Involvement with an orchestra in Ohio can be a great opportunity for the small business owner. It can establish a balance between work and recreation for your employees, create a good reputation for your company and strengthen ties with your community. Attending a performance by a symphony orchestra supports not only professional musicians but young, aspiring musicians, as well.

You can use tickets to an Ohio symphony orchestra to entertain clients, provide rewards for employees and show your appreciation to customers. Tickets to individual performances are readily available in many cases and most orchestras also offer season tickets. Orchestras frequently offer discounts for families, students and seniors as well.

Ohio orchestras generally fall into the following categories:

1. Ohio symphony orchestras that have professional musicians and may feature internationally known performers as guests. A full symphony or philharmonic orchestra usually consists of at least 80 players and may have more than 100.

2. Smaller community orchestras that offer free public concerts and may be available for private events. A chamber orchestra has less than 40 players.

3. Youth orchestras that feature younger players. These orchestras typically require players to be within a specified age range and stage annual auditions.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find professional Ohio symphony orchestras near you

Symphony orchestras perform a variety of classical, experimental and modern compositions in Ohio. Opera also is popular and typically has scheduled performances throughout the season.

I recommend: The American Federation of Musicians offers a list of the member orchestras of the Regional Orchestra Players' Association. Join the Association of Major Symphony Orchestra Volunteers to support symphonies not only in Ohio, but those around the country.

Support an Ohio youth orchestra

Young musicians can obtain stage experience and training in a youth symphony. Ohio youth symphonies are well-respected and perform many of the same pieces as professional orchestras.

I recommend: The Metropolitan Youth Symphony lists youth orchestras alphabetically by their city or geographical name and provides the state. Your business can support a Cleveland, Ohio orchestra such as the Cleveland Youth Orchestra.

Buy tickets to an Ohio orchestra in your city

Most large cities in Ohio have at least one professional orchestra and several chamber orchestras. They play many different types of music, in addition to classical compositions.

I recommend: The Cleveland Orchestra is one of the greatest symphony orchestras in the US and makes its summer home at the Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs classical music at Music Hall and popular music at the Riverbend Music Center. The Columbus, Ohio symphony is the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Ohio Theater is the home venue for this orchestra.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Listen to performances over the radio. Many major Ohio symphony orchestras broadcast live and recorded performances that allow you to enjoy world-class music from your home. The websites for the orchestra and radio stations will list the scheduled air times and performances.