Mr. Carl D. Cummins
Alex & Amy Darragh
Ruth K. Decker
Dr. Johanna DeStefano
Kris & Tim Doney
Judy Driskell
Carol Durell
Jeff & Lisa Edwards
Pete & Christine Edwards
Charles & Edith Emery
Drs. Michael & Mollie Ezzie
Bebe & John Finn
Arthur L. Flesch
Joanna Frankel & Daniel Walshaw
Victoria & Ken Freedman
Jennifer & Michael Friel
Dave Fritz
Brian Fruchey
Raymond Galuzny
Donald & Eydie Garlikov
Dossy & Martin Gelender
Barbara E. Goettler
Robert C. & Beverly A. Goldie
Joy & Michael Gonsiorowski
Elaine & Victor Goodman
Zach & Cathleen Graves
Linda & Bill Habig
Barbara A. Hackman
Nick & Steve Hardin
Marilyn Harris
Donald & Jean Haurin
Rich Hillis
Russell & Jacqueline Hodge
Dr. John T. Huston
Frederick M. & Judith K. Isaac
Donna & Larry James
Ronald Jenkins & William Davis
Jason & Danielle Job
Kirk Jones
The Josenhans Family
Dr. Rosemary O. Joyce
Linda & Frank Kass
Dr. Karen Peeler & Rev. Deniray Mueller
Marcy Pelecky
Doug Preisse
Allen Proctor & Gail Walter
Anil & Subha Raman
Ben & Rebecca Ramirez
Nancy Rigsby
Lois E. Robison
Judy & Ken Rodgers
Stephen W. Rogers & Daniel J. Clements III
Mark & Martha Rosenson
Dr. Steven &
Nancy Donoghue
Alice Faryna
Kathy Faust
Walter & Mary Ann Feige
Larry & Marion Fisher
Frank & Jean Forsythe
Dr. Gerdalinde F. Gatmaitan
Sandra L. L. Gaunt
Michelle Geissbuhler
Mr. Thomas A. Gerke
Don Good
Dr. Steven & Gaybrielle Gordon
Richard & Linda Gunther
Mark Haker & Matt Messersmith
Douglas Hale & Margaret Hardison
Dan Hanket
Bill Hegarty
Linda Hicks
& Anita Smialek
& Joseph Sofia
& Seyman Stern
Tiell & Mark Adelsperger
Tinderholt
& Ray Traub
& Katherine Tucker
H. & Margaret R. Wagner
Wakelin & Anu Chauhan
Wasserstrom
Westwater & Linda Larrimer
& Melinda Whittington
Wright
$550–$1,349
Anonymous (16)
Roshini Sarah Abraham
Natalie Adams
Ben L. Addison
Judith H. Ahlbeck
The Allene N. Gilman Charitable Trust
Deborah Anderson
Michelle Andre
Alyce Andrus
Trisha Barhorst & Sam Bass
Don Houser
David Hoyt
Karen Humphrey
Janice Innis-Thompson
Alta & Lawrence Irwin
Victor Jochem
Douglas N. & Darlene V. Jones*
Katherine B. Jones
& Diane Jones
Chetan & Sonali Kandhari
John D. Kennedy
Deborah & Douglas King
Michele Koenig
Judith Krasnoff
Syd Lifshin
Ron & Vicki Linville
Warren & Dai-Wei
Looman
Michael Lowe
Lyric Harp Duo
Dan Manges
Traci Martinez
Priscilla M. Meeks
David & Betty Meil
Darla & Dean Minamyer Kate & Dan Minor
Jay Mirtallo
Damon & Tina Muldoon
Lynda & Stephen Nacht
Gail & Philip Nelson
William Nilges
Therese Nolan
Dorothy Noyes & Michael Krippendorf
Ann & Bob Oakley
Mr. David R. Packer & Dr. Linda C. Nusbaum
Michael Para & Caroline Whitacre
Robert A. & Gloria I. Patterson
Ruth Paulson
Gerri & Loyal Peterman
Colette Peterson
Lisa Peterson
Donald Poling
Barbara Poplis
Jody Porreca
Ram Rajadhyaksha
Judy & Dean Reinhard
Rebecca Rhoads
R. L. & Barbara B. Richards
David & Jean Robertson
Shelda J. Robertson
Rocky & Mary Robins
Dana & Pamela Rudmose
The Ryan Family
Jennifer & Ed Saboley
Thomas & Gail Santner
Paulette Schmidt
Jay & Joyce Schoedinger
David R. Schooler
Robert & Barbara Shapiro
Darrel & Teruko Sheets
Ms. Junko Shigemitsu
Larry & Cheryl Simon
Sabrina Singh & Jean Bredeche
Jim Skidmore
