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	<title>Ariel Featured | Ariel Opera House</title>
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	<description>Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre</description>
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	<title>Ariel Featured | Ariel Opera House</title>
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		<title>Welcome to the historic Ariel Opera House</title>
		<link>https://arieltheatre.org/welcome-to-the-ariel-theatre/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 03:45:43 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Ariel Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ariel News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://arieltheatre.org/?p=937</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Welcome to the Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre, the historic Ariel Opera House, permanent home of The Ohio Valley Symphony, in the heart of Gallipolis, Ohio. Explore our website for upcoming performances and events, lessons, directions, and history! Be sure to contact the Ariel Opera House Box Office at 740-446-ARTS (2787) if you have [&#8230;]]]></description>
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<p style="line-height: 1.4 !important;">Welcome to the <strong>Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre</strong>, the historic <strong>Ariel Opera House</strong>, permanent home of <strong><em>The Ohio Valley Symphony</em></strong>, in the heart of Gallipolis, Ohio. Explore our website for upcoming performances and events, lessons, directions, and history! Be sure to contact the Ariel Opera House Box Office at 740-446-ARTS (2787) if you have any questions or if we may help you in planning your next visit to Gallipolis.</p>
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		<title>2025 GALLIPOLIS RIVER REC PAGEANTS</title>
		<link>https://arieltheatre.org/2025-gallipolis-river-rec-pageants-2/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 03:35:30 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Ariel Featured]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://arieltheatre.org/?p=6433</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[In association with the Gallia County Chamber of Commence&#8230; JUNE 13, 2026 PRETTY BABY CONTESTS 9:30am – Pretty Baby Registrations, Foyer, 1st Floor 10:00am – Pretty Baby Contests, Stage (free general admission seating) GALLIPOLIS FIRECRACKER &#38; RIVER REC PAGEANT Pageant at 6:00 pm, ticket prices $10-$18, doors open at 5:30pm Join us in celebrating the [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-6474" src="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/260613-River-Rec-Pageant-Poster-Rev-B-Thumb.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="386" srcset="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/260613-River-Rec-Pageant-Poster-Rev-B-Thumb.jpg 250w, https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/260613-River-Rec-Pageant-Poster-Rev-B-Thumb-194x300.jpg 194w, https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/260613-River-Rec-Pageant-Poster-Rev-B-Thumb-200x309.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" /><em>In association with the</em><strong> Gallia County Chamber of Commence</strong>&#8230;</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #800000;">JUNE 13, 2026</span><br />
<a href='https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/3430/the-ariel-theatreann-carson-dater-performing-arts-centre?cobrand=arieltheatre' class='small-button smallblue' target="_blank">PURCHASE TICKETS HERE</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><u><span style="color: #800000;">PRETTY BABY CONTESTS<br />
</span></u></strong>9:30am – Pretty Baby Registrations, Foyer, 1st Floor<br />
10:00am – Pretty Baby Contests, Stage (free general admission seating)</p>
<p><strong><u><span style="color: #800000;">GALLIPOLIS FIRECRACKER &amp; RIVER REC PAGEANT</span><br />
</u>Pageant at <span style="color: #800000;">6:00 pm</span></strong>, ticket prices $10-$18, doors open at 5:30pm</p>
<p>Join us in celebrating the accomplishments of Gallia County youth and purchase your tickets today!</p>
<p>Helping contestants to grow their self-confidence while preparing them for their future what the Chamber’s River Rec program is all about. Our Royalty will have the opportunity to represent Gallia County while visiting fairs and festivals; all while learning social and public speaking skills.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Premium seating is available in Rows A-F.<br />
This is a Gallia Co. Chamber of Commerce production.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>For more information visit the <a href="https://www.riverrecpageants.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">River Rec Pageants website</a>.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Be sure to visit the local Gallipolis sponsors of this fantastic community event!<br />
<strong>Baskets Delight • El Toril Mexican Restaurant<br />
God&#8217;s Hands at Work • J&amp;J Gowns and Tuxedos</strong></p>
<h5><em><strong>Only bottled water is permitted in the historic auditorium, no food or other beverages.</strong></em></h5>
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		<title>2026-27 SEASON SUBSCRIPTION! The Ohio Valley Symphony</title>
		<link>https://arieltheatre.org/2026-27-season-subscription-the-ohio-valley-symphony/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 03:30:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[2026-27 Season]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ariel Featured]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://arieltheatre.org/?p=6353</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[EXISTING Subscribers who wish to keep their current seats and NEW Subscribers download order form here and mail, or call the Box Office and leave a message. The 2026-27 Ohio Valley Symphony season is almost upon us. Mark your calendars now and get your season tickets so you can experience the magic of music at [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-6354" src="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-27-OVS-Season-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb.jpg" alt="Image showing 14 small headshot photos of conductors and soloists" width="250" height="386" srcset="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-27-OVS-Season-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb.jpg 250w, https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-27-OVS-Season-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb-194x300.jpg 194w, https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-27-OVS-Season-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb-200x309.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" /><em><a href='https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/3430/the-ariel-theatreann-carson-dater-performing-arts-centre?cobrand=arieltheatre' class='small-button smallblue' target="_blank">On Sale NOW! (click here)</a><br />
