Columbus Symphony Orchestra Performs CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE Tonight

Cirque de la Symphonie is a unique and elegant fusion of cirque and orchestra, adapting the stunning artistry of cirque with the majesty of a full symphony orchestra. Conducted by Stuart Chafetz, the program will feature works from the world's greatest composers while showcasing some of the most accomplished veterans of exceptional cirque programs from across the globe, including aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, balancers, and strongmen.

The Columbus Symphony presents Cirque de la Symphonie at the Ohio Theatre (39 E. State St.) tonight, January 24, at 8pm. Tickets are $25-$68 and can be purchased at the CAPA Ticket Center (39 E. State St.), all Ticketmaster outlets, and www.ticketmaster.com. To purchase tickets by phone, please call (614) 228-8600 or (800) 745-3000.

About the artists of Cirque de la Symphonie

Alexander Streltsov is a Russian aerial artist who started working with famed cirque choreographer Pavel Brun and producer Valentin Gneushev when he was only 12, performing on Broadway at the Gershwin Theater. The same year, he won the gold medal in a competition among international cirque artists at the prestigious Festival Mondial Du Cirque De L'Avenir in Paris. His combination of natural strength, artistic expression, and grace sets his performance apart from other aerialists. Also known as "Sasha," he has performed for three Russian presidents and the Bolshoi Ballet, numerous symphonies in the US and Europe, and elaborate theater and stage productions worldwide. He has made many television appearances, such as the star-studded ABC-TV special "Christopher Reeve-A Celebration of Hope" and the PBS nationwide broadcast of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's Fourth of July Celebration. He continues to be a favorite at music halls, soaring over the audience in a spectacular display of aerial artistry or spinning his riveting cube act into motion.

Christine Van Loo is a seven-time consecutive National Champion, Female Olympic Athlete of the Year, and Athlete of the Decade in acrobatic gymnastics. She was inducted into the USSA (acro-gymnastics) Hall of Fame and the World Acrobatics Society Gallery of Honor. As a professional aerialist and acrobat, she has performed at the 2002 Winter Olympics, two Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, Miss Universe pageant, and Paul McCartney's European tour. She was a trainer and performer with NBC's "Celebrity Circus," and she choreographed the aerials for Britney Spears world tour and the Stars on Ice US tour. Christine provides spell-binding performances of aerial silks, rope, lira, and trapeze with Cirque de la Symphonie.

Jarek and Darek's "Duo Design" provides one of the most powerful acts to be included in Cirque de la Symphonie's captivating program. This dynamic and exciting balancing act consists of Jaroslaw Marciniak and Dariusz Wronski, former Polish national hand-balancing champions. They have competed and performed throughout Europe and the US, winning championships in Evian, France, and Sarasota, Florida. Over the past few years, these prolific performers have thrilled audiences at several NBA halftimes, Cirque du Soleil, Circus Circus, Busch Gardens, and the national tour of Cirque Ingenieux. Their Cirque de la Symphonie performances have left audiences stunned and amazed at music halls everywhere.

Aloysia Gavre is another incredible aerial performer from the Ecole National de Cirque, Montreal, with early training from Master Lu-Yi and the Pickle Family Circus School. Her aerial acrobatics and graceful maneuvers on the aerial hoop, suspended high above the stage, add three-dimensional excitement to the symphony and the music hall. Aloysia was the Special Prize Winner at the International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo. A veteran of stage and theater performances worldwide, Aloysia is best known as a veteran of Cirque du Soleil's "Quidam" and "O." Her five years with "Quidam" established her as one of the best aerial artists in the world, and today, she shares that experience with others as choreographer for Cirque Mechanics and Troupe Vertigo and as director of Cirque School in Los Angeles. Aloysia's regular performances with Cirque de la Symphonie and live orchestras take aerial acrobatics to a new level.

Vladimir Tsarkov provides a spellbinding performance with combinations of mime and juggling feats. A favorite of the younger audience members, Vladimir's Red Harlequin act features rings, balls, and batons, and he's even been known to teach the maestro a trick or two. He is a veteran of Circus Circus, Cirque Ingenieux, and various Cirque de la Symphonie performances. Vladimir graduated from Russia's prestigious State College of Circus and Theater Arts and won the gold medal at the Cirque de Demain International Festival in France. His performance with the symphony is pure entertainment and guaranteed to please audiences of all ages.

www.CirqueDeLaSymphonie.com

CALENDAR LISTING

The Columbus Symphony presents CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE

Saturday, January 24, 8pm

Ohio Theatre (39 E. State St.)

Cirque de la Symphonie is a unique and elegant fusion of cirque and orchestra, adapting the stunning artistry of cirque with the majesty of a full symphony orchestra. The program will feature works from the world's greatest composers while showcasing some of the most accomplished veterans of exceptional cirque programs from across the globe, including aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, balancers, and strongmen. Tickets are $25-$68 and can be purchased at the CAPA Ticket Center (39 E. State St.), all Ticketmaster outlets, andwww.ticketmaster.com. To purchase tickets by phone, please call (614) 228-8600 or (800) 745-3000. www.columbussymphony.com

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The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, education excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The CSO also appreciates the support of the Greater Columbus Arts Council, supporting the city's artists and arts organizations since 1973, and the Charlotte R. Haller, James W. Overstreet, Kenneth L. Coe, and Jack Barrow funds of The Columbus Foundation, assisting donors and others in strengthening our community for the benefit of all its citizens.

About the Columbus Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1951, the Columbus Symphony is the longest-running, professional symphony in central Ohio. Through an array of innovative artistic, educational, and community outreach programming, the Columbus Symphony is reaching an expanding, more diverse audience each year. This season, the Columbus Symphony will share classical music with more than 175,000 people in central Ohio through concerts, radio broadcasts, and special programming. For more information, visit www.columbussymphony.com.