Columbus Symphony Orchestra to Create Informal, Interactive Experience for Southern Theatre Programs

For the first time in the CSO's 60-year history, four of the 12 Masterworks programs will be performed at the Southern Theatre. In an effort to create a more personal and informal experience for Southern Theatre audiences, the CSO will introduce a few format changes beginning with the String Summit program October 21-23.

Both the conductor and musicians will forego formal attire at the Southern Theatre, opting instead to wear semi-casual, all-black dress. Additionally, beverages will be permitted inside the main hall.

Southern Theatre patrons will also enjoy more interaction, as the conductor will address them directly from the stage with commentary, background, and musical explanations and interpretations of the works being performed.

For CSO Music Director Jean-Marie Zeitouni, who will conduct three of the four Masterworks programs at the Southern Theatre, it is an opportunity to connect with audiences like never before. "The musicians and I have such a heart for what we do, and we want to share that zeal and devotion with every one we meet," said Jean-Marie. "What better time than when we are all assembled and focused, and what better place than the Southern Theatre where the superior acoustics make every note and nuance of these masterpieces crystal clear!"

For their inaugural concert at the Southern Theatre, Jean-Marie has selected three 20th-century masterpieces showcasing orchestral strings. The thematic appeal of Bartók's well-known Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celesta and Barber's renowned Adagio for Strings is evidenced by their inclusion in the movie soundtracks of Platoon and The Shining. Guest violinist Rachel Barton Pine will perform Bernstein's lively and unpredictable Serenade, inspired by Plato's virtuosic celebration of love, Symposium.

The Columbus Symphony presents String Summit at the Southern Theatre (21 E. Main St.) on Friday, October 21, at 8pm; Saturday, October 22, at 8pm; and Sunday, October 23, at 3pm. Tickets are $28-$68 and can be purchased at the Ohio Theatre Ticket Office (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. Students between the ages of 13-19 may purchase $5 High Five tickets while available.

WOSU's Christopher Purdy will hold a free, pre-concert lecture about the program for ticket holders one hour prior to each performance.

The 2010-11 Masterworks Series is made possible through the generous support of season sponsor Battelle.

The three additional Masterworks programs which will be performed in the Southern Theatre during the CSO's 2011-12 season include:

Dialogues
Friday, November 18, 8pm
Saturday, November 19, 8pm
Sunday, November 20, 3pm
Jean-Marie Zeitouni, conductor
CSO Featured Soloists:
Tom Battenberg and Jeff Korak, trumpets
Luis Biava and Pei-An Chao, cellos
David Thomas, clarinet
Betsy Sturdevant, bassoon
Program:
Gabrieli, Canzon in echo
Vivaldi, Concerto in C Major for Two Trumpets, RV 537
Vivaldi, Concerto in G Minor for Two Cellos, RV 531
Handel, Concerto Grosso in G Minor, Op. 6, No. 6
Strauss, Duet Concertino for Clarinet and Bassoon, TrV 293
Beethoven, Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21

McGegan Returns!
Friday, March 2, 8pm
Saturday, March 3, 8pm
Sunday, March 4, 3pm
Nicholas McGegan, conductor
CSO Featured Soloists:
Randy Hester, flute
Leonid Polonsky, violin
Luis Biava, cello
Program:
Rameau, Selections from Dardanus
J.C. Bach, Sinfonia Concertante in C Major for Flute, Oboe, Violin, and Cello, W C 343
Mozart, Chaconne from Idomeneo, K. 367
Haydn, Symphony No. 103 in E-Flat Major, Drumroll

Inspired by the Bard
Friday, March 30, 8pm
Saturday, March 31, 8pm
Sunday, April 1, 3pm
Jean-Marie Zeitouni, conductor
Michèle Losier, mezzo-soprano
Alisa Suzanne Jordheim, soprano
Columbus Symphony Women's Chorus
CATCO-Phoenix
Program:
Berlioz, "Death of Ophelia" from Tristia
Berlioz, Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7
Mendelssohn, Incidental Music to A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61

www.columbussymphony.com

Christina Mancuso, a mother of 3, has traveled to well over 70 cities on various Broadway National Tours. She is now residing in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio after spending a year in NYC to support her daughter's Broadway debut. Besides writing, traveling, and mothering, she is a 10-time marathon runner, freelance artist, classical violinist, and a previous Paralegal with over 20 years of writing and research experience. A former Theatre Critic for both Columbus and NYC, Christina is currently the Regional Managing Editor of BroadwayWorld.com and Editor-in-Chief of BWWFitnessWorld.com.

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