Since 1951, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) has been proud to serve as central Ohio’s flagship music performance organization. Guided by Music Director Rossen Milanov, CSO musicians, conductors, chorus, and renowned guest artists bring extraordinary talent, passion, and the highest standards of musicianship to enrich the community. The CSO's innovative programming spans Masterworks, Pops, Nationwide Picnic with the Pops, Education, and Community Engagement, reaching diverse audiences across central Ohio. The Symphony plays an integral role in Columbus’ vibrant art scene, serving over 159,000 central Ohioans, with 2.3 million reached, and impacting 28,000 children, families, and teachers.

Three venues allow audiences to experience world-class music in the heart of Columbus. From classical music to Pops performances, the world’s best perform with the Columbus Symphony at the Ohio Theatre. The theatre’s lush interior, excellent acoustics, and state-of-the-art stage facilities have made it a favorite of guest artists and conductors. The breathtaking details, including the 21-foot-high chandelier, and opulent Spanish-Baroque architecture and design make any night out at the Ohio an event to remember. The Columbus Commons is nine acres of live, green space located in the heart of Downtown. Featuring the state-of-the-art Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion, it is home to the Columbus Symphony’s Nationwide Picnic with the Pops and Popcorn Pops series. The Davidson Theatre is a modern space. This 903-seat facility opened in 1989 as part of the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts. It offers intimate performance experiences including Columbus Symphony Pops concerts.

Making a meaningful impact as the forefront music education resource in the community, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra is committed to educating and entertaining individuals of all ages. The Symphony nurtures talent, cultivates future audiences, supports intellectual development, and ignites creativity in students, families, teachers, and lifelong learners. Each year, thousands of students throughout the greater Columbus area participate in the CSO's Young People’s Concert. Concerts are programmed at the Ohio Theatre and are thematically based and grade appropriate. Pre-concert materials are provided for teachers and students based on the Ohio Academic content standards.

The CSO brings the transformative power of music into the community. Aligned with the Symphony’s strategic plan, the CSO strives to be an organization that makes a difference by identifying and advancing new channels of accessibility and developing new opportunities for the dynamically growing community served. Proudly committed to making a difference through music, the CSO extends its reach to diverse locations, including local hospitals, nursing homes, retirement communities, food pantries, correctional facilities, and more. Committed to deepening its service to the community, the Symphony launched its Cares program in 2018. The program is designed to support the missions of Central Ohio social service organizations through the creation of partnerships that bring the power of music to their clients, constituencies, students, and staff. In just its first year, the program served approximately 2,000 people across 18 different non-profit organizations, and since then, its impact has only grown.