CSO to Present LINK UP Interactive Concert with Over 1,600 Elementary School Children, 5/20

In collaboration with Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute (WMI), the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) will present its first concert as a participant of WMI's nationally acclaimed Link Up program. Link Up is a highly participatory program that pairs orchestras across the country with schools in their local communities, inviting students to learn about orchestral repertoire through a year-long, hands-on music curriculum culminating in a live performance in which the students interact from their seats.

More than 1,600 students in grades 3-5 from 28 central Ohio schools and home schools will join the CSO on Wednesday, May 20, to participate in the event. Conducted by CSO Associate Conductor Peter Stafford Wilson, students will sing and/or play an instrument from their seats as part of "The Orchestra Moves" program which they have been studying for several months with free materials provided by WMI. Through the works of Beethoven, Strauss, Mozart, and Mendelssohn, participants have been exploring how melody, rhythm, and harmony all change, shift, and develop. Additional support for this program was provided by Music & Arts who donated 200 recorders to qualifying schools free of charge and then offered all other recorders for purchase at their cost.

"This three-year program is designed around the unique concept of erasing the gap between performers on stage and the audience in the hall," stated CSO Music Director Designee Rossen Milanov, who has been member of the creative team of Link Up in Carnegie Hall since the inception of the program in 2010. "The students will come to the theatre not only to listen, but also to perform with the orchestra. It's perfect for schools that do not offer music as part of their curriculum, thus making resources available for students that might not otherwise have the opportunity to be exposed to the world of the music."

"The students at St. Catharine are so excited about the Link Up program!" said Patricia Pitstick, K-8 Music Teacher for St. Catharine School. "They are energized and focused on learning as much of the repertoire as they can before the May concert. The resources provided are exceptional and the children love having their own book to study and to help them prepare. Thanks to the CSO for providing this great opportunity!"

"My third grade students have been working hard all school year to learn the materials for the Link Up concert with the CSO, and they are so excited!" stated Laura Smith from Columbus City Schools' Starling PreK-8 School. "They have been really motivated to do their best, particularly while learning recorder, because they know that they'll be performing these pieces with the Columbus Symphony and other students from around central Ohio."

"Our fourth grade students are very excited about playing along with the Columbus Symphony, said Jayne Zigler of Bloom-Carroll Elementary School. "Many have given up recess to get extra practice so that they will be able to play the star recorder parts. This program has been a great motivator!"