<strong>EXISTING Subscribers</strong> who wish to keep their current seats and <strong>NEW Subscribers <u><span style="color: #000080;"><a style="color: #0000b1; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-27-OVS-Season-Order-Form-Rev-B.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">download order form here</a></span></u></strong> and mail, or call the Box Office and leave a message.</em></p>
<p>The 2026-27 <strong>Ohio Valley Symphony</strong> season is almost upon us. Mark your calendars now and get your season tickets so you can experience the magic of music at every single one.</p>
<p>We are celebrating <strong>America’s 250th Birthday</strong> on <strong>September 12</strong> with a season opener of all-American music ranging from Leonard Bernstein to Aaron Copland and George Gershwin led by <strong>Maestro Peter Stafford Wilson</strong>. Our soloist, <strong>Maalik Glover</strong>, is performing the <em>Concerto for Violin</em> by African-American composer Florence Price whose magnificent early 20th century musical scores were found just a few years ago in an old trunk in an abandoned house about to be demolished!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><u><span style="color: #000080;"><a style="color: #0000b1; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-27-Season-Brochure-Rev-B-EBLAST.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Download the new OVS Season Brochure here!</a></span></u></strong><br />
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-5687" src="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/OAC125.png" alt="Ohio Arts Council Logo" width="125" height="81" /></p>
<p>Internationally noted conductor <strong>François López-Ferrer</strong> will be back on the Ariel Opera House stage as he leads the OVS through a <strong>Happy Halloween</strong> concert on <strong>October 31</strong>. Who knew Bela Bartok wrote a quirky piece titled <em>Dances of Transylvania</em>? Violinist <strong>Grace Park</strong> is featured on Ravel’s <em>Tzigane</em> and Sarasate’s fiendishly difficult <em>Zigeunerweisen</em>. Brahms’ glorious <strong>Symphony No. 1</strong> finishes out the second half. What costume will you wear?</p>
<p><span id="more-6353"></span>Maestro <strong>Steven Huang</strong>’s annual <strong>Christmas Show</strong> on <strong>December 5</strong> is a perennial favorite of audiences young and old with carols and songs both new and familiar. Tickets sell out fast so be sure to get yours soon. December is also our annual <strong>Maestro for a Moment</strong> competition when community members vie for the chance to conduct the OVS in <em>Sleigh Ride</em>. Every dollar is a vote for your favorite candidate and helps support <strong>The Ohio Valley Symphony</strong> with your tax deductible donation.</p>
<p>On <strong>March 13</strong> things get a bit brassy for the <strong>Bugler’s Holiday</strong> concert when the OVS will be joined by <strong>Dave Zeng</strong> performing Haydn’s <em>Trumpet Concerto</em>. <strong>Maestro Scott Woodard</strong> takes us to Ireland with Hamilton Harty’s <em>Irish Symphony</em> for a bit-of-the-green.</p>
<p>For <strong>Gershwin’s Greatest</strong> the stunning <strong>Michael Chertock</strong> is back showing us just how good he really is by conducting AND performing George Gershwin’s <em>Concerto in F</em> on <strong>April 17</strong>. Rounding out the year of celebrating America’s greatest, the OVS will also feature Gershwin’s perennial favorite <em>An American in Paris</em> and the music of jazz great Duke Ellington.</p>
<p>Every concert ticket includes a <strong>6:45 p.m. Pre-concert Chat</strong> on the 3rd floor with the Maestro and soloist of the evening as well as a <strong>Post Concert Reception</strong> for you to meet the artists.  Subscribers can print the form below and mail to the Ariel Opera House or call the box office. Purchase your season subscription now so you won’t miss a single one!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Our 2026-27 Season Brochure will be available soon for download!</em><em> </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>In these times of uncertainty, concert dates and location may be subject to change. Please watch the website for the latest news.</em></p>
<p><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Cultural &amp; Performing Arts Centre and The Ohio Valley Symphony are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, Federal Tax ID# 31-1273779</span></p>
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		<title>AMERICA&#8217;S BIRTHDAY, The Ohio Valley Symphony</title>
		<link>https://arieltheatre.org/americas-birthday-the-ohio-valley-symphony/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 02:00:30 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[2026-27 Season]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ariel Featured]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://arieltheatre.org/?p=6379</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[September 12, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. The Ohio Valley Symphony is celebrating America’s 250th Birthday on September 12 with a season opener of all-American music ranging from Leonard Bernstein to Aaron Copland and George Gershwin led by Maestro Peter Stafford Wilson. Our soloist, Maalik Glover, is performing the Concerto for Violin by African-American composer Florence [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-6355" src="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/260912-OVS-Am-B-Day-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="386" srcset="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/260912-OVS-Am-B-Day-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb.jpg 250w, https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/260912-OVS-Am-B-Day-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb-194x300.jpg 194w, https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/260912-OVS-Am-B-Day-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb-200x309.jpg 200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" /><span style="color: #000080;"><strong>September 12, 2026<br />
at 7:30 p.m.<br />
</strong></span><em><a href='https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/3430/the-ariel-theatreann-carson-dater-performing-arts-centre?cobrand=arieltheatre' class='small-button smallblue' target="_blank">On Sale July 1! (click here)</a></em><br />
The Ohio Valley Symphony is celebrating <strong>America’s 250th Birthday</strong> on <strong>September 12</strong> with a season opener of all-American music ranging from Leonard Bernstein to Aaron Copland and George Gershwin led by <strong>Maestro Peter Stafford Wilson</strong>. Our soloist, <strong>Maalik Glover</strong>, is performing the <em>Concerto for Violin</em> by African-American composer Florence Price whose magnificent early 20th century musical scores were found just a few years ago in an old trunk in an abandoned house about to be demolished!</p>
<p><strong>Peter Stafford Wilson <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-5653" src="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/OVB-LOGO-125.png" alt="Ohio Valley Bank Logo" width="125" height="53" /></strong><br />
