Columbus Symphony: Orff – Triumph of Aphrodite at Ohio Theatre

An Extraordinary Season Finale

After a highly successful season, it is expected that the Columbus Symphony will take their bow with an exhilarating, climactic finale. The 2025/2026 season’s finale however, is slated to be bigger, more vibrant, and more epic than ever before! 

The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, under the masterful baton of maestro and director Rossen Milanov, together with the Columbus Symphony Chorus under direction of Stephen Caracciolo, BalletMet, and solo soprano Aubry Ballarò, tenor Nicholas Nestorak, and baritone Hugh Russell, are set to breathe new life into the iconic scores of iconic composers - and it is guaranteed to be one of the greatest evenings at the symphony ever! 

The American Flag

The programme for the evening features one of Czech composer Antonín Dvořák’s lesser known and rarely performed works The American Flag. This work - being the composer’s only work on an original English text, was commissioned in celebration of the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival in America, and it spoke directly to the composer’s innate feelings of patriotism. The poem, written by Joseph Rodman Drake, was masterfully set to music with military-style rhythms and instrumentation, and premiered in 1895 in New York. Even though seldomly performed, The American Flag is a masterpiece that should be experienced by all. 

Triumph Of Aphrodite

The highlight of the season is without a doubt a performance of German composer Carl Orff’s iconic Triumph Of Aphrodite. This work forms the final installment in the Trionfi trilogy, comprising the highly popular Carmina Burana, Catulli Carmina, and of course, Trionfo di Afrodite. It is a remarkable work that employs the full power of the chorus and orchestra in a spectacular and monumental exploration of love and beauty. The work is a scenic depiction of a wedding celebration in a Greek-Roman setting - but in true Orff-fashion, it is bursting at the seams with energy and skill, exuberant tones, sheer scenic splendour, and a unique musical experience with a dark modernity brought to ancient lyrics. Triumph of Aphrodite is a truly spectacular, breathtaking work that few can hold the candle to. 

The Ohio Theatre Columbus

The Ohio Theatre, situated on Capitol Square in Downtown Columbus, has long been hailed as the ‘Official Theatre of The State of Ohio’ - and with good reason. With a long history spanning nearly a century, the landmark theatre boasts a historic charm, breathtaking Spanish-Baroque architecture, some of the most sought-after sight-lines, fantastic amenities, incredible acoustics, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, and luxurious seating for up to 2,791 patrons spread across an orchestra floor, loge, mezzanine, and balcony. This spectacular venue, together with a spectacular performance, is guaranteed to go down in your books as one of your best experiences at the theatre ever!