by Nicki Campbell

On Saturday night, my husband, daughter and I went to the Ohio Theater to see -- and hear -- the Columbus Symphony.  As it turned out, this may be one of the last concerts the orchestra may ever perform due to the financial issues it is facing.  As most people in Columbus know by now, the musicians and the Board have not been able to come to terms and the Board has cancelled the Picnic With The Pops season.   Although the Dispatch said in an editorial yesterday that the musicians need to face reality and agree to the Board's terms, it's hard to fault them for rejecting a pay cut of more than 40%.  Most of us would have a hard time living on that kind of decrease in our salaries.

The Saturday night concert was wonderful.  The orchestra played works from Beethoven and Mendelssohn as well as a Schumann concerto with an oustanding guest pianist.  The Ohio Theater was full and the audience was extremely enthusiastic, no doubt because of the current tenuous situation.  The musicians were out in the lobby before the concert welcoming people and many people were wearing orange ribbons signifying their support.  A bus pulled up from Ohio State and students poured out wearing their orange ribbons.  After the final note was played, the audience brought the conductor back so many times I lost count.  All in all, it was a night I will never forget.

I can't believe this city will allow this outstanding orchestra to die.  What a sad statement about Columbus, Ohio that we can't support a symphony orchestra!  This is the largest city in Ohio.  We have the third largest university in the country here in addition to many other colleges.  We have one of the most beautiful concert halls in the country.  We produce crowds of more than 100,000 at our Ohio State football games.  I could go on, of course, but you get the idea.  It's important for our national image as  large metropolitan market that we have a symphony orchestra!

By the way, the greatest cellist in the world, Yo Yo Ma, is performing on Thursday night (May 15).  If you can, call and order tickets.  It should be a fabulous concert.  I'll be there.