Columbus Symphony Launches Columbus Symphony Cares

Committed to deepening its service to the community, the Columbus Symphony (CSO) has launched Columbus Symphony Cares, a new initiative wherein the CSO supports the missions of central Ohio social service organizations and schools through the creation of partnerships that bring the transformative power of music to their clients, constituencies, students, and staffs.

"Columbus Symphony Cares is intended to strengthen the CSO's connections to our entire community and ensure that our programming is serving and benefitting all, including the most vulnerable among us," stated CSO Executive Director Denise Rehg. "We want to foster a strong sense of belonging in our participants, and share the joy, wonder, and healing power that is inherent to the musical experience."

Columbus Symphony Cares offers a broad range of programming that is personalized to meet the needs and mission of each partner organization. Examples include a Columbus Symphony Career Day, after-school programming, and an LGBTQ Career Day with Directions for Youth and Families; ensemble performances and programs for seniors from Catholic Social Services and St. Stephen's Community House; a family fun day, instrument "petting zoos," and bilingual ensemble performances with Our Lady of Guadeloupe Center; and tickets for partner organizations' volunteers, clients, and staff to experience Columbus Symphony Masterworks concerts.

For the schools, Columbus Symphony Cares will support student attendance at the Columbus Symphony's Young People's Concerts, including tickets, study guides, and bus transportation. Target districts include Columbus City Schools and Whitehall City Schools, both of which serve a large number of students from low-income, underserved neighborhoods and populations. The CSO will also partner with KIPP Columbus to offer in-school programming and opportunities for students to participate in Young People's Concerts.

"The American Electric Power Foundation is proud to support the Columbus Symphony in making its high-quality programming available to the people who work for and are served by area nonprofit organizations, as well as students in Columbus City Schools, " said AEP Foundation President Dale Heydlauff.

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