Dear Friends, 2021 was a tough year. We attempted to open but the pandemic was unforgiving, until mid-Summer in Missouri. We managed to stay open with mask requirements. 6 months later, we will likely continue to be masked, at least a few more months. I applaud all the musicians for keeping brave optimism alive by relentlessly continuing to practice their art. I also applaud all of YOU, even louder, for your support for the local artists, many who are your friends and neighbors.  Past photos make Odyssey look unaffected. But we had no audiences for the first half of 2021, our videograp ..read more

Enjoy the lively conversation with Odyssey director Ayako Tsuruta and composer Fred Onovwerosuoke about his Two Piano Sonata No. 3 that is actually composed for a symphony. "Raging River Dance" is colorful and catchy, it also appears in his other works, as Piano Etude No. 24. =  ​ The journey of getting acquainted with African art music and learning FredO's energetic two-piano sonata has been a wonderful experience to say the least. While Peter Miyamoto and I toil to bring the last movement up to speed, I am reminded of the time Hungarian composer Bartók was inspired by and infused ..read more

When one lives in a small community like Columbia, Missouri, finer details you contribute are much appreciated - especially the arts. We are also incredibly lucky to be living in a community filled with dynamic individuals as Diana Moxon, David Spear and Joy Powell. I am not only humbled to be included in this conversation with Diana, but also immensely grateful that she brought me together with composer Fred Onovwerosuoke whose two-piano Sonata No. 3 I will perform next week at Odyssey. Find out the details of Fred's incredible work before you enjoy it LIVE, in-person concert - FREE ADMISSION ..read more

Odyssey is very fortunate to have the support of First Baptist Church of Columbia, which continues to be our home for the next Season 18! In a time of isolation during this pandemic, we recognize that the need for music and musicians in our lives, here in our community, has never been greater.  We hope you can still enjoy our performances on YouTube videos FOR FREE by subscribing to "OdysseyPlowman ." The livestream videos are available for one week only, after which they may be available from time to time. Great news!  "Vox Nova" on May 30 is fully open to the ..read more

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Summer is Odyssey's off-season, but we are very busy preparing for our next season amidst so much uncertainty during this global pandemic. Our goal is to make a formal announcement of our Season 17, while keeping the safety of our audiences and musicians in mind. In the meantime, enjoy a live stream concert on July 19, Sunday 2:30pm featuring tenor Kyle Stegall and violinist Holly Piccoli with Odyssey director, pianist Ayako Tsuruta. This is a fundraiser concert for Room at the Inn (RATI) in Columbia, which First Baptist Church of Columbia also assists in the winter. While we have our own fun ..read more

Newsletter:   https://conta.cc/2UeyvWt June 5, 2020 Dear Odyssey Families and Friends,   Thank you for joining us in Season 16. I hope you enjoyed Vox Nova’s performances on video, posted on our website last weekend. As we officially wrap up this season, we look forward to hopefully seeing you in the fall.   As many of you are aware, the recent health crisis has placed racial and socioeconomic inequity in the spotlight. The COVID-19 pandemic has been decimating Native Americans, as well as countless Americans of all colors – but notably African Americans.   To ad ..read more

This Sunday would have been Vox Nova's 3rd and final concert as Odyssey's Ensemble-in-Residence. We are working to reschedule this postponed concert - in hopes that we will be able to get together in May 2021.  Here is Vox Nova's performance at Odyssey's Season 12. The video begins with more excited Lieberman's last "Elizabethan Songs." For Vox Nova's signature performance, go to 1:15 for Tallis' "O Nata Lux." Visit odysseymissouri.org/programs.html to revisit Vox Nova performances from Season 12 and 15. Then, consider donating to Odyssey so that we can continue to celebrate ..read more

Dear Odyssey Friends- What an extraordinary times we are living in. COVID-19 pandemic has rattled everyone and everything around the world.  For free-lancing musicians, this pandemic has been devastating. I thought well established organizations like the Metropolitan Opera or Los Angeles Philharmonic would remain invincible, and did not imagine that its (temporary) closure would be caused by an illness. I am also painfully aware that all this talk is privileged, compared to the poorest communities, here in Columbia and in other countries around the world, where keeping a distance of 6 ..read more

Season 14 wrapped up with Vox Nova as our featured Season Finale ensemble on June 3 - and just realizing only now that I had neglected posting 'Blogs' at all this past season, however sporadically I have in the past.  Thank you for sharing with us another spectacular season! We had a great turn out of audiences and musicians alike, and certainly a wonderful variety of world class chamber music. Please plan to join us for Season 15! We kick off the season with a special presentation and production of the musical segment beginning with field/work songs all the way to the arranged sp ..read more