Concert Attendance Opportunities

Students are encouraged to attend performances and scholarly presentations by peers and faculty on campus and to explore the wide variety of arts available around Columbus.

• Attend School of Music events regularly. Refer to the Event Calendar for performances by student ensembles, faculty and guest artists, the Lectures in Musicology Series and other events.
• Playing Next Door. Attend presentations in the Department of Dance, and Department of Theatre, Film and Media Arts.
• ColumbusMakesArt. Many Columbus arts partners offer student ticket prices. See below.
• Listen to WOSU Classical 101.

CBus Arts — Opportunities and Student Discount Ticket Offers

Welcome to Columbus, where access to a rich and dynamic arts scene is just one of the many benefits of attending Ohio State. Enjoy performances in venues ranging from historic turn-of-the-century theaters and concert halls to galleries, coffee shops, and open-air settings. Take advantage of the wide variety of engaging and creative programming these organizations offer.

For an overview, visit the website for the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA). This organization also offers internships and volunteer opportunities. 

Each organization has its own Student Ticket policy. Most offer deeply discounted student prices.

Reference the information below, but be sure to visit the organization's website to confirm the latest ticket prices and policies.

Some sell via D-Tix, at the Ohio Union — partially funded by your Student Activity Fee. Check with D-Tix to learn more.  Find these groups under the "Arts" tab. 

ProMusica Chamber Orchestra 

ProMusica is 37 musicians from all over the country who are redefining what it means to be a chamber orchestra. Led by Music Director David Danzmayr and Creative Partner, renowned violinist Vadim Gluzman, our vision is to engage, inspire, and connect people to the world around them through the joy of ProMusica. The orchestra both honors the classical traditions and champions the contemporary, with a deep commitment to new works, commissions and premieres.

• Enjoy a world-class chamber orchestra experience for only $15 (valid student ID required for college/university students). Service fees may apply.
• Get some of the best seats available at time of purchase!
• Student tickets are available by calling the ProMusica Box Office at 614-464-0066 ext. 101, online via promusicacolumbus.org, or at the door the night of the concert.
• Student tickets must be picked up at Will Call. A valid student ID is required at pickup.
• Limit two tickets per student ID. Valid for regular season performances only, excluding special events. Seating is subject to overall availability.
• Interested in being a student volunteer? Sign up here!

Columbus Symphony Orchestra

• Tickets available through the D-Tix Lottery at the Ohio Union.
• Learn about the CSO College Club — Students who purchase a $25 annual membership will receive free admission for one to all Masterworks concerts and post-concert events all season long, special membership emails, and the ability to purchase up to four additional student tickets for $8 each. 

Columbus Jazz

Columbus Jazz is America’s oldest nonprofit arts organization dedicated to producing, performing, and promoting jazz. Our mission is to advance and celebrate the art of jazz through performance and education.

• The Columbus Jazz Orchestra led by renowned trumpeter and band leader Byron Stripling, features guests from around the world at the Southern Theatre.
  • Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St., Columbus 43215
  • Student Rush Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Southern Theatre box office the night of a performance, you only need your student ID.
• Columbus Jazz Presents is a series dedicated to rising stars, local legends, national acts at the historic Lincoln Theatre.
  • Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St., Columbus 43203
  • Student Rush Tickets are $15 at the Lincoln Theatre box office with your student ID.
• Tickets also available through the D-Tix Lottery at the Ohio Union.
• Student tickets become available 2 hours before the concert at the venue’s box office with a Student ID and grant access to almost any seat in the theatres, subject to availability. Limit of one (1) ticket per Student ID.

Chamber Music Columbus

Experience a wide range of musical talent and repertoire including VIVO, Modigliani Quartet, Boston Brass, Aeolus String Quartet, and Chanticleer during Chamber Music Columbus' 79th season. Founded by Ohio State student James N. Cain in 1948, celebrate world-class chamber music at the beautiful Southern Theatre.

• $15 student tickets. Details.
• Southern Theatre,  21 East Main Street, Columbus, 43215

Opera Columbus

Gone are the days of formality and unspoken rules. We are creating an open, innovative, fun, and unexpected form of entertainment that reflects the young, vibrant and diverse city in which we live and play. At Opera Columbus we’re out to refresh – to breathe new life – into the way opera is performed and presented. Tweet, hoot, clap, and enjoy the show in your own personal way. Dress as you like and express your pleasure without the restrictions of traditional propriety. Go ahead, no one here will judge you. MAKE IT YOURS. 

• OC performances are presented in several different theaters. Be mindful of the theatre for each production. 

Other groups to watch:

• Short North Stage — Celebrating 15 years of the best in musical theatre
• Early Music in Columbus
• Columbus Guitar Society
• New Albany Symphony
• BalletMet
• Columbus Ohio Discovery Ensemble
• Chamber Brews
• and many more.

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