Yvette Alexander Slate
Marcia Katz Slotnick
Mark & Gail Storer
Nancy Strause
Kate Sturgess
Margie & Mike Sullivan
Deb & Ed Susi
Kaye Swift
Ralph & Joan Talmage
Ellen Tate
Joyce Toner
Don & Miriam Utter
Dr. James & Jacquelyn Vaughan
Adam Wagenbach & Kathleen Murphy
J. Hope Weber
Dr. Kenneth Weise
Ronald & Ramona Whisler
Melinda Williams
Anne Jeffrey Wright
Nelson & Betsy Yoder
Jonathan & Mia Yoon
Joseph & Carol Zanetos
Simon Zhuang
James & Barbara Zook
In-Kind
Above Sound & Lighting
Dr. Constance J. Bauer
Stephen Caracciolo
Carfagna’s Italian Grocery Store
Joe & Linda Chlapaty
The Cleveland Cavaliers
Robert & Susan Cochran
Columbus Clippers
Chef Heather Escobar
Marion Fisher
FLOURISH bespoke
Giant Eagle Market District
iHeart Media
Jewelry by Catherina
Phil La Susa & Dr. Jesse Sheldon
Media Machine
Rossen Milanov
Mills James Productions
Nth Degree
Jody Porreca
Quinci Emporium
The Refectory Restaurant
Sonesta Columbus Downtown
Deb Susi
‘Twas Once a Tree
Velvet Ice Cream Company
Tom & Mary Weatherwax
Gwen Weihe
Tricia Wheeler,
The Seasoned Farmhouse
Melinda Williams
Columbus Symphony Champions
With gratitude, we acknowledge the Columbus Symphony Champions who make a meaningful contribution and steady stream of support through recurring gifts or multi-year pledges. This publication lists names of donors who repeat their impact on a monthly, quarterly, or multi-year basis from September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024.
Anonymous (6)
Gojko & Jagoda Babic
Alfred H. Bivins
Jim & Margaret Boggs
G. Ross & Patricia Bridgman
Aaron & Beth Connell
Karen & Jim Conrad
Estephan Covell
Bill DeMora
Michelle Geissbuhler
Earl Goldhammer
Don Good
Gerald & Mary Harvey
Tribute Gifts
Bill Hegarty
Chris & Linda Hoch
Jane Karras
Drs. Varun & Monica Mahajan
Jay Mirtallo
Therese Nolan
Carol Porter
Shelda J. Robertson
John E. Sauer & Doreen Uhas-Sauer
The Revs. Bruce & Susan Smith
Edwin Tripp
Andrew Wiegerig
Ed & Jan Wojniak
Charlotte Yates
The following donors have made contributions to the Columbus Symphony in honor or in memory of a friend or loved one between September 1, 2023 and August 31, 2024.
IN HONOR
The Academy
Dr. Jeffrey & Bethanne Tilson
Felicia Bernardini
Hannah & Taylor King Boyles
Luis Biava
Caprice Encore Unit, Friends of the Columbus Symphony
Philip & Shelley Engler
Mary Jane Booker
Noel & Kathy Booker
Ross Bridgman
Hugh Westwater & Linda Larrimer
Michael Buccicone
Barbara Hamelberg
Joe & Linda Chlapaty
Damon & Tina Muldoon
Columbus Symphony Chamber Strings
The Nimjee Family
Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra
Anonymous
Ron Currin
Ben & Karen Freudenreich
Diane Driessen
Ben & Karen Freudenreich
Michelle Elfrink
Ed Elfrink
Friends of the Columbus Symphony
Anonymous
Pauline Fritz
Anonymous
Sarah E. Giffen
Jan Wade
Anonymous
Marti & Rob Rideout
Jody Williams
Bill Hegarty
IN MEMORY
Gerald L. Armstrong
Ann Armstrong
Harold & Helen Beard
Gene E. Beard
Cynthia Bell
Steven Bell
Robert & Phyliss Boehnke
John D. Kennedy
Bob Butters
Caprice Encore Unit, Friends of the Columbus Symphony
Mrs. Barna J. Graves
James Caldwell
Dr. Patricia Caldwell
Linda S. Cooper
Anonymous
Pamela S. DeVoe
Stephen DeVoe, Jr.
