The River

June 8, 3:30 PM

The River

William McClain, CSO Music Director 

The Commons, 300 Washington St. Columbus, IN

Masks are optional

Symphony Series V was inspired by Duke Ellington’s Suite from “The River”. Ellington is well known in the world of jazz but also receives special recognition for his contributions to music history, American history, and of course African American history. Ellington was a big fan of the orchestra and recognized its great potential for expression and color. He wrote the suite in 1970 as a commission by the American Ballet Theatre for choreographer Alvin Ailey. It was later fully orchestrated, featuring the typical jazz instruments found in the orchestra including trumpets, trombones, basses, the piano, and the drum set. We do not have to go far to send greetings to America so instead we will send greetings to the great jazz capital of New Orleans!

Samuel Ward: America the Beautiful 
Bernstein: Selections from Westside Story 
Calvin Custer: Salute to the Big Apple 
Ted Ricketts: Chicago 
Duke Ellington: Suite from “The River” 

Adult Tickets Senior/Student Tickets

Tickets may be purchased in advance using a credit card or at the door with cash or check. 


If purchased in advance, you will not receive a physical ticket. Please plan to share the name of the individual who purchased your tickets at will call. If tickets have been purchased online the same day as the concert, be prepared to present your digital email receipt at the ticket table.


Adult tickets are $15, and Senior (65+)/ Student tickets are $10. Students of all ages can take advantage of this discounted ticket rate with a valid ID. Children 12 and under have free admission. Masks are optional for all attendees.


This event is made possible in part by the Columbus Area Arts Council, and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Share by: