The Columbus Symphony's 2017-18 Masterworks Season to Engage Themes of Nature and Creative Women

The Columbus Symphony today announced its 2017-18 Masterworks lineup, the third full season under the baton of Maestro Rossen Milanov.

HIGHLIGHTS

Superstar violinist Joshua Bell will make his first return to the Columbus Symphony since 1999 in a one-night-only performance of Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1.

Distinguished roster of guest conductors and soloists to include conductors Courtney Lewis and Jayce Ogren, violinists Augustin Hadelich and Jennifer Koh, and many others.

A season-long focus on the contributions of creative women in the arts presents works by composers Kaija Saariaho, Caroline Shaw, Margaret Brouwer, as well as a world premiere by Portuguese composer Andreia Pinto-Correia. Conductor JoAnn Falletta, pianists Simone Dinnerstein and Natasha Paremski, violinist Jennifer Koh, and flamenco dancer Griset Damas.

Project: NATURE ties three concerts together with works inspired by nature, including Strauss' An Alpine Symphony accompanied by a photographic essay by Columbus photographer Stephen Pariser, Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony, and Debussy's La Mer. Project: NATURE partners with Branch Out Columbus to plant trees in Franklin Park in a plot of land to be dedicated the "Columbus Symphony Grove."

Rare opportunity to experience all five of Beethoven's piano concertos in one weekend performed by the brilliant Israeli pianist Inon Barnatan.

Performances of Brahms's spiritually uplifting A German Requiem with the Columbus Symphony Chorus and renowned vocal soloists.

A Spanish Flamenco Festival featuring Columbus-based flamenco dancer Griset Damas and guitarist Jason Vieaux performing the hauntingly beautiful Concierto de Aranjuez by Rodrigo.

Verdi's Aida in a concert version performed at the Ohio Theatre as a co-production with Opera Columbus.

Two Russian Winter Festivals filled with some of the most emotionally rich works ever composed such as Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 and Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture.

The 100th anniversary of the death of Debussy will be celebrated with a concert of impressionistic scenes featuring some of the most exquisite and refined music ever composed for orchestra.

NEW IN 2017-18

Subject Matter - This free lecture series will become the Prelude event at select concerts. Patrons will gain a broader context of the evening's featured repertoire from presentations by professors of The Ohio State University with expertise in the field.

CONTINUING IN 2017-18

Preludes - 30 minutes prior to each Masterworks performance, the CSO will host a 30-minute, educational talk in the theatre. Prelude events can include dialogues with Maestro Rossen Milanov or WOSU's Christopher Purdy or a Subject Matter lecture from an OSU professor.

Postludes - Patrons are invited to stay after the concert and enjoy a variety of Postlude events following select performances. Postludes could include the performance of an additional, related work for a smaller ensemble, a post-performance discussion with Maestro Milanov and/or the featured guest soloist(s), dance demonstrations, or food and drink tastings.

Friday Coffee Dress - Select Masterworks programs in 2017-18 will offer $20, general admission tickets to Friday morning rehearsals that will include free coffee and pastries for patrons.

Encores - Select Masterworks concerts in the 2017-18 season will close with a complimentary, unnamed work that will be performed at the end of the scheduled program.

Festivals - The CSO will hold three festivals at the Ohio Theatre that combine music with art, knowledge, and thematically related events-the Spanish Flamenco Festival (November 3 & 4) and a two-part Russian Winter Festival (January 19 & 20 and February 9 & 10). Each will be enhanced with a variety of educational and interactive offerings, enabling patrons to become immersed in the festival's focus across multiple disciplines.

Mozart to Matisse - The CSO and Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) will collaborate in a series of afternoon lectures that pair chamber music performances by CSO musicians with works from the CMA art collection. The presentations will focus on specific periods being presented in upcoming CSO Masterworks concerts, and explore the common themes and aesthetic influences between music and visual art.

College Club - This $25 student membership program provides unlimited access to concerts all season long, as well as post-concert events, special member emails, and discounts for the purchase of additional student tickets.

For full listings and more information, visit www.ColumbusSymphony.com.

Photo credit: Randall L. Schieber

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