Diane Kay Hockman
Mrs. Barna J. Graves
Sidney Dill
Allene N. Gilman
The Allene N. Gilman Charitable Trust
Zach Graves
Caprice Encore Unit, Friends of the Columbus Symphony
Marilyn Harris
Kevin Greenwood & Mark Lowery
Isaac Hershhorn
Deborah & James Waddell
Irene Hessler
Anonymous
Ann Ickes
Stanton T. Ickes
Ronald Jenkins
Elizabeth & Sean Becker
Robyn Nisbet
Lisa Peterson
Phil La Susa
Andrew King
Mighty Morton Organ
Andrea Andrioff
Rossen Milanov
Annegreth T. Nill & Bruce C. Posey
Karl Pedersen
Adam Friedman
Denise Rehg
Friends of the Columbus Symphony
Marcia Katz Slotnick
The Revs. Bruce & Susan Smith
Susan Scott
Rachel Scott
JoAnn Hall
Phil Hall
Craig Hassler
Dr. Patricia A. Cunningham
Frank A. Healy
The Healy Family
Diane Hockman
Cara Boeff & Doug Moffat
Jeanne Earhart
Canterbury Unit, Friends of the Columbus Symphony
Mrs. Barna J. Graves
Connie Kuns & Martha Lund
Janice G. Minton
Howard Hazlett, Sr.
Anne Highland
Don Hoyt
Patricia Ann Chmiel
Tim Huddle
Bill & Kathie Fedun
Steven & Elaine Townsdin
Pam Weller
Kathy J. Wolfgram
Eileen Huston
Dr. John T. Huston
Jean Ives
David Ives
James B. Jones
Katherine B. Jones
Canterbury Unit, Friends of the Columbus Symphony
Gayle Mahaffey
Dr. James B. Moe & Family
Women Today
Evelyn Erlanger
Ed Erlanger
Louis Fabro
Anonymous
Jean Fair
Andrew Wiegerig
Nancy Fauhl Flavin
Kathy Snapp
Jeff E. Forney
Kenneth W. Fultz
Joan Foucht
Clara & Millard Foucht
Friends of the Columbus Symphony
Mark & Cheryl S. McCullough
Dr. Michael O. Garraway
Drs. Annie Marie Garraway & Ira W. Deep
Ed Gerhold
Friends of the Columbus Symphony
Mrs. Barna J. Graves
Elizabeth & Jay Heiser
Martha L. Koch
Paul & Martha Mikesell
Michael Morosky Family
Kelly, Matt & Aidan O’Brien
William & Cheryl O’Brien
Stephen P. Gilmore
Marilyn Kuchta
The Residents of Sunpoint Condominiums
Bradford & Una Tuck
Drs. Grant M. Wallace & Stephanie R. Davis Wallace
Nils H. Wessell
Russell Wheeler
Marilyn Wollett
Kim & Matt Young
Rebecca Kantor
Sue & Seth Kantor
John Kobacker
Nancy & Tom Lurie
Barbara Reed Lambert
David Lambert
H. Lee & Evelyn F. Leathers
Lyman L. Leathers Fund
Nancy Lee
Friends of the Columbus Symphony
Ed Lichtenfeld
Marlowe & Eric Lichtenfeld
Bob Lindemann
Polly B. Lindemann
Robert Lindemann
Pat Carpenter
Tim Marek
Joe Marek
Richard A. Markle
Barbara Markle
Darlene Jones
Anonymous
Chuck & Connie Adams
Nancy S. Alonzo
BLAST Friends
Nadine Block
Connie & Denny Cahill
Caprice Encore Unit, Friends of the Columbus Symphony
Central Ohio Buick Club
Barbara A. Clark
Robert & Susan Cochran
Columbus Symphony League
William & Louise DiMascio
Sophie Elgort & Eric Von Stroh
Friends of the Columbus Symphony
Kenneth W. Fultz
Barbara E. Goettler
Michael Griffith
Helen Hall
Don Houser
Marilyn Jennings
