Events
2025 SEASON
CONCERT #1
Voice of the Whale
Saturday, May 24th, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m.
Timashev Recital Hall @ Ohio State University
1900 College Rd, Columbus, OH 43210
FREE
PROGRAM
Pale Blue, Black Frame by Daniel Harrison
we quiver drowning in our breath by Robert McClure
Vox Balaenae by George Crumb
MUSICIANS
Flute, Erin Helgeson Torres
Clarinet, Justin Johnston
Saxophone, Michael Rene Torres
Violin, Devin Copfer
Cello, Sam Johnson
Piano, Stephanie Titus
Percussion, Joe Krygier
Conductor, Chris David Westover-Muñoz
CONCERT DESRIPTION
One of the most iconic and compelling works of the 20th century, George Crumb’s “Vox Balaenae” (Voice of the Whale) is a captivating experience not to be missed. Crumb creates an enchanting sound world with hauntingly beautiful melodies and a theatrical sense of wonder and fantasy. CODE programmed this work on our very first concert 10 years ago (in May of 2015) and we are thrilled to bring it back a decade later for our audience to enjoy anew. Athens, Ohio based composer, Robert McClure’s “we quiver drowning in our breath” (an original commission by CODE) is a powerful exploration of our ever-warming climate. It packs a punch and forces the listener to introspectively examine our central role in this process. “Pale Blue, Black Frame” by Cincinnati composer, Daniel Harrison is subtle and whimsical and is one of the first works CODE ever commissioned. Admission is free. Parking is available in Arps Garage which is a short walk to the Recital Hall.
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CONCERT #2
Textures and Lines
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m.
Garden Theater @ Short North Stage
1187 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
FREE
PROGRAM
Jardin de Printemps by HyeKyung Lee
Textures and Lines by Matthew Kennedy
Parergon to Resonance by Thomas Wells
A Few Figs from Thistles by Cara Haxo
because the road to tomorrow sounds like thunder by Michael Rene Torres
MUSICIANS
Flute, Erin Helgeson Torres
Clarinet, Justin Johnston
Saxophone, Michael Rene Torres
Violin, Aaron Yarmel
Cello, Mary Davis
Piano, Stephanie Titus
Percussion, Joe Krygier
Conductor, Michael Rene Torres
CONCERT DESRIPTION
CODE returns for our 10th performance on the “New Music at Short North Stage” concert series sponsored by the Johnstone Fund for New Music. Our “Textures and Lines” show celebrates local creativity featuring living Ohio composers. “Jardin de Printemps” by HyeKyung Lee is a spirited, refreshing, and groovy work! Composer, Matthew Kennedy describes his work, “Textures and Lines” as an episodic conversation of gestures and vignettes, written during a dismally draining bout of pneumonia. “Parergon to Resonance” for saxophone and fixed media by Thomas Wells is a journey of lush sound colors. Cara Haxo’s “A Few Figs from Thistles” is inspired by the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay and depicts moments of ephemeral beauty. The show will end with a collaborative piece by composer and CODE’s Artistic Director, Michael Rene Torres and poet and local arts leader, Dionne Custer Edwards. Their work, “because the road to tomorrow sounds like thunder” is a dramatic commentary of contemporary issues. We’re celebrating out 10th season with a bang! Parking is available on the street and in a lot adjoining the theater and is accessible through the ParkColumbus app.
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CONCERT #3
Stay On It
Friday, June 13th, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m.
Street Light Guild
1367 E Main Street, Columbus OH 43205
FREE
PROGRAM
Stay On It by Julius Eastman
MUSICIANS
Flute, Erin Helgeson Torres
Clarinet, Evan Lynch
Saxophone, Frankie Wantuch
Cello, Mary Davis
Piano, Stephanie Titus
Percussion, Joe Krygier
Conductor, Michael Rene Torres
CONCERT DESRIPTION
Considered one of Julius Eastman's most iconic works, "Stay On It" is a sonic expression of joy and yearning with a playful sense of exploration. Eastman's music is often considered to be experimental, organic, pop-influenced minimalism with heavy improvisatory and aleatoric elements that slowly evolve but which can suddenly shift with dramatic intensity. Every single performance of this work is completely different, so join CODE for what will be a one-of-a-kind journey! Guests will also be invited to enjoy Streetlight Guild’s upcoming art exhibit, GreaseNtheRoot: A Journey From The Front Porch by Tiffani Smith.
