2018-2019 Season Brochure

18 • 19

Photo: Stephen Pariser

Music is the universal language that unites people, bridges social divisions, inspires us to be the best we can be, and elevates our aspirations. The Columbus Symphony and are fortunate to have the privilege to be your orchestra and source of inspiration!

With these guiding principles, it is my great pleasure to present to you our new brochure outlining the Symphony’s 2018–2019 Masterworks season. We like to think of our concerts as a collection of irresistibly unique experiences that will provide a wide array of choices for you to consider.

This year’s primary focus will be on the Columbus Symphony itself: its wonderful musicians and their virtuosity! I hope you will agree that it doesn’t get more exciting than having the chance to hear live works such as Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Stokowski’s arrangement of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue, both of which were featured in the Disney classic Fantasia. Or why not attend one of the numerous Festivals, such as Columbus’ favorite Russian Winter Festival? For the flamenco lovers, back by popular demand, we will have the opportunity to enjoy the artistry of Columbus’ own flamenco star, Griset Damas. The Nordic Myths Festival will focus on the music of the Scandinavian composers Grieg and Sibelius, with enhanced video elements that will create a unique atmosphere around the music. The Italian Festival at the Southern Theater will host the performance of Paganini’s devilishly difficult First Violin Concerto, featuring Rachel Barton Pine. Two of our own musicians will make their solo debuts with the Symphony:

our principal trumpet George Goad and concertmaster Joanna Frankel.

One of the accents of the season is the celebration of Leonard Bernstein’s 100th birthday with some of his most popular Broadway-inspired works.

Two important choral works will be presented this season, giving an opportunity for the Columbus Symphony Chorus to shine brightly in a full version of Handel’s Messiah and Mozart’s Requiem

We are proud to be collaborating with worldclass artists such as Leila Josefowicz, Sergei Babayan, Dominic Cheli, John Axelrod, and Daniel Boico, to mention just a few.

Mahler’s Fifth Symphony will be the glorious conclusion of what I hope you will find an absolutely irresistible season! As always, there will be surprises, such as encores after each concert, preludes, and postludes featuring our own musicians in chamber music mini-concerts, receptions, tastings, and special opportunities to meet the artists up close in our Talk Back sessions.

Let’s enjoy another year of unforgettable musical journeys together! We love seeing you in our concert halls! (And don’t forget how much we enjoy the rhythmic clapping!)

Yours in music, Rossen

Music Director

Accents

Featuring Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Spanish Flamenco Festival Opening Night Celebration

With flamenco dancer Griset Damas

Leonard Bernstein’s Centenary

The best of Broadway

Handel’s Messiah

With the Columbus Symphony Chorus

Two Russian Winter Festivals

Featuring BalletMet principal dancers and pianist Sergei Babayan Italian Festival

Nordic Myths Festival

Scandinavian music and an original video art project

Concertmaster Joanna Frankel makes her solo debut Beethoven Marathon

The Trumpet Shall Sound

Principal Trumpet George Goad makes his solo debut

With Rachel Barton Pine performing Paganini

Accompaniments

Throughout the season, a variety of events accompany the main Masterworks concerts.

Preludes

Each Masterworks performance will include a 30-minute, pre-concert dialogue with speakers, including Rossen, WOSU’s Christopher Purdy, and professors from local universities. Each Prelude takes place in the theatre beginning at 7pm.

Postludes

Patrons are invited to stay after the concert and enjoy a variety of Postlude events following performances. Postludes will feature Columbus Symphony musicians in chamber music mini-concerts, receptions, tastings, and special opportunities to meet the artists up close in our Talk Back sessions.

Mozart to Matisse

The Columbus Symphony and Columbus Museum of Art will collaborate in a series of afternoon lectures that pair chamber music performances by Symphony musicians with works from the CMA art collection. The presentation will focus on specific periods in upcoming Masterworks concerts and explore the common themes and aesthetic influences between music and visual art. These events will take place at the CMA.

Subject Matter

Throughout the season, Preludes take on a unique twist as professors from The Ohio State University and other local universities give engaging lectures that connect the evening’s music with related topics.

Friday Coffee Dress

(Friday Dress Rehearsals)

Select Masterworks programs in 2018–19 will offer $10 general admission tickets to Friday morning dress rehearsals. Experience a working rehearsal and catch a glimpse of the final stages of the Columbus Symphony polishing concert repertoire. Coffee and donuts are included in the ticket price!

