One could say the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic season opener Sept. 18 is out of this world.
"Star Wars and Beyond" highlights what organizers call "great space music," including John Williams’ "Star Wars" and "E.T." and music from the classic film, "2001: A Space Odyssey."
That is part of the ensemble’s milestone 35th season — artistic director David Bowden’s final one with the orchestra that he has taken from its launch in 1987 to national programming and other honors.
Not to mention a solid standing with performers ranging from Grammy winners such as singer Sylvia McNair to internationally known artists such as violinist Cho-liang Lin.
The season also includes such favorite artists as former Columbus resident and top organist Dan McKinley, a "Peter and the Wolf" family concert, and popular pianist Drew Petersen returning as a soloist.
Bowden, the only conductor in the 34-year history of the CIP, plans to retire after the season’s concluding SALUTE! concert.
The 2021–22 season features many pieces and composers that are among Bowden’s favorites, including choral-orchestral music by Johannes Brahms and Ludwig von Beethoven, passionate compositions by Pyotr IlyichTchaikovsky, powerful works for organ and orchestra by Camille Saint-Saëns and Alexandre Guilmant, and Williams’ aforementioned works.
Here’s the overview:
- Sept. 18: "Star Wars & Beyond," including Gustav Holst’s "The Planets," plus James Horner’s compositions for the film "Apollo 13."
- Oct. 23: The "Masterworks I" concert features acclaimed young pianist Petersen, winner of the 2017 American Pianists Award. This all-Tchaikovsky concert showcases Petersen in the expressive Piano Concert No. 1, and the orchestra closes the concert with the Fourth Symphony.
- Nov. 13: "Masterworks II,"featuring Brahms’ choral-orchestral masterpiece "A German Requiem."
- Dec. 11: Two performances of "Joyful Holidays" returns featuring seasonal favorites with the Columbus Indiana Children’s Choir. "This concert is always a favorite of mine," Bowden said.“There are so many different musical styles centered around music of the Christmas season. From the music in The Nutcracker to ballads such as I’ll Be Home for Christmas to Anderson’s Sleigh Ride, there is music that will touch each person in a different way."It’s my hope that the concert will bring joy and an opportunity for both celebration and reflection during a busy time of the year.”
- Feb. 5: "Peter & The Wolf," highlighting a family-friendly concert for the young and young at heart also including Saint-Saëns’ "The Carnival of the Animals," Paul Dukas’ "Sorcerer’s Apprentice" that was used in the Disney movie "Fantasia," and music from the Harry Potter film series.
- March 26: "Masterworks III," a concert filled with triumphant singing, featuring Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and its well-known fourth movement, “Ode to Joy.” Parry’s "I Was Glad" and Vaughan Williams sensuous "Serenade to Music" rounds out the celebration.
- April 23: “David’s Finale,” a tribute concert to Bowden for his years of leadership and service. Organ virtuoso Dan McKinley, a longtime close friend of Bowden’s performs masterpieces on the Aeolian-Skinner organ at the First Christian Church.
“We have truly accomplished much in three decades,” says Bowden, “and I am very proud of what the Philharmonic is known for: high-quality artistic concerts with outstanding internationally known guest artists, an incredible education program — both choral and instrumental, five national awards for adventuresome programming, a Naxos label recording, a Cabaret series, our own office building, and now a wonderful new performance hall. I am so very proud to have been its artistic leader for its first 35 years."
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For information about purchasing tickets to the 2021-22 season of the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, visit thecip.org or call the Box Office at 812-376-2638.
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