A wide array of musicians from North America, Europe and Africa are featured during the 2009 –2010 CityMusic season. The group's 26th season includes nine concerts by internationally-renowned classical, jazz, swing and world beat artists in what artistic director Steve Rosenberg describes as a "window to the world."
“CityMusic brings a wonderful variety of artists to Columbus, often for the first time. Our concerts are a delightful musical adventure," he adds.
All concerts for the Chamber Music Series take place at 2 p.m. on Sundays in the Grand Ballroom of the Athletic Club of Columbus, 136 E. Broad St. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. for brunch. The Chamber Music Series schedule includes:
October 11, The Andy Carlson Trio, "From Bach to Bluegrass"
Hailed as a “demon fiddler,” by the New York Times, Andy Carlson has been a featured soloist with both the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. Carlson has recorded with artists including R.E.M., Nanci Griffith, Billy Bragg and the Cowboy Junkies.
November 8, Opera Columbus, "From Milan to Broadway"
Enjoy opera and Broadway up close in a delightful performance by 4 stars from Opera Columbus, including soprano Elizabeth Baldwin and bass Nathan Stark, including favorite arias from Don Giovanni, Così Fan Tutte, Faust and La Bohème.
January 10, Helen Welch and Her Jazz Trio, "Divas!"
In conjunction with the Jazz Arts Group, CityMusic presents Helen Welch, who brings passion, romance and humor to this intimate musical production celebrating the world’s legendary divas, including Barbara Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Judy Garland, Sarah Vaughn, Patsy Cline and more.
February 7 – Prima Trio
Grand Prize and Gold Medal winners of the prestigious Fischoff Chamber Music Competition in 2007, the Prima Trio received a standing ovation when they made their Columbus Debut last season at CityMusic’s 25th Anniversary Concert. Prima will perform works ranging from Mozart to Schickele.
March 21 – Kristina Reiko Cooper
Hailed as a “striking virtuoso” by the Los Angeles Times, this former member of Quartetto Gelato and The Whitman String Quartet has performed as a soloist and chamber musician on many of the world’s most distinguished stages.
The CityMusic World Music Series features the very best in traditional world and folk music. All concerts take place at the Fawcett Center Auditorium, 2400 Olentangy River Rd.
October 4, 7 p.m., Baka Beyond
Baka Beyond features musicians from six countries in the Celtic fringes of Europe and the West coast of Africa. One of the finest danceable bands, Baka Beyond helped to shape the sound of the global village. Not just a touring band, Baka Beyond have a unique relationship with the Baka Pygmies of Cameroon - sending royalties to help their development projects, and even touring with Baka musicians.
November 22, 7 p.m., Hot Club of Cowtown
Tours with Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, the Mavericks and others keep the Hot Club of Cowtown busy dazzling new audiences both nationally and internationally. This journey, which began with the roots of the Hot Jazz era, Americana music, vintage pop and folk music, continues to unfold into the new sound of the group's original songs.
December 13, 7 p.m., Teada, "Irish Christmas in America"
Irish Christmas in America is a heart warming multi-media presentation of seasonal Irish cultural traditions. Members of the award winning band Teada are joined by guest musicians Grainne Hambly and Tommy Martin, guest singer/accordionist Seamus Begley, and renowned Irish step dancer Brian Cunningham.
February 18, 8 p.m., Luminescent Orchestrii
Luminescent Orchestrii is: Romanian gypsy melodies, salty tangos, hard-rocking klezmer, haunting Balkan harmony, hip-hop beats and Appalachian fiddle, all eaten and spit out by two violins, resophonic guitar, bullhorn harmonica and bass.
Tickets to all CityMusic concerts are $23 adult, $18 seniors and $10 students 21 and younger, with a $2 per ticket increase for day of show purchases. Tickets can be purchased by calling CityMusic at 614-433-9963 or www.CityMusicColumbus.org.