SEPTEMBER 18-19
Rossen Milanov, Music Director
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A beloved summer tradition returns with iconic artists and unforgettable performances. Tickets on sale now!
Everyone say "Hi Alice." Check out the concert she is most excited for with the link in our bio. Originally from Detroit, violist Alice Risov began her musical education on the piano and violin, but fell in love with the beautiful sound of the viola during her high school years. In the past she has served as a section violist in the Flint Symphony Orchestra and as assistant and acting principal viola of the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra. She first joined the Columbus Symphony viola section in 2021 at the age of 22, and became Assistant Principal Viola in 2024.
Risov has been a part of multiple festivals and programs including the Montecito International Music Festival, the New York String Orchestra Seminar, and the National Orchestral Institute + Festival under the baton of renowned conductor Marin Alsop. She has also performed on multiple prestigious stages including Orchestra Hall in Detroit and Carnegie Hall.
Risov graduated in 2020 with both a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience and a Bachelor of Music degree in viola performance from the University of Michigan. Despite heavily considering going into research, she eventually decided to continue pursuing her musical talents as a career. She completed one year of her master’s degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music before winning her position with the Columbus Symphony. Her primary teachers were Yitzhak Schotten and Lynne Ramsey.
This #throwbackthursday is a love letter to the women of the East Unit of the Friends of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (then the Women`s Association). They were trailblazing stewards and gained massive popularity through their fundraising fashion shows making them the talk of the town.
The caption from the first photo read:
"The East Unit of the Women`s Association of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra will present "The Elegance of the Contemporary Look" luncheon-style show Saturday, March 27, at Ilonka`s Provincial House, on E. Broad St. Finalizing plane for the afternoon of fashion, music and art are, front row, from left: Mrs. Imre Szekfu, publicity and program; Mrs. Patricia Yuill, project chairman; Mrs. Charles H. Woodward, unit chairman, music and models; Mrs. Marcellus Thurman, treasurer; Mrs. Eleia Womack, decorations. Back row: Mrs. William Dabney... Fashions for day, evening and loungewear from Early Fashion Boutique with guest model Louise Gambs will highlight the show. Arts will be paintings and drawings of artist Walter Neal with music by Eddie Beard, organist, and a unique boutique from the Hither and Yon, located on the Continent. Social hour begins at 11:30 am followed by luncheon-style show. Proceeds will benefit the Columbus Symphony Orchestra."
Happy National Dog Day! Here are some of the most musical pups you`ve ever seen. Ichabod seems to be a little nervous score studying..
👩🏫 🎤🎵 Here is the official back to school guide for choir kids. Brought to you by some of our wonderful Columbus Symphony Chorus members. Use the link in our bio to catch all the concerts with our Columbus Symphony Chorus!
As we gear up for our 26/27 Cardinal Health Masterworks Season, we want to remind you that the Columbus Symphony is proud collaborator with Vet Tix! An organization that gives back to those who have given.
"Thank you to Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Vet Tix for this awesome opportunity and show! It was an amazing show by the musicians, choir, and singers. My family had a wonderful time and can`t wait for the next opportunity to attend a show." -Sean, U.S. Marine Corps
To get your own Vet Tix, go to the link in our bio!
Music Director Rossen Milanov brings back the Winter Music Festival with stunning works by Soviet-era masters to warm up a cold January night. To see this wonderful show, head to the link in our bio.
The “electrifying and flamboyant” Dmitry Shishkin performs Prokofiev’s witty Third Piano Concerto, called “the most beautiful modern concerto for piano” when it premiered in 1921. Shostakovich’s popular Fifth Symphony begins with an icy and mysterious theme in the first movement and ends with a powerful and (seemingly) triumphant D-major finale. The concert opens with a new co-commissioned work by Paola Prestini, a composer “known for pushing the boundaries of classical music” (Wall Street Journal) with music that is “otherworldly…outright gorgeous” (New York Times).
🎻🎼 👨🏫 Violist, Ken Matsuda gave us what he thinks every student should bring to be successful in the classroom! Are you the parent of a string player? Consider gifting the experience of a Columbus Symphony concert! We suggest Vivaldi x Vivaldi on January 22 & 23 that features all strings. Click the link in our bio to get that special student a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Your first time at the Columbus Symphony will never be your last time🤭 Hear from Dom and Corrine who came to their first concert last season for an anniversary date💕 (Spoiler alert: they came back and had another amazing experience) Be like Corrine and Dom and check out our event listings with the link in our bio.
Meet one of our amazing viola players, Jessica! Jessica Pasternak Ingersoll joined the Columbus Symphony in 2023. See the show she`s most excited for with the link in our bio!
