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Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre

PREMIERE EVENT AT THE COLONY! American Rhapsody with The Ohio Valley Symphony

American Rhapsody poster featuring Tim Berens, Mandy Gaines, and Michael Chertock in front of Ariel stageFebruary 16, 2024
7:00 pm and 9:00 pm
At The Colony Theatre & Restaurant
Reservations recommended at 740-209-0110

Join us for the premiere of “American Rhapsody with The Ohio Valley Symphony” on Friday, February 16 at the Colony Theatre & Restaurant in downtown Gallipolis, Ohio. Guest artists from the show will be on hand to autograph copies of the CD and DVDs, which will be available for sale at the show. Dinner reservations are recommended but not required for the 7 pm and 9 pm showings.

The Ohio Valley Symphony concert was recorded in May 2023 and features music of the Roarin’ 1920’s in all new arrangements by Tim Berens, of Berens Pops Library. Tim’s arrangements are performed all over this country and abroad. He will be on hand to speak about the process of creating the show and to answer questions.

Vocalist Mandy Gaines shares her vocal prowess with songs such as ’S Wonderful, Bye Bye Blackbird and Someone to Watch Over Me and other tunes in her own delightful way. Pianist Michael Chertock offers up his scintillating version of the perennial favorite Rhapsody in Blue like never heard before. He can also be heard playing stride piano within the orchestra.

You won’t want to miss the opportunity to see this spectacular event on the big screen and enjoy fine food and festivities! Make your reservations today by calling The Colony at 740-209-0110 or through eventbrite.com.

Join the fun and dress in your favorite Roarin’ 20’s outfits! Drawings will be held for door prizes (must be present to win).

Watch the video below for a taste of what’s in store!


Watch “American Rhapsody with The Ohio Valley Symphony” featuring conductor and arranger Tim Berens, vocalist Mandy Gaines, and pianist Michael Chertok across the nation and in Canada on American Public Television!

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THE ENIGMATIC ELGAR! The Ohio Valley Symphony

240316 OVS Elgar PosterMarch 16, 2024
at 7:30 p.m.
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British composer Edward Elgar’s music will be featured when the Cincinnati Symphony’s principal cellist Ilya Finkelshteyn joins Maestro François López-Ferrer and the OVS for the Cello Concerto, Op. 36. Paired with that is Elgar’s Enigma Variations which continues to capture music lovers attention with its haunting melodies and wistful musical descriptions of his friends for each of the 14 movements.

François López-Ferrer, conductor
Spanish-American conductor François López-Ferrer currently serves as Resident Conductor of the Académie of the Opéra de Paris. Former Associate Conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO) and May Festival, and a 2021-22’ Dudamel Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, López-Ferrer stepped in for Louis Langrée with the CSO in January of 2022 for the US premiere of Mark Simpson’s Violin Concerto with Nicola Benedetti to great critical acclaim.

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THE CHRISTMAS SHOW! The Ohio Valley Symphony

231202 OVS Christmas PosterDecember 2, 2023
at 7:30 p.m.
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Maestro Steven Huang has planned another grand and memorable Christmas Show program the entire family will enjoy, featuring many songs of the season. Get your tickets early as we always sell out! Who will be the next Maestro for a Moment? Join the fun and become a candidate!

Steven Huang, conductor
Maestro Steven Huang is thrilled to return to Southeastern Ohio to the podium of The Ohio Valley Symphony, a Christmas tradition since 2018.

Mr. Huang has conducted orchestras and operas across the country and around the world. At the age of twenty-one Mr. Huang served as Music Director of the Bach Society Orchestra of Harvard University, where he received his undergraduate degree. While at Harvard, Mr. Huang also directed the Lowell House Opera (the oldest continuously running opera company in New England). Holzer logoRecently, he successfully concluded a sixteen-year appointment as Associate Professor and Director of Orchestras at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where he brought the program to new achievements, including earning competitive accolades and awards, through over 200 performances that included symphonic concerts, opera, musical theater, and Halloween pops.

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Maestro for a Moment FUN-draiser

20-24 Maetro Candidates Selena Hunt, Bryan Stepp, and Nicholas Young

Congratulations Maestro for a Moment Nick Young! The Ohio Valley Symphony’s annual Maestro for a Moment Fundraiser is one of the highlights of the season for both audience and orchestra! Each season three candidates vie for the opportunity to conduct the orchestra during the The Christmas Show on December 2nd, 2023, in a rousing rendition of Sleigh Ride! Thank you to this year’s candidates are Selena Hunt, owner of The Flour Girls Baking Company located just down the street on Second Avenue; Bryan Stepp, Exec. VP of Lending/Credit at The Ohio Valley Bank Company; and Nicholas Young, Bands Director at Gallia Academy High School and Middle School.

