The Odyssey Chamber Music Series, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Odyssey was founded in 2004 by clarinetist Carina L.N. Washington and Edward S. Rollins, the Music Director of the First Baptist Church. Before the first season was initiated, Carina moved to Memphis with her husband Lecolion. Her position was timely filled by her friend, pianist Ayako Tsuruta, who continues as Artistic Director this season.
Music lovers were immediately drawn to the variety of the program and the outstanding performances that took place in the reflective atmosphere of First Baptist Church. The sanctuary is designed specifically with musical performances in mind, and it provides an ideal space for chamber music. In less than a year, the audience doubled in number by the end of the Odyssey’s Inaugural Season.
The Odyssey Chamber Music Series is committed to presenting masterpieces of chamber music repertoire that span over four centuries, in mixed ensembles of all instruments. Odyssey hopes to cultivate interest in quality classical music performances through innovative programming involving professional local performers as well as guest artists from outside the community. The organization also hopes to educate audiences and the next generation of performers through program notes, pre-concert lectures, and student performances.
Chamber music involves musicians joining together to create a performance greater than each individual contribution. The Odyssey Chamber Music Series hopes to share this model of community with Columbia through the shared experience of great performances of great music - shared musical journeys.
Board of Directors
~ Executive Director ~
Edward S. Rollins
Associate Pastor & Music Director
First Baptist Church of Columbia
~ Artistic Director ~
Ayako Tsuruta
Pianist & Artistic Director
Odyssey Chamber Music Series
Plowman Chamber Music Competition
~ President ~
Dr. Peter Miyamoto
Associate Professor of Piano
MU School of Music
~ Vice President ~
To Be Announced
~ Secretary ~
Dr. William J. Lackey
Assistant Teaching Professor of Composition
Managing Director of the Mizzou New Music Initiative
MU School of Music
~ Treasurer ~
Betsey Shay
Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
Stephens College
Dr. Gary Coles
Adjunct Professor of Marketing
Trulaske College of Business
University of Missouri
Alice K. Dade
Assistant Professor of Flute
MU School of Music
Jonathan Kuuskoski
Assistant Teaching Professor
Director of Entrepreneurship and Community Programs
MU School of Music