Peter Stafford Wilson is Music Director of Ohio’s Springfield Symphony Orchestra. holds the post of Music Director of the Westerville Symphony, and was named Principal Conductor of Tulsa Ballet.  With the SSO he has brought international attention to programs and a new multi-media, multi discipline production of Gustav Holst’s The Planets.  <span id="more-6379"></span>Mr. Wilson was Assistant and Associate Conductor of The Columbus Symphony Orchestra for 28 seasons.  He has had enormous community reaction and has been recognized as “Best Music Director” and “Best in the ‘Bus 2015” for his work in Columbus. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-5687" src="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/OAC125.png" alt="Ohio Arts Council Logo" width="125" height="81" /> He also served as Music Director of the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra, which he has regularly led in local and regional concerts.</p>
<p>Mr. Wilson studied at the University of Cincinnati’s College- Conservatory of Music, the Aspen Music School, Eastern Music Festival (on whose faculty he subsequently served), Pierre Monteux School, Boris Goldovsky Summer Opera Institute, and Rome’s Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia.  He has worked with Canton Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and The Cleveland Orchestra and has guest conducted numerous orchestras across the country and world.  No stranger to the lyric theater, Mr. Wilson has held the positions of Principal Conductor of South Carolina’s Opera Charleston, Music Director of the Ohio Light Opera and conducted many operatic performances.</p>
<p>Mr. Wilson and his wife Barbara Karam Wilson reside in Westerville, Ohio.  When not conducting, he enjoys traveling, golf and reading.  He is also a wine enthusiast and an avid gourmet cook.</p>
<p><strong>Maalik Glover, Violin<br />
</strong>A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Maalik Glover is an active orchestral musician and private teacher. He was appointed to the Columbus Symphony violin section in 2024 after completing one season at the New World Symphony.  He has received recognition at competitions such as winning Omega Psi Phi’s 2015 Talent Hunt as well as the 2021 CCM Violin Competition.</p>
<p>Maalik has studied the violin since the age of 11.  His first significant accomplishment was his acceptance into the Talent Development Program, an initiative launched by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra that targets gifted African-American and Latino music students to further develop their future careers as accomplished classical musicians.  This has perpetuated his unyielding advocacy of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in classical music.  Since then, he has held multiple private studios including his own with the Columbus Symphony Academy.</p>
<p>During his graduate studies, Maalik held a two-year fellowship with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.  He is a three-time fellowship recipient of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and a two-time fellowship recipient of Spoleto Festival USA where he served as concertmaster.</p>
<p>In 2019, Maalik graduated summa cum laude from Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music.  He later obtained his Master’s at University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music in 2022 upon completion of the CSO/CCM Diversity Fellowship.  In his spare time, Maalik loves exploring, traveling to new cities, as well as composing film and video game music.</p>
<p>Performance credits include the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (Columbus, OH), Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (Cincinnati, OH), and Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra (Chautauqua, NY).</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Repertoire</strong></span></p>
<table border="0" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="3" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top">On the Town: 3 Dance Episodes<br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">I. The Great Lover</span><br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">II. Lonely Town (Pas de deux)</span><br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">III. Times Square: 1944</span></td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">Leonard Bernstein</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">Concerto for Violin No. 2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">Florence Price</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">Letter From Home</td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">Aaron Copland</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">Catfish Row: Symphonic Suite from “Porgy &amp; Bess”<br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">1. Catfish Row</span><br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">2. Porgy Sings</span><br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">3. Fugue</span><br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">4. Hurricane</span><br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">5. Good Mornin’, Sistuh</span></td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">George Gershwin</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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		<title>HAPPY HALLOWEEN! The Ohio Valley Symphony</title>
		<link>https://arieltheatre.org/happy-halloween-the-ohio-valley-symphony/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 01:00:07 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[2026-27 Season]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ariel Featured]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://arieltheatre.org/?p=6401</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[October 31, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. Internationally noted conductor François López-Ferrer will be back on the Ariel Opera House stage as he leads the OVS through a Happy Halloween concert on October 31. Who knew Bela Bartok wrote a quirky piece titled Dances of Transylvania? Violinist Grace Park is featured on Ravel’s Tzigane and Sarasate’s [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-6356" src="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/261031-OVS-Halloween-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="386" srcset="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/261031-OVS-Halloween-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb.jpg 250w, https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/261031-OVS-Halloween-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb-194x300.jpg 194w, https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/261031-OVS-Halloween-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb-200x309.jpg 200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" /><span style="color: #000080;"><strong>October 31, 2026<br />
at 7:30 p.m.<br />
