COLUMBUS, Ind. — One could say that David Bowden has taken a stage name.
The music and artistic director whose leadership has been synonymous with the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic since its inception in 1987, has been given a noteworthy honor by the city’s professional ensemble.
The nonprofit organization’s leaders announced at its virtual, annual meeting Monday at Helen Haddad Hall in downtown Columbus that they were naming the stage in Bowden’s honor. Philharmonic board president Barry Turner made a brief presentation that was a surprise to the orchestra’s only musical leader in its history as it launches its 34th season.
Turner saluted Bowden for his talent and leadership with everything from budgeting to booking artists.
Plus, especially in recent years, Bowden has filled in as an interim executive director, marketing director, fundraiser, you name it — all while still carrying out his other duties, and also leading the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra.
Moreover, especially in recent years, along with Philharmonic Education Director Vanessa Edwards, he has been perhaps the orchestra’s most pointed and vocal advocate for music education and its impact especially on young students. He has detailed studies and stats before a range of area groups and organizations, and has long said that the public needs to see that the Philharmonic is about far more than presenting concerts and cabarets.
“And you should also know that he was instrumental in making this space what it is today,” Turner said.
For more on this story, see Wednesday’s Republic.