Make your tax-deductible donation now!
Click one – or all! – of the Paypal links above!

The Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Cultural & Performing Arts Centre and The Ohio Valley Symphony are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, Federal Tax ID# 31-1273779

Learn more about our candidates by clicking “Read More”

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Ariel’s Merry TUBACHRISTMAS!

Tuba wrapped in red scarf PosterJoin the fun at the ARIEL’S MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS!
December 9, 2023 at 2 pm
FREE CONCERT!

MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS is celebrating its 49th Anniversary (1974-2023). Created by Harvey Phillips, MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS 2023 will be presented in over 300 cities throughout the United States and in several foreign countries. TUBACHRISTMAS ensembles may attract participants aged 8 to over 90 years! The warm, rich organ-like sound of tuba-euphonium choir has won the ears and hearts of every audience!

Come and Listen 100% FREE!
TUBACHRISTMAS is 100% FREE for audience members who just want to come into our hall and experience the event. No tickets are necessary. It’s sure to be loads of fun, and will get you in the Christmas Spirit! Always the second Saturday in December at 2 pm.

Participate $10-OR-
Join in the Fun and PLAY ALONG!

Pre-Register to Participate Today!

Bring your Tuba, Baritone, Euphonium, or other big brass buddy and join in the fun at the Ariel Theatre! Participants pay  $10 to participate and will receive a 2023 commemorative button! Plus there are lots of souvenirs and music books available for purchase! Register at the door, or save time and Pre-Register here and we’ll have everything ready for you when you arrive!

Registration begins at 10:30am ~ Rehearsal begins at 11:00am

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Yuletide Joy!

Yuletide Joy poster showing Christmas tree on a gold background with title and date December 10, 2023 at 3pm3:00 p.m.
FREE CONCERT!

Join us in the historic Ariel Chamber Theatre as we unwrap the beauty of the season through the gift of music!

Music teachers Rebecca Honett and John McAlister bring together the talented students of The Ariel Academy to present vocal and piano performances featuring favorite holiday carols, classical standards, and contemporary classics – with favorites from the Broadway stage and silver screen.

From intimate solo performances to eight hands playing four keyboards simultaneously, there’s sure to be something for everyone. We invite all families and friends to share in this joyous afternoon that is sure to make your season merry and bright! And don’t forget to make post-recital plans to visit Gallipolis in Lights, a dazzling display of thousands of twinkling lights in Gallipolis City Park, as the perfect kiss goodnight to this festive day.

No Tickets Necessary • Donations are welcome!

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2023-24 SEASON SUBSCRIPTION! The Ohio Valley Symphony

2023-24 Season Poster showing soloists and conductorsNew subscribers click the purple button to purchase your season subscription.
Existing subscribers who wish to keep their current seats call the Box Office to order!

The Ohio Valley Symphony enters its 34th Season with a delightful and diverse selection of concerts sure to please all music lovers.  The season will see five exciting maestros conducting and feature world class soloists.

We kick things off Around the Campfire with the American Pops Orchestra founder and conductor Luke Frazier. On April 15th Luke is joined by vocalist Hilary Morrow, pianist Jacqueline Schwab and guitarist Garrett Gleason and providing The Ohio Valley Symphony with several world premiere selections as well as the music of Copland, Mussorgsky, and MacDowell.

Maestro Carl Topilow was such a hit when he appeared with The Ohio Valley Symphony a couple years ago that he is back by popular demand in a Salute to Our Veterans on November 4th.  Local singer/songwriter Shana Smith will join for a few songs.  The only question – which color clarinet will Carl choose to play?

Click the “Read More” to view & download the new season brochure!

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AROUND THE CAMPFIRE, The Ohio Valley Symphony

230916-OVS-Campfire-PosterSeptember 16, 2023
at 7:30 p.m.
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The Ariel heats up Around the Campfire with the American Pops Orchestra founder and conductor Luke Frazier.  On September 16 Luke is joined by vocalist Hilary Morrow, pianist Jacqueline Schwab and guitarist Garrett Gleason and providing The Ohio Valley Symphony with several world premiere selections as well as music of Copland, Mussorgsky and MacDowell.

Luke Frazier, conductor
Luke Frazier believes that the future of orchestral music is breaking down barriers between orchestras and audiences. Ohio Valley Bank logoThe most important priority for a modern conductor is not only musical excellence, but also creating diverse and engaging programming that brings communities together through the joy of music. Conductors are a bridge between audiences and orchestras and the responsibility that comes with that is something Luke takes to heart every day.

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