</strong></span><em><a href='https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/3430/the-ariel-theatreann-carson-dater-performing-arts-centre?cobrand=arieltheatre' class='small-button smallblue' target="_blank">On Sale July 1! (click here)</a></em><br />
Internationally noted conductor <strong>François López-Ferrer</strong> will be back on the Ariel Opera House stage as he leads the OVS through a<em><strong> Happy Halloween</strong> </em>concert on <strong>October 31</strong>. Who knew Bela Bartok wrote a quirky piece titled<em> Dances of Transylvania</em>? Violinist<strong> Grace Park</strong> is featured on Ravel’s <em>Tzigane</em> and Sarasate’s fiendishly difficult <em>Zigeunerweisen</em>. Brahms’ glorious <em>Symphony No. 1</em> finishes out the second half. What costume will you wear?</p>
<p><strong>François López-Ferrer<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-6407" src="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/Rivers-Health-New-Logo-240.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="104" /></strong><br />
Spanish-American conductor François López-Ferrer has carved an impressive path in the world of classical music. Recipient of the prestigious 2024 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, his international career has been marked by leading esteemed orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Orchestra Sinfonica G.</p>
<p>Rossini at the Rossini Opera Festival, Houston Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Utah Symphony, Orquesta Nacional de España, Orquesta Sinfónica de Puerto Rico, Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia, Orquesta Sinfónica Radio Televisión Española, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Opéra de Lausanne, George Enescu Philharmonic, Verbier Festival Orchestra, and Opéra National de Paris.<br />
<span id="more-6401"></span><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-5687" src="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/OAC125.png" alt="Ohio Arts Council Logo" width="125" height="81" />He has collaborated with renowned soloists such as Pekka Kuusisto, Boris Giltburg, Pablo Sáinz-Villegas, Karen Gomyo, Paul Huang, Geneva Lewis, Clara-Jumi Kang, and Pepe Romero. Critics have been enthusiastic: Bachtrack praised López-Ferrer’s “richly expressive sound, always rendered with clarity and precision,” while Beckmesser magazine described him as an “elegant and authoritative” figure whose gestures “are contagious, commanding the listener’s attention.” SF Classical Voice highlighted López-Ferrer’s “attentiveness as a conductor, moving briskly across the sections of the orchestra to ensure that practically every note from every musician played its role in the design.”</p>
<p>Upcoming engagements include debuts at the Teatro Real in a production of Verdi’s Il Trovatore, and with the Symphonieorchester der Volksoper Wien, Orquesta Sinfónica de Bilbao, Biel Solothurn Symphony Orchestra, and Opera San Antonio leading Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, as well as returns to the Basque National Orchestra, Omaha Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Orchestra di Padova e del Veneto, Symphony San Jose, and the Orchestre Internationale de Genève.</p>
<p>López-Ferrer’s journey began as Associate Conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO) and its May Festival. In 2022, he led the CSO in the U.S. premiere of Mark Simpson’s Violin Concerto, featuring Nicola Benedetti. He was a 2021-22 Dudamel Fellow with the LA Phil and was a featured conductor in the Bruno Walter National Conductor Preview with the Louisiana Philharmonic. Earlier in his career, he served as Associate Conductor of the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Chile as well as Resident Conductor of the Opéra de Paris Académie.</p>
<p>Winner of the inaugural 2015 Neeme Järvi Prize at the Menuhin Gstaad Festival and a former member of the Deutsche Dirigentenforum, his educational background includes a master’s degree in Orchestral Conducting from the Haute École de Musique de Lausanne and a bachelor’s in composition from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Born in Switzerland and raised in the United States, François López-Ferrer combines Cuban and Spanish heritage.</p>
<p><strong>Grace Park, Violin<br />
</strong>Grace Park is a violinist celebrated for her artistry, passion, and virtuosity. Praised by the <em>San Francisco Chronicle</em> as “fresh, different and exhilarating” and by <em>Strings Magazine</em> for her “intensely wrought and burnished” sound, she captivates audiences worldwide. A winner of the Naumburg International Violin Competition, Ms. Park is recognized as both a compelling soloist and a devoted chamber musician.</p>
<p>Recent highlights include solo appearances with the Colorado Music Festival, the Bard Music Festival under the baton of Leon Botstein, the New York Youth Symphony at Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall, and the Prague Philharmonia at the Rudolfinum’s Dvořák Hall. She has also given recital debuts at the Krannert Center, Beethoven Minnesota Festival, and Carnegie Hall.</p>
<p>Ms. Park has since made notable international and U.S. debuts including performances at Seoul Arts Center with Les Musiciens du Louvre conducted by Marc Minkowski, and with the Sarasota Orchestra under Peter Oundjian and the Orlando Philharmonic led by Eric Jacobsen. Her chamber music collaborations include regular appearances the Seattle Chamber Music Society, Camerata Pacifica and Savannah Music Festival.</p>
<p>Her debut solo album, recorded with the Prague Philharmonia and music director Emmanuel Villaume, features concertos and solo works by Mozart and Dvořák and was released in 2025.</p>
<p>A devoted and passionate educator, Ms. Park is an alumna of Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect and has given masterclasses and coached at institutions including the Conservatorio de Música de Cartagena, Mannes School of Music, University of North Carolina, University of Mississippi, Washington and Lee University, and Skidmore College. She currently serves as Adjunct Professor of Violin at the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University alongside an annual visiting residency at the North Dakota State University.</p>
<p>A native of Los Angeles, California, Ms. Park began studying violin at the age of five and trained at the Colburn School of Music before continuing her studies at the Colburn Conservatory and New England Conservatory, where she earned her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees. Her principal teachers include Donald Weilerstein, Miriam Fried, Sylvia Rosenberg, and Robert Lipsett. She resides in New York City.</p>
<p>Ms. Park performs on a 1717 Giuseppe Filius Andrea Guarneri violin, generously on loan from an anonymous sponsor.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Repertoire</strong></span></p>
