CSO Sets 2016-17 Masterworks Season

The Columbus Symphony today announced its 2016-17 Masterworks lineup, the second season under the baton of CSO Music Director Rossen Milanov. Bringing a balanced approach to programming with an emphasis on traditional works paired with new music, large scale choral works, and collaborations with renowned soloists, Milanov will expand the initiatives launched in his first season and add new enhancements in this season to create a heightened connection with central Ohio audiences.

"The 2016-17 lineup builds upon many of the innovative ideas we introduced in my first season-thematic festivals, enrichment programs, integrated experiences, and collaborations with other local cultural institutions," stated Milanov. "Continuing that momentum of energy and excitement, we will add encores and visual elements to Masterworks concerts in 2016-17, as well as expand our collaboration with BalletMet, in order to enhance the audience experience."

In addition, the 2016-17 season will also expand on the Postludes program, adding more chamber music performances and discussions; the Soundbites program, increasing the number of collaborations with local restaurants; and the Access Concert Series, adding an additional concert for a total of three in the Series.

The popular Russian Winter Festival will also return in 2016-17, but will be expanded to two weekends of beloved Russian classics at the Ohio Theatre-January 6 & 7 and March 3 & 4.

NEW IN 2016-17

Encores - Most Masterworks concerts in the 2016-17 season will close with a complimentary, unnamed work that will be performed at the end of the scheduled program.

Visual Elements - In a new collaboration with video artist Tim McLoraine, the CSO will showcase one of his original video works while performing Bartók's The Miraculous Mandarin as part of the East Meets West Festival (May 12 & 13, 2017).

BalletMet Collaboration - In 2016-17, the CSO will expand its collaborative relationship with BalletMet. During the first program of the Russian Winter Festival (January 6 & 7), BalletMet's principal dancers will perform choreography staged by Artistic Director Edwaard Liang for Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet.

Friday Dress - Select Masterworks programs in 2016-17 will offer $20, general admission tickets to Friday morning rehearsals.

CONTINUING IN 2016-17

Preludes - Each Masterworks performance will include a 30-minute, pre-concert dialogue with WOSU's Christopher Purdy regarding the works to be performed that evening. Each Prelude takes place in the theatre beginning at 7pm.

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 wine, beer, or dessert tastings. Each Postlude will complement that evening's Masterworks program.

Access Concert Series - Designed to introduce people with little or no experience in classical music to some of the most popular works in the orchestral repertoire, this budget-friendly concert series, designed and led by Maestro Milanov, will examine one work that will be taken apart with the help of the orchestra to illustrate important points and ideas. After intermission, the piece will be performed without interruption. ***Access Series increases to three concerts in 2016-17.***

Festivals - The CSO will hold three festivals that combine music with art, knowledge, and thematically related events. They include the Last Notes Festival (November 18 & 19), Russian Winter Festival (March 3 & 4), and the East Meets West Festival (May 12 & 13) at both the Ohio and Southern Theatres. Each festival program will be enhanced with a variety of educational and interactive offerings, enabling patrons to become immersed in each festival's focus across multiple disciplines.

Mozart to Matisse - As part of each festival, the CSO and Columbus Museum of Art 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 the upcoming CSO Masterworks concert, and explore the common themes and aesthetic influences between music and visual art.

Subject Matter - In the week prior to each festival, The Ohio State University will host a free lecture given by a professor with expertise in the field the CSO will be exploring in the upcoming festival.

Soundbites - Discover the taste of music when four of Columbus' top culinary masters create a unique dish inspired by a work featured on a CSO Masterworks program and add it to the menus of their outstanding local restaurants.

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.

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