Historical Overview
Columbus Symphony Orchestra emerged from the demise of the Columbus Philharmonic Orchestra in 1951. Supported by the Women’s Association of Ohio, both artistically and financially, the company began its operations with a handful of professionals. Guided by Claude Monteux as its first music director, the company presented some of its early concerts with the help of 28 musicians. These concerts helped the company to capture the attention of the locals as well as the city visitors. Soon it began its first regular season and introduced different programs to support the young musicians.
Evan Whallon took over the Columbus Symphony Orchestra as the new artistic director in 1956. With expanded budget, the company introduced new programs and included different musical works. In the 70s, the company found its permanent home at the Ohio Theatre and performed at various international platforms. The orchestra hired full time musicians for their lineup. With the start of the 80s, the company also included different operatic pieces in their repertoire after the long time absence of any professional opera house in the city. In 1983 it also started it famous Columbus Symphony Orchestra Picnic with Pops series that continues to date.
Alessandro Siciliani, Gunther Herbig and Junichi Hirokami completed their respective tenures as the music director of the company. The company experienced financial highs and lows but maintained its respectable status on the national level. Currently, Jean-Marie Zeitouni holds the company’s office as the principal conductor and lends his vision and virtuosity to the company.
Music Director and Program Structure
Jean-Marie Zeitouni’s feisty style of playing and remarkable artistry makes him one of the finest conductors and maestros of the country. During his years long association with the music, he has worked as an assistant director, chorus master and choir leader with a number of orchestras and playhouses in Canada and the US. Zeitouni has also collaborated and recorded music with various famous musicians from around the world. He is the recipient of many awards including a Juno Award for his recording, Piazzolla with the musician, Les Violons du Roy.
Apart from entertaining the nationals through its wonderful concerts, Columbus Symphony Orchestra provides the best opportunities and services to facilitate the beginners and amateurs. Columbus Symphony Chorus and Columbus Youth Orchestra assure the learning of the musicians based on their skills and age. The Chorus includes over a hundred volunteer singers who polish their talent under the guidance of some of the top-notch masters.
The Concert Experience
Columbus Symphony Orchestra’s flexible repertoire includes classical, modern and operatic works accompanied by the ingenious musicians and conductors. The company’s concert gives a great musical experience to the attendees with different tastes and preferences.
Current Schedule
The latest concert lineup of the company includes a number of acclaimed symphonic works as well as the concerts. The 2013-14 season also invites a number of world famous instrumentalists, composers and conductors to perform at the home theater of the company. Among others, Beethoven’s Fifth, Holiday Pops, Stayin’ Alive, Romantic Passions, An Evening with Lang Lang and Romeo & Juliet are this season’s highlights. Columbus Symphony Orchestra tickets witness mounting sales every time the company begins its regular season. Experience one of the company’s concerts and to enjoy your favorite musical pieces.