<table border="0" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="3" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top">Dances of Transylvania<br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">I. Dudások &#8211; Bagpipers</span><br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">II. Medvetánc &#8211; Bear Dance</span><br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">III. Finale</span></td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">Béla Bartók</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">Tzigane, Rapsodie de Concert</td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">Maurice Ravel</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">Zigeunerweisen, op. 20 (Gypsy Airs)</td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">Pablo de Sarasate</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">Symphony No. 1, op. 68, C minor<br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">I. Un poco sostenuto; Allegro</span><br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">II. Andante sostenuto</span><br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">III. Un poco allegretto e grazioso</span><br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">IV. Adagio; Più andante; Allegro non troppo, ma con brio</span></td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">Johannes Brahms</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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		<title>THE CHRISTMAS SHOW! The Ohio Valley Symphony</title>
		<link>https://arieltheatre.org/the-christmas-show-the-ohio-valley-symphony-2026/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 22:00:48 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[2026-27 Season]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ariel Featured]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://arieltheatre.org/?p=6419</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[December 5, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. Maestro Steven Huang’s annual Christmas Show on December 6 is a perennial favorite of audiences young and old with carols and songs both new and familiar. Tickets sell out fast so be sure to get yours soon. December is also our annual Maestro for a Moment FUNdraiser when community [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-6357" src="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/261205-OVS-Christmas-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="386" srcset="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/261205-OVS-Christmas-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb.jpg 250w, https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/261205-OVS-Christmas-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb-194x300.jpg 194w, https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/261205-OVS-Christmas-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb-200x309.jpg 200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" /><span style="color: #000080;"><strong>December 5, 2026<br />
at 7:30 p.m.<br />
</strong></span><em><a href='https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/3430/the-ariel-theatreann-carson-dater-performing-arts-centre?cobrand=arieltheatre' class='small-button smallblue' target="_blank">On Sale July 1! (click here)</a></em><br />
Maestro<strong> Steven Huang</strong>’s annual <strong>Christmas Show</strong> on <strong>December 6</strong> is a perennial favorite of audiences young and old with carols and songs both new and familiar. Tickets sell out fast so be sure to get yours soon. December is also our annual <em><strong>Maestro for a Moment FUNdraiser</strong></em> when community members vie for the chance to conduct the OVS in <em>Sleigh Ride</em>. Every dollar is a vote for your favorite candidate and helps support The Ohio Valley Symphony with your tax deductible donation.</p>
<p><em><strong>Steven Huang, conductor<br />
</strong></em><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Maestro Steven Huang is thrilled to return to Southeastern Ohio to the podium of The Ohio Valley Symphony, a Christmas tradition since 2018.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">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). <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-4726 alignright" src="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/Holzer-Logo-200.jpg" alt="Holzer logo" width="200" height="61" />Recently, 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.</span><span id="more-6419"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Widely respected as a music educator and conducting pedagogue, Mr. Huang is the founder and director of International Conducting Masterclasses, Inc., which has trained scores of conductors over the last two decades. He is currently working on a book about conducting.<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-5687" src="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/OAC125.png" alt="Ohio Arts Council Logo" width="125" height="81" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Mr. Huang has collaborated with orchestras including California, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts, West Virginia, Ohio, Haiti, Moldova, and Romania. He has held the position of Music Director of the University of Chicago Chamber Orchestra, the Central Illinois Youth Symphony, the Gilbert and Sullivan Players of Chicago, and the Bradley University Orchestra. He has served as guest conductor with multiple appearances with Brasov Philharmonic, Romania, and the National Philharmonic of Moldova. In America, he has guest conducted professional ensembles such as the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, the Lake Shore Symphony in Illinois, and the Four Seasons Symphony in California.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Currently Mr. Huang serves as Music Director and Conductor of the New Westchester Symphony Orchestra in New York, Music Director of the Yale Medical School Orchestra, Music Director of the Norwalk Youth Concert Orchestra, as well as a board member of BLUME Haiti, which supports music education in Haiti.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Repertoire</strong></span></p>
<table border="0" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="3" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top">12 Days of Christmas</td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">arr. Matt Catingub</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">Christmas Jazz Suite</td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">Bill Holcombe</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">I Will Wait For You</td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">Michel Legrand</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">Nutcracker Mini Jazz Suite</td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">Tchaikovsky/arr. Jeff Tyzik</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">Charlie Brown Christmas</td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">Vince Guaraldi</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">Charleston Christmas</td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">arr. James Stephenson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">Sleigh Ride</td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">Leroy Anderson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">And More!</td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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		<title>BUGLER&#8217;S HOLIDAY, The Ohio Valley Symphony</title>
