Columbus Symphony Orchestra

Mission

The mission of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra is to present musical programs of quality for the enjoyment and education of its members and its audience. It serves volunteer musicians including young people in Columbus and surrounding communities who are dedicated to working to increase musical proficiency as individuals and as an orchestra.

Company Overview

The Columbus Symphony Orchestra is a volunteer community orchestra based in Columbus, Indiana. It is the oldest symphony orchestra in the state of Indiana. After a season-long search (2009-10), the Columbus Symphony Orchestra announced Roger Kalia as its new music director. Maestro Kalia is the fourth music director since the orchestra's founding in 1922.

History

Chester Kitzinger founded the orchestra in 1922. A 1917 graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Mr. Kitzinger established himself as a violin teacher in Columbus, his hometown, then a town of 9,000. He put together a Sunday School orchestra at the Tabernacle Christian Church. Then in 1922 he formed the Columbus Symphony. Most of the violinists were his students while members of the City Band provided the wind and percussion instruments. The premiere performance was May 17, 1923, at the Crump Theatre.

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