Welcome to your Columbus Symphony's 2025/26 Pops series! We are so glad you are here to experience these magical performances with us! Please make sure to share your photos and tag us at @columbussymphony on all social media platforms and use our hashtag #ColumbusSymphonyPops.

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the Columbus Symphony's Pops series! Each time the orchestra takes the stage, I am reminded why the Columbus Symphony holds such an essential place in our community. These past months have deepened my appreciation for the extraordinary musicians who bring the music to life, the dedicated team behind the scenes, and for you — our audience whose curiosity and commitment sustain it all.

A concert is never a one-way experience. It is shaped as much by those listening as by those performing. The shared focus in the room — the collective breath before a downbeat, the response to a soaring phrase — creates something that exists only in that moment and only because we are all present together.

At a time when many people feel isolated or pulled in countless directions, gathering for live music offers a rare opportunity to slow down and connect. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, welcoming guests, spending time with loved ones, or simply seeking inspiration and reflection, the Symphony provides a space to be fully engaged and in the company of others. We hope these performances become part of how you mark meaningful moments throughout the year.

I look forward to continuing to meet many of you in the hall. Please don’t hesitate to say hello — I always enjoy hearing what the Symphony means to you and what brings you back.

Thank you for being here, for championing this organization, and for sharing in the music. It is a privilege to experience this season together.

With gratitude,

Maureen O'Brien
Chief Executive Officer
Columbus Symphony

Stuart Chafetz is the Principal Pops Conductor of the Columbus Symphony and Principal Pops Conductor of the Chautauqua and Marin Symphonies. Chafetz, a conductor celebrated for his dynamic and engaging podium presence, is increasingly in demand with orchestras across the continent and this season Chafetz will be on the podium in Detroit, Ft Worth, Naples, Buffalo, North Carolina and Seattle. He enjoys a special relationship with The Phoenix Symphony where he leads multiple programs annually

He’s had the privilege to work with renowned artists including Ne-Yo, Ben Folds, Natalie Merchant, Leslie Odom Jr., En Vogue, Kenny G, David Foster w/Catherine McPhee, The O’Jays, Chris Botti, 2 Cellos, Hanson, Rick Springfield, Michael Bolton, Kool & The Gang, Jefferson Starship, America, Little River Band, Brian McKnight, Roberta Flack, George Benson, Richard Chamberlain, The Chieftains, Jennifer Holliday, John Denver, Marvin Hamlisch, Thomas Hampson, Wynonna Judd, Jim Nabors, Randy Newman, Jon Kimura Parker and Bernadette Peters.

He previously held posts as resident conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and associate conductor of the Louisville Orchestra. As principal timpanist of the Honolulu Symphony for twenty years, Chafetz would also conduct the annual Nutcracker performances with Ballet Hawaii and principals from the American Ballet Theatre. It was during that time that Chafetz led numerous concerts with the Maui Symphony and Pops. He’s led numerous Spring Ballet productions at the world-renowned Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University.

When not on the podium, Chafetz makes his home near San Francisco, CA, with his wife Ann Krinitsky. Chafetz holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and a master’s from the Eastman School of Music