		<link>https://arieltheatre.org/buglers-holiday-the-ohio-valley-symphony/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 21:00:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[2026-27 Season]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ariel Featured]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://arieltheatre.org/?p=6413</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[March 13, 2027 at 7:30 p.m. On March 13 things get a bit brassy for the Bugler’s Holiday concert when the OVS will be joined by Dave Zeng performing Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto.  Maestro Scott Woodard takes us to Ireland with Hamilton Harty’s Irish Symphony for a bit-of-the-green. Scott E. Woodard Dr. Scott E. Woodard was [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-6358" src="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/270313-OVS-Buglar-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="386" srcset="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/270313-OVS-Buglar-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb.jpg 250w, https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/270313-OVS-Buglar-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb-194x300.jpg 194w, https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/270313-OVS-Buglar-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb-200x309.jpg 200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" /><span style="color: #000080;"><strong>March 13, 2027<br />
at 7:30 p.m.<br />
</strong></span><em><a href='https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/3430/the-ariel-theatreann-carson-dater-performing-arts-centre?cobrand=arieltheatre' class='small-button smallblue' target="_blank">On Sale July 1! (click here)</a></em></p>
<p>On <strong>March 13</strong> things get a bit brassy for the <strong><em>Bugler’s Holiday</em> </strong>concert when the OVS will be joined by <strong>Dave Zeng</strong> performing Haydn’s <em>Trumpet Concerto.  </em>Maestro <strong>Scott Woodard </strong>takes us to Ireland with Hamilton Harty’s <em>Irish Symphony</em> for a bit-of-the-green.</p>
<p><strong>Scott E. Woodard<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-5687" src="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/OAC125.png" alt="Ohio Arts Council Logo" width="125" height="81" /><br />
</strong>Dr. Scott E. Woodard was born in Huntington, WV and is proud to be a life-long West Virginian.  He is the Music Director of the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra in Hamilton, Ohio, the Founding Music Director of the West Virginia State Philharmonic Orchestra of Charleston, WV, the Principal Guest Conductor of the Rimini Chamber Orchestra in Rimini, Italy, and the former Cover Conductor of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. His primary teachers were Dr. Leonid Korchmar of the St. Petersburg State Conservatory of Music and the Mariinsky Theatre and Dr. Oleg Proskuryna. Scott is the recipient of First Prizes at the International Conductor’s Workshop Competition (Macon, GA) and the International Academy of Advanced Conducting (St. Petersburg, Russian Federation).<span id="more-6413"></span></p>
<p>A product of the public schools in Cabell County, Scott picked up the trumpet in the sixth-grade band.  He is a proud Son of Marshall, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees. During those MU years, Scott began his study of orchestral conducting under the tutelage of Dr. Paul Balshaw.  In 2014, he earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Boston University, where his dissertation explored the importance of the Leningrad School of conducting and its founder Ilya Musin.</p>
<p>Scott lives in Scott Depot with his wife Nafi, a family physician, and their son, Gabriel, a trumpet player just like his dad, and a new baby daughter, Gabriella!  His hobbies include playing horrible golf, and trying to figure out how to work on his vintage 1970 Volkswagen Beetle.</p>
<p><strong>Dave Zeng, trumpet<br />
</strong>Dave actively performs in the Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus areas.  He is principal trumpet of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra in Ohio and the Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra.  Additionally, Dave has performed with many orchestras across the Midwest including the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra in Columbus, Ohio, The Bach Society of Dayton, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, The Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.  Dave has been a finalist at the National Trumpet Competition on multiple occasions.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>In addition to performing, Dave is the Manager of Personnel and Orchestra Operations for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.  Through his company, Dave Zeng Productions, Dave also specializes in professional audio/video production for performing artists.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Repertoire</strong></span></p>
<table border="0" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="3" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top">A Comedy Overture, Op. 15</td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">Hamilton Harty</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">Trumpet Concerto, E♭ major</td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">Franz Joseph Haydn</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">An Irish Symphony<br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">I. On the shores of Lough Neagh: Allegro motto</span><br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">II. The Fair-Day: Vivace ma non troppo presto</span><br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">III. In the Antrim Hills: Lento</span><br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">IV. The 12th of July: Con molto brio</span></td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">Hamilton Harty</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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		<title>GERSWIN&#8217;S GREATEST, The Ohio Valley Symphony</title>