Voice of the Whale
Saturday, May 24th, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m.
Timashev Recital Hall @ Ohio State University
1900 College Rd, Columbus, OH 43210
FREE
PROGRAM
Pale Blue, Black Frame by Daniel Harrison
we quiver drowning in our breath by Robert McClure
Vox Balaenae by George Crumb
MUSICIANS
Flute, Erin Helgeson Torres
Clarinet, Justin Johnston
Saxophone, Michael Rene Torres
Violin, Devin Copfer
Cello, Sam Johnson
Piano, Stephanie Titus
Percussion, Joe Krygier
Conductor, Chris David Westover-Muñoz
CONCERT DESRIPTION
One of the most iconic and compelling works of the 20th century, George Crumb’s “Vox Balaenae” (Voice of the Whale) is a captivating experience not to be missed. Crumb creates an enchanting sound world with hauntingly beautiful melodies and a theatrical sense of wonder and fantasy. CODE programmed this work on our very first concert 10 years ago (in May of 2015) and we are thrilled to bring it back a decade later for our audience to enjoy anew. Athens, Ohio based composer, Robert McClure’s “we quiver drowning in our breath” (an original commission by CODE) is a powerful exploration of our ever-warming climate. It packs a punch and forces the listener to introspectively examine our central role in this process. “Pale Blue, Black Frame” by Cincinnati composer, Daniel Harrison is subtle and whimsical and is one of the first works CODE ever commissioned. Admission is free. Parking is available in Arps Garage which is a short walk to the Recital Hall.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CONCERT #2
Textures and Lines
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m.
Garden Theater @ Short North Stage
1187 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
FREE
PROGRAM
Jardin de Printemps by HyeKyung Lee
Textures and Lines by Matthew Kennedy
Parergon to Resonance by Thomas Wells
A Few Figs from Thistles by Cara Haxo
because the road to tomorrow sounds like thunder by Michael Rene Torres
MUSICIANS
Flute, Erin Helgeson Torres
Clarinet, Justin Johnston
Saxophone, Michael Rene Torres
Violin, Aaron Yarmel
Cello, Mary Davis
Piano, Stephanie Titus
Percussion, Joe Krygier
Conductor, Michael Rene Torres
CONCERT DESRIPTION
CODE returns for our 10th performance on the “New Music at Short North Stage” concert series sponsored by the Johnstone Fund for New Music. Our “Textures and Lines” show celebrates local creativity featuring living Ohio composers. “Jardin de Printemps” by HyeKyung Lee is a spirited, refreshing, and groovy work! Composer, Matthew Kennedy describes his work, “Textures and Lines” as an episodic conversation of gestures and vignettes, written during a dismally draining bout of pneumonia. “Parergon to Resonance” for saxophone and fixed media by Thomas Wells is a journey of lush sound colors. Cara Haxo’s “A Few Figs from Thistles” is inspired by the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay and depicts moments of ephemeral beauty. The show will end with a collaborative piece by composer and CODE’s Artistic Director, Michael Rene Torres and poet and local arts leader, Dionne Custer Edwards. Their work, “because the road to tomorrow sounds like thunder” is a dramatic commentary of contemporary issues. We’re celebrating out 10th season with a bang! Parking is available on the street and in a lot adjoining the theater and is accessible through the ParkColumbus app.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CONCERT #3
Stay On It
Friday, June 13th, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m.
Street Light Guild
1367 E Main Street, Columbus OH 43205
FREE
PROGRAM
Stay On It by Julius Eastman
MUSICIANS
Flute, Erin Helgeson Torres
Clarinet, Evan Lynch
Saxophone, Frankie Wantuch
Cello, Mary Davis
Piano, Stephanie Titus
Percussion, Joe Krygier
Conductor, Michael Rene Torres
CONCERT DESRIPTION
Considered one of Julius Eastman's most iconic works, "Stay On It" is a sonic expression of joy and yearning with a playful sense of exploration. Eastman's music is often considered to be experimental, organic, pop-influenced minimalism with heavy improvisatory and aleatoric elements that slowly evolve but which can suddenly shift with dramatic intensity. Every single performance of this work is completely different, so join CODE for what will be a one-of-a-kind journey! Guests will also be invited to enjoy Streetlight Guild’s upcoming art exhibit, GreaseNtheRoot: A Journey From The Front Porch by Tiffani Smith.
View past events here
