Central Ohio Symphony

==Central Ohio Symphony== The '''Central Ohio Symphony''' is a distinguished musical institution that has been a cornerstone of cultural enrichment and education in Delaware and the central Ohio area for over four decades. Established as a small volunteer group, the Symphony has evolved into a professional ensemble of 65 members, under the artistic direction of Maestro Jaime Morales-Matos. The Symphony is renowned for its exceptional performances and community engagement, making significant contributions to the local economy and cultural scene. ===History=== Founded over thirty-seven years ago, the Central Ohio Symphony has undergone significant artistic growth, particularly under the leadership of Maestro Jaime Morales-Matos. The orchestra has become an unofficial cultural ambassador for the city and county of Delaware, Ohio. Its home, the acoustically superior Gray Chapel on the Ohio Wesleyan University campus, provides an ideal setting for the Symphony's concerts. The ensemble has also performed at various venues across central Ohio, including the Palace Theatre in Marion and the Josephinum College in Worthington. The Symphony's reputation for excellence has led to a substantial increase in its audience base, boasting more than 650 season subscribers. Its free outdoor July 4th concert is a major attraction, drawing over 8,000 attendees to Phillips Glen in downtown Delaware. Notably, the Central Ohio Symphony is the only small budget symphony in Ohio to receive tour performance support from the Ohio Arts Council. ===Artistic Contributions and Recognition=== In 2009, the Symphony celebrated Space Week in Delaware, which culminated in two sold-out performances featuring Holst's ''The Planets'' and John Williams' ''Star Wars Suite''. The following year, it was selected as one of fifty orchestras nationwide to participate in the Ford Made in America project, premiering a composition by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Joseph Schwantner. This event included a five-day residency with Schwantner, bringing the Symphony national recognition. The Central Ohio Symphony has been the recipient of several prestigious grants, including three PNC Arts Alive grants, a MetLife Foundation grant, and a National Endowment for the Arts grant. In 2017, the Symphony launched the Dreams Project and Link Up, both in collaboration with Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute, to extend its educational outreach. Renowned for its innovative approach to community engagement, the Symphony received a Getty Community Investments grant from the League of American Orchestras for a therapeutic drumming program in the Delaware County Juvenile Treatment Court. This initiative has since expanded to serve various community groups, earning the Symphony the Ohio Department of Youth Services' highest award for innovation in 2014. In 2015, the Symphony was honored with the Quality of Life award from the Delaware Area Chamber of Commerce. ===Engagement and Mission=== The Central Ohio Symphony is dedicated to engaging the community through music. With a talented roster of professional musicians and an active Board of Trustees, the Symphony strives to continue its legacy of success. Its diverse programming and educational initiatives position the Symphony as a leader in fostering musical appreciation and cultural vitality in central Ohio. ==Contact Information== '''Mailing Address:''' The Central Ohio Symphony, P.O. Box 619, Delaware, Ohio 43015 '''Phone:''' 740-362-1799 '''Email:''' info@centralohiosymphony.org '''Tickets:''' [www.centralohiosymphony.org] or 1-888-999-2676 '''Office Location:''' The Symphony Source, 24 E. Winter Street, Delaware, OH 43015 (Adjacent to the Strand Theater) For handicap-access information and assistance, patrons are encouraged to contact the Symphony office or visit the website for directions and support.