2018–19 Leading Supporters

In Full Splendor: Opening Night at the Symphony

September 21–22, 2018 | 8pm • Ohio Theatre

Rossen

Milanov, conductor

Program

Bach/Stokowski: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor

Wagner: “Ride of the Valkyries” from Die Walküre

Dukas: L’apprenti sorcier (The Sorcerer’s Apprentice)

Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra

The new Masterworks season opens with a concert inspired by the Disney classic, Fantasia. Bach’s majestic music as seen through the eyes of the legendary conductor Stokowski and Wagner’s terrifying “Ride of the Valkyries” are paired with the rich orchestral palettes of Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Strauss’ iconic Also Sprach Zarathustra, made famous by the film 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Accompaniments

Prelude: Christopher Purdy

Leonard Berstein Centennial Celebration

October 12–13, 2018 | 8pm • Ohio Theatre

Rossen Milanov, conductor

Daniel Rowland, violin

Jennifer Lynn Cherest, soprano

Columbus Symphony Chorus

Ronald J. Jenkins, chorus director

Program

Bernstein: On the Town: Three Dance Episodes

Bernstein/Brohn: West Side Story: Suite for Violin and Orchestra

Bernstein: Candide: Overture

Bernstein: Candide:“Glitter and Be Gay”

Bernstein/Harmon: Candide: Suite

Legendary composer, conductor, and educator Leonard Bernstein is celebrated in this unique concert featuring a kaleidoscope of his most popular works heard on Broadway.

Accompaniments

Prelude: Christopher Purdy

Postlude: Talk Back with Daniel Rowland and Rossen

Italian Festival

October 26–27, 2018 | 8pm • Southern Theatre

Daniel Boico, conductor

Rachel Barton Pine, violin

Program

Respighi: Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite III

Paganini: Violin Concerto No. 1

Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 “Italian”

The extraordinary violinist Rachel Barton Pine returns to Columbus to tackle Paganini’s devilishly difficult

Violin Concerto No. 1. Guest conductor Daniel

Boico leads a marvelous tour of Italy with the music of Respighi and Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony.

Accompaniments

Mozart to Matisse: Oct. 24 | 2pm, Italian Impressionism: The Macchiaioli

Prelude: Subject Matter: An International Melting Pot: The Roman Art Scene circa 1830, Dr. Andrew Carrington Shelton, Professor of History of Art, The Ohio State University

Postlude (Fri.): Thurber Bar — Meet and mingle with the woodwind and percussion players

Postlude (Sat.): Paganini’s Virtuosity — a talk and demonstration by Rachel Barton Pine

Handel: Messiah

November 9-10, 2018 8pm • Ohio Theatre

Rossen Milanov, conductor

Alexandra Razskazoff, soprano

Amanda Lynn Bottoms, mezzo-soprano

Jonas Marcel Hacker, tenor

Andrew Bogard, bass-baritone

Columbus Symphony Chorus

Ronald J. Jenkins, chorus director

Program

Handel: Messiah

A performance of Messiah is an unforgettable experience. After a long hiatus, Handel’s masterpiece returns to the Columbus Symphony, featuring amazing soloists and the incredible Columbus Symphony Chorus.

Accompaniments

Prelude: Christopher Purdy

Postlude: Talk Back with Ronald Jenkins and Rossen

Russian Winter Festival I: Leningrad Symphony

January 4–5, 2019 | 8pm • Ohio Theatre

Rossen Milanov, conductor

Program

The War Symphonies: Shostakovich Against Stalin (film excerpt)

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 7 “Leningrad”

The Russian Winter Festival opens the new year in grandiose fashion with a performance of Shostakovich’s iconic Leningrad Symphony, inspired by Nazi Germany’s siege of the city during World War II. One of the composer’s most powerful compositions, this work conveys tragedy, oppression, resistance, and ultimately, victory.

Accompaniments:

Mozart to Matisse: Jan. 2 | 2pm

Soviet Posters During World War II

Prelude: Rossen and Columbus Symphony musicians discuss life behind the Iron Curtain

Postlude: OYO Vodka tasting

Russian Winter Festival II: Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto

January 11–12, 2019 | 8pm • Ohio Theatre

Rossen Milanov, conductor

Sergei Babayan, piano

Principal Dancers from BalletMet

Program

Tchaikovsky: Suite from The Sleeping Beauty

Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1

Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5

Tchaikovsky’s passionate, romantic music is juxtaposed with Prokofiev’s bold symphonic tableaux. The virtuosity and brilliant orchestral colors of the Columbus

Symphony shine brightly in this magnificent concert.