		<link>https://arieltheatre.org/gerswins-greatest-the-ohio-valley-symphony/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 19:00:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[2026-27 Season]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ariel Featured]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://arieltheatre.org/?p=6415</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[April 17, 2027 at 7:30 p.m. For Gershwin’s Greatest the stunning Michael Chertock is back showing us just how good he really is by conducting AND performing George Gershwin’s Concerto in F on April 17.  Rounding out the year of celebrating America’s greatest, the OVS will also feature Gershwin’s perennial favorite An American in Paris [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-6359" src="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/270417-OVS-Chertock-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="386" srcset="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/270417-OVS-Chertock-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb.jpg 250w, https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/270417-OVS-Chertock-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb-194x300.jpg 194w, https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/270417-OVS-Chertock-Poster-Rev-C-Thumb-200x309.jpg 200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" /><span style="color: #000080;"><strong>April 17, 2027<br />
at 7:30 p.m.<br />
</strong></span><em><a href='https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/3430/the-ariel-theatreann-carson-dater-performing-arts-centre?cobrand=arieltheatre' class='small-button smallblue' target="_blank">On Sale July 1! (click here)</a></em></p>
<p>For <strong><em>Gershwin’s Greatest</em> </strong>the stunning <strong>Michael Chertock </strong>is back showing us just how good he really is by conducting AND performing George Gershwin’s <em>Concerto in F </em>on <strong>April 17</strong>.  Rounding out the year of celebrating America’s greatest, the OVS will also feature Gershwin’s perennial favorite <em>An American in Paris </em>and the music of jazz great Duke Ellington.</p>
<p><strong>Michael Chertock<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-5687" src="https://arieltheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/OAC125.png" alt="Ohio Arts Council Logo" width="125" height="81" /><br />
</strong>Conductor and pianist Michael Chertock has fashioned a successful career as an orchestral soloist, collaborating with conductors such as James Conlon, Jaime Laredo, and Keith Lockhart.</p>
<p>His orchestral appearances include solo performances with, among others, The Philadelphia Orchestra, l’Orchestre Symphonique du Montreal, the Toronto Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony, the Naples Philharmonic, and the Dayton Philharmonic.  He made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1999 with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, performing Duke Ellington’s <i>New World A’Comin’</i>.<span id="more-6415"></span></p>
<p>In 2005, Michael performed the world premiere of Jeux Deux, a work by Todd Machover commissioned by the Boston Pops Orchestra expressly for him.  He recorded the piece in Denmark.</p>
<p>Michael first performed publicly at the age of 11 and by age 17, he performed the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 with Andrew Litton.  He has garnered numerous awards at major competitions, among them the top prize in the 1989 Joanna Hodges Int’l Piano Competition (Brahms Division) and the grand prize in the 1993 St. Charles International Piano Competition.</p>
<p>Michael released three CDs of his original arrangements entitled <i>Cinematic Piano</i>,<i> Telarc: Palace of the Winds,</i> <i>Christmas at the Movies</i> and <i>Love At the Movies,</i> which have been praised for their lush, original arrangements and exquisite technical facility.</p>
<p>Michael was soloist for The Ohio Valley Symphony’s musical journey of the greatest hits of the 1920’s performing a brand new orchestral arrangement of <i>Rhapsody in Blue </i>just in time for the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s masterpiece.</p>
<p>Michael is the conductor of the Blue Ash-Montgomery Symphony, located in suburban Cincinnati, Ohio.  When not on tour he also serves as principal keyboardist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.  In June of 2004 Mr. Chertock was appointed Assistant Professor of piano at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, where he received his Master’s Degree as a student of Frank Weinstock.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Repertoire</strong></span></p>
<table border="0" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="3" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top">Sounds of Duke Ellington</td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">Duke Ellington</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">An American in Paris</td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">George Gershwin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">Piano Concerto in F major<br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">I. Allegro</span><br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">II. Adagio &#8211; Andante con moto</span><br />
<span style="padding-left: 20px;">III. Allegro agitato</span></td>
<td style="text-align: right;" valign="top">George Gershwin</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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		<title>A Video History of the Ariel Opera House</title>
		<link>https://arieltheatre.org/ariel-video-history/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 29 Aug 2023 07:42:01 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Ariel Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ariel News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://arieltheatre.org/?p=4184</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[﻿﻿ Watch the history of the Ariel Opera House unfold &#8211; from it&#8217;s opening on Christmas Day 1895 to the present.  Narrated by the founder and Executive Director Lora Lynn Snow. [Transcript] Lora Lynn Snow:  &#8220;Welcome to the historic Ariel Opera House in downtown Gallipolis, Ohio. The Ariel was built in 1895 by the Ariel [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/480810044" width="576" height="324" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><span style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start">﻿</span><span style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start">﻿</span></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Watch the history of the Ariel Opera House unfold &#8211; from it&#8217;s opening on Christmas Day 1895 to the present.  Narrated by the founder and Executive Director Lora Lynn Snow.</p>
<p><span id="more-4184"></span><br />
[Transcript]<br />
Lora Lynn Snow:  &#8220;Welcome to the historic Ariel Opera House in downtown Gallipolis, Ohio. The Ariel was built in 1895 by the Ariel Oddfellows lodge. It was a fairly typical 19th century Appalachian Opera House with retail space on the front sidewalk and the theatre portion in the back with a banquet room on the second floor and their lodge room on the third floor. Most towns had an opera house in the nineteenth century and they were built by the various lodges, Moose, Masons, Elks, Oddfellows, etc. and they shared a similar design. Retail space was on ground level to provide income, opera houses were behind or on second or third floors and their lodge room was on the top floor as they felt they were the upper class citizens of their community and they literally wanted people to look up to them. It also meant any secret parts of their rituals couldn’t be seen by the people on the street.</p>