Douglas Jones
Barry Liss
Beth Maisenbacher
Carl P. McCoy
Priscilla M. Meeks
Richard & Carol Meyer
Dot Myers
Susan Napier
Gordon & Nancy Olsen
Ruth Paulson
Sandra & Howard Pritz
Dr. Edward & Mrs. Melinga Sadar
Scioto Model A Club
Ronald Smith, Austin & Grace Smith
Linda Strong
Donald & Naomi Valentine
Gary & Evelyn Kinzel
Roger Vangheluwe
Julia Brown
Janice Taylor Whittaker
Anonymous
Janice Whittaker
Helen Sutherland
Catherine Wood
Frank Birinyi
*Deceased
Tanya Matsuda
Emi Matsuda
Anne H. Melvin
Anonymous
John & Kate Brody
Annette Molar
Anonymous
Jude Mollenhauer
Lyric Harp Duo
Douglas & Suzanne Neckers
Paul & Joyce Werner
Gina Paolini
Anonymous
Raisa Patlashenko
Eugene Patlashenko
Ann C. Shelly
Anonymous
George L. Smith
Nadine Block
Robert & Susan Cochran
Columbus Symphony League
David K. Smucker
Sara Smucker
David H. Swanson
Patricia & Richard Evans
Jay & Joyce Schoedinger Muriel K. Tice
Unit, Friends of the Columbus Symphony
Legacy Society
With gratitude, the Columbus Symphony acknowledges all Legacy Society donors who have included the orchestra in their long-range charitable giving plans. Planned gifts from Legacy Society members help sustain the financial strength of the CSO to inspire and build a strong community through music.
Anonymous (3)
Benjamin L. Addison
James* & Lois Allen
Elizabeth Ann Ayers
George W.* & Shannon Baughman
Paul & Tere Beck
Susan & Jim Berry
Pat & Ross Bridgman
Thomas H. Brinker
Fred* & Paula Brothers
Neal Brower
Robert V. Byrd
Charles* & Sharron* Capen
Robert & Susan Cochran
Richard & Lynn Colby
William B. Connell
Janet L. Cox
Jerome* & Margaret Cunningham
Eugene R* & Pauline E* Dahnke
Richard I.* & Helen M. Dennis
Brian & Christine Dooley
Sherwood* & Martha Fawcett
Barbara K. Fergus
Robert Firdman
Fred & Molly Caren* Fisher
Michael & Kris Foley
The Rev. Earl* & Pauline Fritz
Judy* & Jules* Garel
Jack E. & Winifred J. Gordon
Anne Goss & Richard Coleman*
Marilyn H. Harris
Judith Harris Hays
Michael & Victoria Hayward
Cindy & Larry Hilsheimer
Lisa A. Hinson
Harold C. Hodson
David Hoyt
Mr. & Mrs.* David A. Jeggle
Daniel L. Jensen
Mr. Eric T. Johnson & Dr. Rachel G. Mauk
Douglas & Darlene* Jones
Dr. Rosemary O. Joyce
Patricia Karr
Linda S. Kass
Mary & Ken Keller
William* & Sandra Kight
Phillip J. La Susa
Frank A. Lazar
Fran Luckoff*
Lowell T. & Nancy MacKenzie
Susan J. Mancini
Kenneth C. & Jane H. McKinley
Kathy Mead
Mr.* & Mrs. H. Theodore Meyer
Ruth Milligan
Endowment
With gratitude, the Columbus Symphony acknowledges all our endowment donors. This publication lists names of donors who have made a gift of $5,000 or more to the Columbus Symphony permanent endowment. Endowment donations are invested to support symphonic music in our community in perpetuity.
