Go Symphony in Columbus!

Joseph Louis Nastasi is the owner of Apogee Development (apogeedevelop.com), a software development company. A lover of all types of music, especially classical and progressive rock, Mr. Nastasi is also an amateur composer and keyboardist, and an avid ice hockey fan.

I moved here from NJ over a year ago. Other than career issues, my requirements for a new home to live were a strong classical music scene and a hockey team. NJ gets mocked a lot and exists within the shadows of two major cities, but still we have a very, very strong state orchestra that sells out crowds and has received critical acclaim. In my hometown of Wayne, we had our own chamber orchestra that sold out four concerts per year and had soloists from the NY Philharmonic play with them regularly.

Imagine my shock when I read of the failings of the CSO's finances and the board's cowardly decision. I have had the opportunity to see the orchestra a few times and also the Marble Cliff Players several times and I was very happy with the quality of what I heard.

I'm too new here to comment on the idiotic politics that seem hell bent on the destruction of such a wonderful institution. (oops, I guess I just did, didn't I?) I chose Columbus as my home because I believe it is one of the coolest, smartest cities in the country. I will be damned if I am going to give up on either the new entitled "Symphony Columbus" or my other great love, the Blue Jackets.

The way to beat city hall (in this case, the board) is to do just what you're doing: skate around them like they don't even exist. It will not be easy. It will test the people of Columbus: will they have the desire to have a strong classical music community? So far, two sold-out, self-produced concerts are a strong statement to the affirmative.

I love underdogs. And I have the patience to see them succeed. When I hear people complain about the Jacket's not getting into the playoffs after seven years, I have to laugh. The NJ Devils took thirteen! Now they own three Stanley Cup spots, within a decade. (I know I have to be losing some of you with this hockey analogy. For me, ice hockey has rhythm and poise, too. Sort of a violent ballet...) Well, it would seem that the musicians of the former CSO are underdogs, too. Fighting, not only for the orchestral music heritage of this city, but for their own family's existence! I know they will make this work. We will make it work.

I will cast my vote by going to as may concerts as possible. I was at the Dublin concert (I love Copland, thanks for Hoedown!) and already have my ticket to the Vets performance on the 26th.

I'm betting this seemingly dark period is actually the beginning of a Halcyon era. That transformation will be remembered as one of Columbus' greatest moments.

Go get 'em, Symphony Columbus!

BTW, that is a real cool name, keep it!

Best of luck,
Joseph Louis Nastasi