Female artists, nature among highlights

A variety of highlights await concertgoers in the 2017-18 “Masterworks” season of the Columbus Symphony:

■ The first appearance with the orchestra since 1999 of star violinist Joshua Bell

■ A focus on the work of female artists, composers and conductors

■ A trio of concerts inspired by nature, plus the planting of trees and establishment of the Columbus Symphony Grove in Franklin Park

■ A concert paying tribute to Claude Debussy on the centennial of his death.

The concert series, to kick off Sept. 22 in the Ohio Theatre, will be the third full season with Columbus Symphony Music Director Rossen Milanov conducting.

“I am excited about the entire season, the variety and expansivity of the repertoire, the interesting and unique presentations, and the innovative approach to connecting musical with nonmusical ideas,” Milanov said.

“For example, the idea of preserving the environment and connecting it with masterpieces that celebrate our emotional connection with nature — Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony, Strauss’ “Alpine Symphony,” Debussy’s “La Mer” — all fit nicely with this idea.”

Several collaborative performances are planned, including a concert version of Verdi’s “Aida” with Opera Columbus and Brahms’ “A German Requiem” with the Columbus Symphony Chorus.

Programs that will accompany Masterworks concerts include:

■ Educational talks before each concert by Milanov, WOSU radio’s Christopher Purdy or Ohio State University professors

■ “Postlude” events after concerts

■ Friday morning dress rehearsals (with $20 tickets) for select concerts

■ “Mozart to Matisse” afternoon lectures at the Columbus Museum of Art with chamber music performances by orchestra musicians

■ A $25 student membership that gives unlimited access to concerts.

Symphony subscriptions can be renewed beginning Monday and new subscriptions will go on sale May 8 at the CAPA ticket office, 39 E. State St., or by calling 614-469-0939. Single tickets will go on sale June 5.

For more details, call 614-228-9600 or visit www.columbus symphony.com.