Karen M. & Randall E. Moore
Richard R. Murphey, Jr.*
Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Oakley
John M. Pellegrino
Betty J. Peters
Denise Rehg
Richard & Teri Reskow
Rocky & Mary Robins
Lois & William J.* Robison
Karlon Roop
Joseph M. B. Sarah
Merry Ann L. Sauls
Elizabeth J. Sawyers*
James* & Marilyn Scanlan
Carl & Elizabeth Scott
Anne C. Sidner
Elliott E. Slotnick & Retta Semones
Marcia Katz Slotnick
George* & Patricia Smith
Marilyn A. Smith Johnson
Kim & Judith Swanson
Sheldon & Becky Taft
David Thomas
David H. & Rachel B.* Timmons
Buzz & Kathleen Trafford
Mark & Katherine Tucker
Laura J. Young
Craig D. & Connie Walley
For a complete listing of Legacy Society members, please visit our website at columbussymphony.com
Anonymous (5) American Electric Power
Jerome & Bette Dare Garrett* & Sidney* Dill Charles & Anne Driscoll
John & Francille Firebaugh
The Rev. Earl* & Pauline Fritz
The Jeffrey Company
Phillip J. La Susa
Mary C. Long*
Susan J. Mancini
Mattlin Foundation
Anne Melvin*
Annette Molar*
Mervin E. Muller*
Carol & Jim Paul
Gay Su Pinnell
Howard & Sandra Pritz
Robert & Ann* Shelly
Zuheir & Susan Sofia
Alden* & Virginia* Stilson
David H. Timmons
For a complete listing of contributions to the Columbus Symphony Endowment, please visit our website at columbussymphony.com
*Deceased
Pursuing Excellence and Innovation
Masterworks
In a journey of discovery, beauty, and exploration into unique and inclusive experiences that reflect the evolving role of the Columbus Symphony in our community, 12 Masterworks programs were presented in the Ohio Theatre in 2023–2024. The season included well-known masterpieces from the greatest composers and works of all time, such as Holst’s celestial The Planets with a backdrop of NASA HD projections on stage, Beethoven’s nature-inspired “Pastoral” Symphony No. 6, and Rachmaninoff’s mighty Symphony No. 1. Music old and new represented a globally-connected sensibility of our time through music by diverse composers, including our premiere of Gabriela Lena Frank’s Conquest Requiem William Dawson’s spiritually-driven Negro Folk Symphony, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte, as well as Anna Clyne’s This Moment, made possible by the League of American Orchestras’ Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestra Commission to promote new works by women composers. Concerts also featured guest artists of meteoric rise like saxophonist Steven Banks, the ever-popular Time for Three string trio, and Cuban-American cellist Thomas Mesa. Returning virtuoso artists included Natasha Paremski, Claire Huangci, and Columbus Symphony concertmaster Joanna Frankel.
Masterworks Accompaniments
Preludes at select Masterworks performances feature a 30-minute pre-concert discussion with Music Director Rossen Milanov, WOSU Classical 101’s Christopher Purdy, or featured special guests. Postludes at select Masterworks performances invited patrons to stay after the concert to enjoy meet and greets, beer and spirit tastings, and more.
Friday Coffee Dress rehearsals before select Masterworks programs offered $14 general admission tickets to morning behind-the-scenes working rehearsals as the musicians and conductor put the finishing touches on the upcoming concert program. Coffee and donuts are included in the ticket price!
Mozart to Matisse is a collaboration series between the Columbus Symphony and Columbus Museum of Art to pair chamber music with afternoon lectures exploring the connections and aesthetic influences between music and visual art.
Pops Specials and Collaborations
Programs featuring popular artists, feature films with live orchestral accompaniment, and the beloved annual Holiday Pops Spectacular give audiences and musicians alike the chance to enjoy fun, nontraditional repertoire.
Highlights of the 2023–2024 season included Black Panther in concert, The Moody Blues, and an innovative new VIP table area at our January “In the Air” concert, featuring the music of Phil Collins and Genesis.
The orchestra was proud to collaborate with local arts organizations to produce moving performances of great works like Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin.
Nationwide Picnic with the Pops and Popcorn Pops
Our popular outdoor summer concert series in the Columbus Commons engages diverse audiences with programs like Patriotic Pops, The Ohio State University Marching Band, and hit artists performing with the orchestra. The 2024 season, announced in March, featured Generation Radio (featuring lead singers of the bands Chicago and Rascal Flatts), Violent Femmes, Nas, A Tribute to Led Zeppelin, and American Idol finalist Cody Fry. The 2024 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops season reached record ticket sales and attendance with over 18,000 patrons heading outside for an evening with the Symphony.
Meanwhile, our Popcorn Pops series delights children and families with fun music and activities for all ages. In July 2024, we welcomed 290 families from A Kid Again, a program that helps families rediscover moments of happiness as their children face lifethreatening illnesses.