She was previously a fellow of the New World Symphony. During her time there, she toured to Carnegie Hall and participated in a teaching exchange program in Medellin, Colombia. Jessica has performed regularly with the Cleveland Orchestra, joining them on multiple tours and recordings. She has also performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony. In 2022, Jessica won the 2nd prize at the American Viola Society Excerpt Competition.
As a chamber musician, Jessica has been praised by the South Florida Classical Review for her “dark-hued resonance” and “rich viola.” She has performed with renowned artists including Atar Arad, Martin Chalifour, Timothy Eddy, Ralph Kirshbaum, Tamás Varga, Robert Vernon, and Tabae Zimmerman at the Sarasota Music Festival, Heifetz Institute, and New World Symphony. In 2012 she was featured as a soloist with the Akron Symphony for their program “World Class Starts at Home” where she performed Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 6.
Jessica earned her Bachelor’s and Professional Studies degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music with Robert Vernon. She previously studied with Lembi Veskimets in the Young Artist Program at CIM.
Jessica lives in Pickerington with her husband and fellow Columbus Symphony violist Spencer Ingersoll and their French Bulldog, Walter. She is a member of the Cap City Quartet that performs frequently in Columbus.
The Columbus Symphony brings magic to the Ohio Theatre in December, transforming it with a show of lights, festive music, heavenly voices, and seasonal cheer! Purchase tickets with the link in our bio!
The Columbus Symphony Chorus, Columbus Children’s Choir, and special guests join to present the most-loved holiday songs and carols!
In partnership with NBC4, the Columbus Symphony is collecting toys for the FireFighters 4 Kids toy drive! Bring an unwrapped toy, drop it off in the Galbreath Pavilion concessions area adjoining the main lobby, and receive one free lawn seat voucher to the 2027 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops OSU Marching Band performance.
Make memories and join us on the 4th floor for photos with Santa after the show!
Back to school is here already! Did you know students aged 6-16 get in free to our Cardinal Health Masterworks series with an accompanying adult? Check out our season with the link in our bio!
Today, we’re celebrating nonprofits and the important work they do to strengthen our communities! 🎶💙 Your generous support helps the Columbus Symphony build a stronger, more vibrant community through music. In honor of #NationalNonprofitDay, make an individual or corporate gift today.
If you’d like to join our amazing list of donors, click the link in our bio!
Consider giving $75 for our 75th Anniversary.
Thank you for helping the music play on! 🎻
Photos by @nathickman.photo
One of the most monumental of all choral works, Verdi’s Requiem was considered “too operatic” to be performed in the liturgical setting of an actual funeral mass—but this dramatic intensity is precisely what makes it unforgettable. Purchase tickets with the link in our bio!
From the terrifying Dies irae, with its swirling strings and thunderous bass drum (a favorite of the Ohio State University Marching Band), to the achingly beautiful Lacrimosa and the whispered opening that rises from near silence, the Requiem blends theatricality with profound reflection. Hear the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, joined by a quartet of exceptional guest soloists, bring to life this masterpiece by the great Italian opera composer.
Doesn`t bite, good with kids, and not for adoption. Happy World Honey Bee Day! We always love featuring our cute and wonderful mascot, Bee-thoven. You can get a picture with him at our opening night on September 18 & 19 with the link in our bio!
Meet Rob! Robert Royse has been the English Hornist and a member of the oboe section of the Columbus Symphony (CSO) since 1987. He received his education at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he was a student of John Mack after attending high school at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. He has served as the English Hornist of the Akron and Canton Symphony Orchestras, Kansas City Philharmonic, and San Francisco Symphony for a one-year appointment. Prior to joining the CSO, Mr. Royse played Principal Oboe in Cape Town, South Africa for three years. He also has played the English horn in The Cleveland Orchestra as a substitute.
When the CSO is not in session, Mr. Royse will inevitably be found pursuing his passion for birding and photography. His work has been used by book, magazine, calendar, and software publishers around the world and can be seen at www.roysephotos.com. He also enjoys unicycling and hiking.
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Celebrating 75 Years of World-Class Artistry, Meaningful Collaboration, and a Commitment to Community.
Subscriptions on sale now.
Single tickets on sale May 4th.
News
The Columbus Symphony is excited to announce the appointment of Maureen O’Brien as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 15, 2025. With a distinguished career in arts leadership and a deep commitment to community engagement, O’Brien will lead the organization into its next chapter of artistic excellence and innovation and bring to fruition the vision of a future home for the orchestra.
