6 Symphonic Shows in Ohio This Fall

Dimmed concert hall lights, the sounds of instruments warming up and a conductor at center stage signal those anticipatory moments before an orchestra roars to life. The fall season brings a lineup of shows that range from traditional classical music performances to those that offer a symphonic take on the legendary women of R&B. Here are six shows to put on your calendar this season. 

Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience | Oct. 30
The Toledo Symphony Orchestra blends the spirit of the Mississippi Delta Blues with orchestral brilliance during ”Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience,”  Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. at the Toledo Museum of Art’s Peristyle Theater. Featuring Freeman’s unmistakable recorded narration alongside live performances by featured musicians Anthony Sherrod, Jacqueline Nassar and Martin Gellner, the concert explores the roots and emotion of the blues through a mix of music and storytelling. The one-night event brings together film, culture and sound in a way only Morgan Freeman can.

Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” in Concert | Nov. 1-2
Celebrate the Halloween season with a spellbinding night of movie magic when the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra performs Disney’s ”Hocus Pocus in Concert” Nov. 1 and 2 at Cincinnati Music Hall. Under the direction of conductor Jason Seber, the Pops perform the score live to film as Max, Dani and Allison face off against the mischievous Sanderson sisters on the big screen. Before the concert, stop by the hall’s Corbett Tower to make your own spell book.

Mozart’s Requiem: A Tapestry | Nov. 8 
The Apollo’s Fire Baroque Orchestra led by conductor Jeannette Sorrell present “Mozart’s Requiem: A Tapestry” on Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Mandel Concert Hall at Severance Music Center in Cleveland. This innovative program reimagines Mozart’s unfinished Requiem alongside works by contemporary composers Damien Geter, Eric Gould and Jessie Montgomery, forming a powerful reflection on grief and hope. With 70 musicians and vocalists, the performance connects centuries of music into a moving story of remembrance.

Queens of Soul | Nov. 8
The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates the legendary women of R&B with “Queens of Soul,” taking the stage Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Winsupply Theatre at the Schuster Center. Featuring powerhouse vocalist Shayna Steele, whose credits span Broadway and Hollywood, the concert pays tribute to icons like Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston and Adele. Expect a night of high-energy performances and timeless anthems that showcase the enduring influence of soul’s greatest voices.

Handel’s Messiah | Nov. 14-16
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Chorus join forces to delight audiences this season with a performance of Handel’s “Messiah,” presented Nov. 14 through 16 at the Ohio Theatre in Columbus under the direction of Rossen Milanov. This performance features Mozart’s expanded orchestration of the classic oratorio, giving a new revival to the familiar “Hallelujah” chorus and other beloved movements. With a talented cast of soloists and a full chorus, the concert offers an inspiring start to the holiday season.

Evil Woman: An ELO Tribute | Nov. 15
The Toledo Symphony Orchestra joins forces with Evil Woman-The American ELO for ”Evil Woman: An ELO Tribute,” performed Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. at the Toledo Museum of Art’s Peristyle Theater. This high-energy concert celebrates Electric Light Orchestra’s signature fusion of rock and symphonic sound, featuring favorites like “Mr. Blue Sky,” “Don’t Bring Me Down” and, of course “Evil Woman.” With strings, harmonies and an electrifying live band, the show delivers a nostalgic but fresh take on one of rock’s most distinctive sounds.

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