Accompaniments

Friday Coffee Dress: Jan. 11 | 10am

Prelude: Christopher Purdy

Postlude: Talk Back with Sergei Babayan and Rossen

Beethoven Marathon: Joanna Plays Beethoven

January 25–26, 2019 | 8pm • Ohio Theatre

Rossen Milanov, conductor

Joanna Frankel, violin

Program

Beethoven: Violin Concerto

Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 “Eroica”

Concertmaster Joanna Frankel makes her solo debut with the Columbus Symphony performing Beethoven’s spiritual Violin Concerto. The epic “Eroica” Symphony completes this program devoted to the great German composer.

Accompaniments

Friday Coffee Dress: Jan. 25 | 10am

Prelude: Subject Matter:

Legacies of Revolution in Napoleonic Europe, Elizabeth Andrews Bond, Assistant Professor of History, The Ohio State University

Postlude: Columbus Symphony string quartet performing Beethoven

Photo: Stephen Pariser

Spanish Flamenco Festival: From Seville to

the New World

March 1–2, 2019 | 8pm • Palace Theatre

John Axelrod, conductor

Griset Damas, flamenco dancer

Flamenco Dance Company of Columbus

Program

Turina: Danzas fantásticas

Falla: La Vida Breve: Danse Espagnole No. 1

Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 “From the New World”

The Columbus Symphony returns to the newly-renovated Palace Theatre in a concert featuring local flamenco star Griset Damas and John Axelrod, Musical Director of the Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra, who join forces in music inspired by adventure and Spanish exoticism. Dvořák’s richly melodic New World Symphony enchants with its rhythmic vitality.

Accompaniments

Prelude: A discussion with guest conductor John Axelrod and Jeremy Glazier, Professor of English, Ohio Dominican University

Postlude: Flamenco dance demonstration by Griset Damas with sangria tasting

Nordic Myths Festival: Grieg’s Piano Concerto

March 15–16, 2019 | 8pm • Ohio Theatre

Rossen Milanov, conductor

Alessio Bax, piano

Jason Gay, video artist

Program

Wagner: Tristan und Isolde: Prelude & Liebestod

Grieg: Piano Concerto

Sibelius: Lemminkäinen Suite (Four Legends from The Kalevala)

Celtic myths inspire Wagner’s passionate love story of Tristan and Isolde, while Grieg’s Piano Concerto immortalizes the beauty of the Nordic landscape. Finnish myths from The Kalevala come to life in the expansive music of Sibelius, accompanied by original video art by Jason Gay.

Accompaniments

Mozart to Matisse: Mar. 13 | 2pm

Scandinavian Paintings: Myth & Reality

Friday Coffee Dress: Mar. 15 | 10am

Prelude: Christopher Purdy

Postlude: Columbus Symphony brass quintet

Mozart: Requiem

March 29–30, 2019 | 8pm • Ohio Theatre

Rossen Milanov, conductor

Alexandra Nowakowski, soprano

Hannah Ludwig, mezzo-soprano

Roy Hage, tenor

Adam Cioffari, bass-baritone

Columbus Symphony Chorus

Ronald J. Jenkins, chorus director

Program

Bates: Auditorium

Mozart: Requiem

Mozart’s last and unfinished masterpiece is haunting and enigmatic. The Columbus Symphony Chorus and a quartet of vocalists lead this emotional journey, preceded by a clever piece by Mason Bates that combines technology and live sound to depict an orchestra of historic instruments.

Accompaniments

Prelude: Subject Matter: Summoning Spirits: A Musical Séance

Jeremy Glazier, Professor of English, Ohio Dominican University

Postlude (Fri.): Sheraton Bar — Meet and mingle with the string players

The Trumpet Shall Sound

April 5–6, 2019 | 8pm • Ohio Theatre

Rossen Milanov, conductor

Dominic Cheli, piano

George Goad, trumpet

Program

Janáček: Sinfonietta

Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No. 1

Stravinsky: The Fairy’s Kiss: Divertimento

Three iconic 20th century works combine originality of musical language, intricate textures, and sonic beauty. Principal

Trumpet George Goad makes his solo debut alongside rising-star pianist Dominic Cheli in Shostakovich’s mercurial concerto for piano, trumpet, and string orchestra.

Accompaniments

Mozart to Matisse: April 3 | 2pm, Modern Masters

Prelude: Subject Matter: What’s the Difference between Homage, Quotation, and Satire?

