30th anniversary season launches, with new piano taking center stage

More than half of the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic’s seven ticketed concerts for its 30th anniversary season opening in September will spotlight the ensemble’s new, world-class Shigeru Kawai Concert Grand Piano.

Music Director David Bowden, a passionate pianist before vacating the bench for a conductor’s baton, can think of no better way to celebrate decades of music making while the orchestra invites back three popular guest artists, including one who has maintained local ties.

“They’ve become part of our family,” Bowden said.

He referred to longtime friend and organist Dan McKinley, who for nearly 20 years served as organist at First Christian Church in Columbus.

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All concerts held at Judson Erne Auditorium, 1400 25th St., unless otherwise noted.

  • 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17: Pianist Sean Chen playing Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 3.
  • 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29: Broadway and jazz club singer Ann Hampton Callaway.
  • 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19: Organist Dan McKinley performing the Carl Rutti organ concerto at First Christian Church.
  • 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 11: Holiday concerts with The Wright Brothers singing seasonal favorites, plus the Columbus Indiana Children’s Choir.
  • 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4: Pianist Di Wu performing George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and other works.
  • 7:30 p.m. April 1: Vocalist Timothy Noble and the Philharmonic Chorus performing Felix Mendelssohn’s “Elijah.”
  • 7:30 p.m. April 29: Elliot Wuu performing Camille Saint-Saens’ Piano Concerto No. 2.
  • 7 p.m. May 26: Free pops concert as a tribute to military veterans. Held outdoors at the Bartholomew County Veterans Memorial.

For tickets: 812-376-2638 or thecip.org.

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