The Central Ohio Symphony is preparing for its 45th Season, the "Sapphire Season," intent on making the season a gem for its audiences and the greater Delaware/central Ohio community. Music Director Jaime Morales-Matos, starting his 21st year on the podium with the orchestra, will be conducting the five-concert series.

“We are proud to celebrate the 45th season,” said Executive Director Warren W. Hyer. “I think those who founded the orchestra back in 1978 had high hopes it would endure, and it has. To celebrate this milestone, we think we are bringing the community a spectacular set of concerts, guest artists, premieres, and more.”

The 45th Season will have five concerts, three in 2023 and two in 2024.  Programming will range from well-known symphonies to the third season of the Symphony’s nationally recognized “Play It Again” series, which gives underrepresented composers a second or third performance of their compositions.

The season will open on October 21 with the Ohio premiere of Cold Mountain Suite by composer Jennifer Higdon, commissioned by the Symphony and several other orchestras, and with noted violinist Guillermo Figueroa performing a new violin concerto. The renowned Gray Chapel organ will be played at both the October and November concerts. The December holiday concerts will showcase Sarah Scharbrough, an Indiana recording artist and composer. Pacho Flores, considered the world’s greatest trumpet player, will play two premieres at the March concert, underwritten in part by the National Endowment for the Arts: CABALLOS MÁGICOS (Magic Horses) by Christian Lindberg (a Western Hemisphere premiere) and Divertimento Caribeño No. 6 by Ohio composer Sonia Morales ( a world premiere).To end the season in May, Cincinnati pianist Dror Biran will perform Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No, 3, long considered one of the world’s most difficult piano concertos.

“Sapphires are sparkling gems,” noted Hyer.”We wanted our season to gleam with great performers and outstanding music. We have also had repeated requests to feature the impressive Gray Chapel organ, and we are: twice! We think our audience will be thrilled.”

The Symphony's concerts take place in Gray Chapel Auditorium on the Ohio Wesleyan campus in Delaware.

The Season 45  brochures have been mailed. Season ticket prices for Season 45 are $124.00 for the five concert series, the same cost as last year. Those interested in a first-time season ticket may purchase season tickets for reduced price in certain sections of the auditorium. Season tickets may be purchased online at the Symphony website at www.centralohiosymphony.org, by calling the Symphony at 740-362-1799, or just by walking in the door of the Symphony office at 20 W. Central Avenue in downtown Delaware.

The Symphony is supported by the Ohio Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Delaware, and through partnerships with the Delaware City Schools and Ohio Wesleyan University.