<p>We call them theatres today, but in the nineteenth century, “theatres” were considered disreputable so they used the term “opera house.” Opera houses proliferated throughout the nineteenth century and almost every town had one. The Ariel was designed by the state architects of Packard and Yost who were responsible for many facilities throughout Ohio, including the Great Southern Theatre and connected hotel in Columbus, Ohio. Another of their designs, The Ohio Valley Bank also on Second Ave. in Gallipolis has been recently restored and occupied by Ohio Valley Bank, the original owner.</p>
<p>The Oddfellows lodge sold the Ariel a few years after it opened on Christmas Day in 1895 and it changed hands several more times until the Gallia Masonic Lodge bought it in 1919. Silent movies began to share the stage with live entertainment and then only movies remained until the doors closed for good in the mid 1960’s. TV sealed the fate of many historic theatres and they were lost to the wrecking ball.</p>
<p>I’m Lora Lynn Snow and I’m a professional musician. In 1987, I had a vision of starting a professional orchestra and a few days later found the abandoned Ariel. It was love at first sound! I could hear the spectacular acoustics and knew if would be the perfect home for The Ohio Valley Symphony. After a year and a half or planning and organizing, we obtained a long term lease and began physical work on the theatre only portion of the building. We encouraged the long time pigeon residents to move on and then began the cleanup of the remnants of their occupation. We found beautiful golden oak woodwork under many layers of paint, graceful plaster ornamentation and decorative woodwork in the piles of rubble which were carefully sifted through. Volunteers by the dozens showed up for months of clean up and initial restoration work and we had a tea to show it off. That raised community interest a bit, but it wasn’t until we had our first performance of The Ohio Valley Symphony on April 1, 1989 that people really sat up and took notice. They, too, were mesmerized by the sound of the instrument that is the Ariel and they began to respond in earnest.</p>
<p>A Grand Re-opening date was set for June 9, 1990 and the work began. The building was still strong and sound, but a new roof was installed, new wiring and plumbing and the real plaster repaired. The goal was to restore the Ariel with the look of the original while bringing it up to code. We had no interior photos of the Ariel, but serendipity was often at play during the process. We ordered the massive main stage curtain and had the seat fabric dyed to match. Later, in a room that had been sealed up in 1930, we pulled up some threadbare carpeting. Apparently during the installation, they folded under the excess instead of cutting it off and the colors on that portion were still brilliant AND the red background was an exact match for the fabric we had just ordered.</p>
<p>As the re-opening date drew near, work became more frantic and round the clock. The original ceiling stencil was discovered only a few weeks before June 9 and was re-created in an all-night dash by volunteers before the scaffolding came down in a beat-the-clock race against time. The seat installers were literally screwing in seats until 8:00 pm the night of the re-opening concert as the line to get in stretched down the long hall, out the door and down the street. The OVS sold out of their first upcoming season that very night.</p>
<p>The Ohio Valley Symphony, the only professional orchestra in the southeast Ohio River Valley region, has grown and developed over the years. We pull in musicians from seven states and Canada and have world class soloists join us in concerts. The OVS recently completed a project with folk singer Michael Johnathon resulting in Songs of Rural America that is being shown on public tv stations around the country. This was conducted by Cincinnati Pops Principal Arranger, Tim Berens, and you can hear his arrangement of “Simple Gifts” arranged especially for OVS playing in the background. You can view and hear both on our website at arieloperahouse.org</p>
<p>In 2005, longtime arts patron, Ann Carson Dater, purchased the entire 25,000 square foot facility and gave it to us as a permanent home for The Ohio Valley Symphony. Her incredible generosity has enabled us to expand our offerings and propel us into the future. In her honor, we renamed the facility the Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre. She wanted a place for young children to have dance and music lessons and experience the thrill of performing before an audience. She often said to me, “If more people listened to symphonic music, the world would be a better place.” We agree and to that end, we facilitate the connection between artists of all kinds and students, both young and old, to be able to select a teacher at the Ariel Academy on our website. We also offer performances of all kinds and of all abilities, lectures, debates, book signings and conferences. We are available to rent for parties, weddings and commercial events.</p>
<p>The Ohio Valley Symphony has a six concert season with fall and spring concerts surrounding the annual Christmas Show the first Saturday in December. Our soloists have included Philadelphia Orchestra concert master, David Kim, jazz great Byron Stripling, pianist and Gershwin expert Richard Glazier, Broadway star Mark McVey and many, many more. Audience members come from far and wide to hear fine symphonic music expertly performed in a fabulous acoustic instrument, the Ariel Opera House.</p>
<p>The Ariel hosts an annual Merry TubaChristmas on the second Saturday in December which allows tuba and euphonium players from far and wide to gather together to perform traditional Christmas carols. The warm rich organ-like sound of the low brass instruments sounds especially wonderful in the Ariel’s spectacular acoustics.</p>
<p>We now have a Banquet Room seating 100 and a ballroom on the second floor. The former lodge room on third floor has been transformed into our Chamber Theatre seating 130 and we also have a Conference Room complete with state of the art Web-Ex conferencing equipment allowing connections around the world. From that little scrap of carpet we found back in 1990, restoration work has recently culminated with the completion of a long term project recreating the original carpet and laying that throughout the building. With the help of the League of Historic American Theatres we found a world renowned historic carpet expert who guided us through the textile analysis and recreation of the Axminster wool carpeting that is a historic reproduction of the original.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Visit our website at arieloperahouse.org and plan your visit to coincide with an Ohio Valley Symphony concert performed in an intimate hall with superb acoustics. Parking is nearby and plentiful, nearby restaurants and hotels and motels offer discounts for symphony ticket holders when visiting our ADA accessible facility. We guarantee you will leave here uplifted and ready to return.&#8221;</p>
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