“A variety of highlights await concertgoers in the 2017-18 ‘Masterworks’ season of the Columbus Symphony,” writes Nancy Gilson in Sunday’s (4/23) Columbus Dispatch (OH). Those highlights include “a focus on the work of female artists, composers and conductors, a trio of concerts inspired by nature, plus the planting of trees and establishment of the Columbus Symphony Grove in Franklin Park, and a concert paying tribute to Claude Debussy on the centennial of his death…. ‘I am excited about the entire season, the variety and expansivity of the repertoire, the interesting and unique presentations, and the innovative approach to connecting musical with nonmusical ideas,’ [Music Director Rossen] Milanov said. ‘For example, the idea of preserving the environment and connecting it with masterpieces that celebrate our emotional connection with nature—Beethoven’s ‘Pastoral’ Symphony, Strauss’ ‘Alpine Symphony,’ Debussy’s ‘La Mer’—all fit nicely with this idea.’ Several collaborative performances are planned, including a concert version of Verdi’s ‘Aida’ with Opera Columbus and Brahms’ ‘A German Requiem’ with the Columbus Symphony Chorus.” Also planned are Caroline Shaw’s Lo for Violin and Orchestra; Copland’s Clarinet Concerto featuring Columbus Symphony Principal Clarinetist David Thomas; Andreia Pinto-Correia’s Cipres; and a commissioned work by American composer Saad Haddad.
Posted April 27, 2017