Dr. Arved Ashby, Professor and Head of Musicology, The Ohio State University

Postlude (Fri.): Sheraton Bar — Meet and mingle with the brass players

Mahler Five

May 3–4, 2019 | 8pm • Ohio Theatre

Rossen Milanov, conductor

Leila Josefowicz, violin

Program

Adès: Violin Concerto “Concentric Paths”

Mahler: Symphony No. 5

Mahler’s most popular and life-affirming symphony opens a world full of beauty, love, nostalgia, and divine exuberance — a potentially life-changing experience! Leila Josefowicz returns to Columbus with one of her signature works in this grand season finale.

Accompaniments

Prelude: Christopher Purdy

Postlude: Sheraton Bar — Toast the end of the season with a special cocktail created by Rossen and mingle with the musicians, board members, and staff of the Columbus Symphony

Artwork by Anna Tas

My collaboration with the Columbus Symphony: It has been both an exciting challenge to create these twelve pieces for the 2018–2019 season, and a real pleasure to collaborate with Music Director Rossen Milanov. From the very beginning, it was clear that not only must the pieces be eye-catching and communicative of the theme of each concert, but also try to evocate some of the artistry and emotion of the musical performance itself. With this in mind, I drew on my background of working with lenticular images and translated that movement into a visual fusion — something that anchored the theme, at the same time allowing the freedom of expression that I felt the pieces needed.

To create the colorful visuals (which, in their original forms online, swirl and move), I mixed metallic pigments into a particular blend of soap and oils, and then

agitated the components whilst shooting continuous frames. Thousands of frames are shot, from which a careful section is made and then animated, with the anchor image overlaid to give the finished piece. Within these swirling pigments, there are many influences — the abstract expressionism of Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings; the surrealist, golden layers of Gustav Klimt, even scientific imaging that capture the vastness of space to the tiniest microorganisms.

About Anna Tas

Anna Tas is a British-born artist who has been the recipient of many awards and has exhibited both nationally and internationally. She lives in Philadelphia, where she graduated with honours from the University of the Arts. Her work allows the audience to interpret what they see in their own way, as well as stimulating discussion about how we see and how images persist in our minds. Anna’s work is held in private collections around the world, including New York, Miami, London, Amsterdam, Rome, New Delhi, and Hong Kong.

Subscription Prices, Packages, and Benefits!

Pick your package to receive:

• Discounted pricing

• Free ticket exchanges

• Free tickets for friends and family

• Invitations to special events

• Free parking (for MW 12 subscribers only)

• Discounts on Columbus Symphony merchandise

Four easy ways to subscribe!

1. Mail your order form to the CAPA Ticket Center

39 East State Street Columbus, OH 43215 Attn: CSO

2. Subscribe online at www.columbussymphony.com

3. Visit the CAPA Ticket Center Monday–Friday 9am–5pm Saturday 10am–2pm

4. Call the Ticket Center Phone: 614.469.0939

For more information visit our website at columbussymphony.com

Masterworks 12

Includes all twelve Masterworks programs in the Ohio, Palace, and Southern Theatres, free parking for one vehicle to each concert, and four free tickets for friends or family to attend any Masterworks performance. Subscription packages range from $276–$744.

Ohio 10

Includes the ten Masterworks programs to be performed in the Ohio Theatre and two free tickets for friends or family to attend any Masterworks performance. Subscription packages range from $230–$620.

Festival 5

Includes the five Masterworks festivals—Italian Festival (Southern Theatre), Russian Winter FestivaI (Ohio Theatre), Russian Winter Festival II (Ohio Theatre), Spanish Flamenco Festival (Palace Theatre), and the Nordic Myths Festival (Ohio Theatre). Festival subscription packages range from $115–$325.

Build Your Own

Choose four (or more) of the twelve Masterworks programs in any theatre. Subscription packages start at $92.

Flex Tickets

Choose your own shows—any night, any theatre, any series. Must purchase a minimum of six Flex Tickets. Subscription packages start at $270.

College Club Students that purchase a $25

College Club membership will receive admission for one to all Masterworks concerts in the season. Membership also includes all post-concert events, special membership emails, and the ability to purchase up to four additional student tickets for $8 each.

Pre-Concert Dinners

Pre-concert dinners at the Refectory are from 5pm–7pm and include a three-course meal with wine pairings complementary to the theme of the evening concert. Music by musicians of the Columbus Symphony top off your dinner experience! Space is limited.

*Seats at the Palace and Southern Theatres will be comparable to your seats at the Ohio Theatre.