The Ohio State University at Newark and Central Ohio Technical College announced on April 23 that they have agreed to host the Newark-Granville Symphony Orchestra performances for the 2026-27 season. All shows will take place in the John Gilbert Reese Center, located at 1209 University Drive in Newark.
"We’re delighted to welcome the Newark‑Granville Symphony Orchestra to our campus for the upcoming season," Matthew J. Smith, PhD, Ohio State Newark’s dean and director, said. "This partnership reflects our deep pride in collaborating with community organizations that enrich the cultural traditions of Licking County and bring the arts vividly to life."
The orchestra, originally called the Licking County Symphony Orchestra, was founded in 1939 and first performed at Denison University. Russel C. Mikkelson, DMA, a professor at Ohio State, is currently music director of NGSO and also leads the local Heisey Wind Ensemble. Both groups are regular participants in the campus’s annual Independence Day Concert and Fireworks event.
The agreement took effect April 1; however, the orchestra’s new season will begin in October. The full schedule for 2026-27 is expected to be announced later this spring on ngsymphony.org.
"Hosting the Newark-Granville Symphony Orchestra's upcoming season is an exciting addition to our campus," John M. Berry, PhD, COTC president, said. "We have deeply valued their participation in our annual Independence Day Concert and Fireworks, and we look forward to the energy and artistry they will bring to our Newark campus throughout the coming year."
Susan Larson, executive director of NGSO, said: "I want to sincerely thank Ohio State Newark and COTC for creating this extraordinary partnership. It opens the door to a truly meaningful collaboration that benefits our entire community. We’re really excited to make this campus our new home, where great music can thrive for everyone." More information can be found at the organization's website.