Musician Roster
Violins
Joanna Frankel
Concertmaster
Jack and Joan George Chair
Gyusun Han
Associate Concertmaster
Zhe Deng
Assistant Concertmaster
Alicia Hui
Principal Second Violin
Michael and Arlene Weiss Chair
Sydney Hartwick
Assistant Principal Second Violin
David Edge
Robert Firdman
Ross and Pat Bridgman Chair
Maalik Glover
Tatiana Hanna
William Manley
Gail Norine Sharp
Zoran Stoyanovich
David Tanner
Mwakudua waNgure
Violas
Karl Pedersen
Principal Viola
Gay Su Pinnell Chair
Alice Risov
Assistant Principal Viola
Ye Jin Goo
Spencer Ingersoll
Jessica Pasternak
Kenichiro Matsuda
Ann Schnapp
Violoncellos
Luis Biava
Principal Cello
Andy and Sandy Ross Chair
Wendy Morton
Assistant Principal Cello
Gay Su Pinnell Chair
Pei-An Chao
Victor Firlie
Luis Parra
Basses
Rudy Albach
Principal Bass
Nationwide Chair
John Pellegrino
Assistant Principal Bass
Russell Gill
Jena Huebner
Flutes/Piccolos
Niles Watson
Principal Flute
Lydia Roth
Heidi Ruby-Kushious
Oboes
Hugo Souza
Principal Oboe
English Horn
Robert Royse
Clarinet
David Thomas
Principal Clarinet
Rhoma Berlin Chair
Mark Kleine
Bassoon
Betsy Sturdevant
Principal Bassoon
Sheldon and Rebecca Taft Chair
Douglas Fisher Horns
Megan Amos
Principal Horn
Julia Rose
Associate Principal Horn
Adam Koch
Trumpets
Mark Grisez
Principal Trumpet
Linda and Joe Chlapaty Chair
Jeffrey Korak
Trombones
Jack Grimm
Principal Trombone
Joseph Duchi
Timpani
Benjamin Ramirez
Principal Timpani
AEP Foundation Chair
Percussion
Cameron Leach
Principal Percussion
The Musicians of the Columbus Symphony are members of, and represented by, the Central Ohio Federation of Musicians, Local 103 of the American Federation of Musicians.
Conductors
Rossen Milanov, Music Director
Stephen Caracciolo, Chorus Director
Stuart Chafetz Principal Pops Conductor
Andrés Lopera, Associate Conductor
Musicians of the Columbus Symphony
Rudy Albach Megan Amos Luis Biava Zhe Deng
Joe Duchi Robert Firdman Victor Firlie Douglas Fisher Joanna Frankel
Russell Gill Ye Jin Goo Jack Grimm Mark Grisez Gyusun Han
Tatiana Hanna Sydney Hartwick Jena Huebner Alicia Hui Spencer Ingersoll
Mark Kleine Adam Koch Jeffrey Korak Cameron Leach William Manley
Kenichiro Matsuda Wendy Morton Luis Parra
Jessica Pasternak Karl Pedersen
Benjamin Ramirez Alice Risov Julia Rose Lydia Roth Robert Royse
Ann Schnapp Gail Sharp Hugo Souza
David Tanner David Thomas Mwakudua waNgure Niles Watson
Pei-An Chao
Heidi Ruby-Kushious Zoran Stoyanovich
Betsy Sturdevant
Volunteers
Over 500 volunteers served the Columbus Symphony and supported our remarkable growth with a spirit of passionate volunteerism. They generously donated their time and talents to an extensive schedule of concerts, community engagement programs, and education activities that served thousands throughout the year. We recognize and appreciate the service of each and every one of our wonderful volunteers!
Columbus Symphony Chorus
The Columbus Symphony Chorus, established in 1960, performs regularly with the Symphony to present expansive choralorchestral works at the iconic Ohio Theatre. Comprised of 130 skilled volunteer singers from throughout central Ohio, the chorus showcases its versatility by performing repertoire that spans from Baroque masterpieces to premieres of contemporary works.
Friends of the Columbus Symphony
The Friends trace their roots back to the orchestra’s founding and the dedicated volunteers who promoted and raised support for a professional orchestra in Columbus. Today, the group supports activities at family concerts, raises funds to award a cash prize to the Young Musicians Competition winner, and so much more.
Columbus Symphony League
The women of the Columbus Symphony League are a diverse group from a variety of professional and community service backgrounds. United by their love of music and enthusiasm for supporting the Columbus Symphony’s integral role in our community, the group has successfully raised over $1,500,000 for special CSO programming and music education opportunities since their establishment in 1981.
Columbus Symphony Pride Advisory Board
CSO Pride celebrates the legacy and beauty of music through meaningful outreach to youth and families throughout central Ohio.
Picnic with the Pops Volunteer Corps
Every summer season, 100+ volunteers make our outdoor summer concert series possible. It takes 18 hours and 250 individuals to put on each and every Picnic with the Pops concert!
