CSO's Free Happy Hour Concert Series Returns 10/2

Due to its success last season, the Columbus Symphony will continue its Happy Hour free concert series in the 2014-15. The first concert will feature guest conductor Stephen Squires on Thursday, October 2, at the Ohio Theatre. The performance will last approximately 90 minutes and feature Vaughan Williams' Serenade to Music, Stacy Garrop's Thunderwalker, and Mozart's Symphony No. 40. The 2014-15 Happy Hour concert series is presented by PNC Arts Alive with additional support from Watershed Distillery and the Johnstone Fund for New Music.

The Columbus Symphony presents Happy Hour with Stephen Squires at the Ohio Theatre (39 E. State St.) on Thursday, October 2. Doors open at 5:30pm. The concert begins at 6:30pm. Admission is free. Cash bar. Free appetizers. No intermission.

PNC Arts Alive is a multi-year, $2.5 million initiative of the PNC Foundation that supports visual and performing arts groups with the goal of increasing arts access and engagement in new and innovative ways.

"We know what art can do, how it changes perspectives, even changes lives. From classical music and fine art to dance and theatre, we're committed to keeping the arts alive in central Ohio," said Michael Gonsiorowski, PNC regional president for central Ohio.

Professor of Conducting in the Music Conservatory at the Chicago College of Performing Arts, Roosevelt University, Stephen Squires is a musician with a career that blends his passions for conducting, teaching, and performing. He is serves a number of Illinois music organizations including Resident Conductor of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Music Director of the Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra, Music Director of the Millar Brass, and Music Director of the Illinois Brass Band. Fully committed to conducting the music of living composers, Squires has premiered more than 50 new works.

Photo credit: Randall L. Schieber