Dear Friends,

Welcome to the Ashland Symphony Orchestra's 41st season!

From seasoned performers to the up-and-coming luminaries of tomorrow, Ohio is home to an exceptional array of musical talent.  It is my pleasure to showcase this talent in a season designed to "Celebrate Ohio!"

Opening night will feature violinist Jinjoo Cho in her first appearance with the ASO, while singers Dione Bennett, Kim Lauritsen, Tim Culver, Mark Wanich and the Wooster Chorus make their Ashland debuts in the inspiring season finale.  We welcome back hometown favorites Christine Fessenmeyer-Hill, the Ashland Area Community Chorus and the Ashland High School A Cappella Choir, as well as John and Nancy Shuffle in return engagements with the ASO.  Several of our very own musicians will take center stage throughout the season, including Ruth Bacon, Lisa Jelle, Amanda Bekeny, and Ken Holzworth.

From the virtuosic fireworks of Sibelius' Violin Concerto to the evocative "Scottish" Symphony by Mendelssohn, you will be captivated by some of the finest works in the symphonic repertoire.  Our outstanding ASO musicians will perform masterworks by Berlioz, Beethoven and Mozart.  And we will brighten the somber winter months with our traditional Family Holiday Pops and an evening of light classics and Broadway tunes.

I am proud of the quality this orchestra presents each and every concert.  Please join me, the ASO and your friends and neighbors for live musical excellence right here in Ashland, Ohio.  Experience for yourself some of the many reasons to Celebrate Ohio!

See you at the Symphony!

Arie Lipsky

Music Director and Conductor