Award recognizes artistic innovation in central Ohio
Columbus, OH (May 2, 2024)—The Columbus Foundation has awarded a Columbus Performing Arts Prize to ProMusica Chamber Orchestra to help produce a dynamic, collaborative musical residency with five-time GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning artist Jon Batiste. The $25,000 Arts Prize will help support the world premiere of an original work by Batiste commissioned by ProMusica, which will be performed before a sold-out audience at the Southern Theatre this week.
“ProMusica Chamber Orchestra and Jon Batiste each exemplify exceptional artistry, creative dynamism, and excellence in their craft,” said Doug Kridler, President and CEO of The Columbus Foundation. “The Columbus Foundation is honored to support such artistic innovation and collaboration through the Columbus Performing Arts Prize. No doubt will these events provide the community remarkable, memorable performances.”
Batiste will be performing two unique shows with ProMusica at the Southern Theatre on May 2 and 3. The May 2 concert, The Jon Batiste Trio & ProMusica, will feature Batiste in his jazz trio performing alongside the orchestra. On May 3, Batiste will showcase his multidimensional talents as an artist, composer, pianist, and soloist alongside the orchestra. The May 3 concert, An American Original: Jon Batiste & ProMusica, will also include the world premiere of Batiste’s new original work.
Artist, composer, pianist, and soloist, Jon Batiste.
"At the heart of our Jon Batiste x ProMusica Musical Residency is the creation and world premiere performance of a new, original composition by Jon Batiste. Batiste is a boundless artist and musician, moving art forward to serve humanity—and it is an honor for ProMusica to join him onstage to bring his new composition to life and share this creation with Columbus and the world," said Janet Chen, CEO of ProMusica. "We are ever grateful to the Columbus Performing Arts Prize for supporting this commission and believing in the power of forward-thinking art and the positive impact it can bring to our community and beyond."
The Columbus Performing Arts Prize is designed to celebrate and support the exceptional artistic directors of local leading performing arts organizations and their aspirations for creative growth.
The Arts Innovation Fund was created in 2015 by George Barrett, former Chairman and CEO of Cardinal Health and current member of The Columbus Foundation Governing Committee, The Columbus Foundation, and a range of other donors. The purpose of the fund is to support the Columbus Performing Arts Prize. Continuous discovery of the plans and visions of central Ohio’s artistic directors is part of the ongoing due diligence for selecting prize recipients.
“Columbus is home to many spirited and innovative artists and performing arts organizations who help enrich the quality of life in our community,” said Barrett. “The Columbus Performing Arts Prize was created to celebrate and nurture unique, world-class performances that add to the vibrancy of the region.”
For information about the concerts, please visit promusicacolumbus.org.
About The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation, one of the top 10 community foundations in the United States, serves thousands of individuals, families, and businesses that have created unique funds and planned gifts to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible.