The Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) presents their season finale “Tchaikovsky & Friends” on April 20, 2024. The concert will begin at 7:30 PM and will be performed in the Bill Heard Theatre at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. 

The program opens with In the Steppes of Central Asia by Russian composer and research chemist Alexander Borodin, a member of The Mighty Five Russian composers of the 1800s who helped develop a distinct Russian nationalistic style of music. This symphonic poem paints an evocative scene of a Russian caravan traveling through Central Asia. 

Next is Prokofiev’s masterful Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major, Op. 26performed by Canadian pianist Katherine Chi. With her energy, character, and spunk, Chi’s previous performances have been described as “... the most sensational but, better, the most unfailingly cogent and compelling Prokofiev’s Third I have heard in years.”

After intermission, the CSO returns with the triumphant Symphony No. 5 in E Minor, Op. 64 by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This magnificent, lyrical masterpiece provides the perfect ending to a fantastic 2023-24 season. 

Music Director and Conductor, George Del Gobbo commented, “Tchaikovsky was the dominant voice of a group of composers who faced a critical question: Should music in Russia continue to strive to adopt and flourish under the influence of western European aesthetics?  Or should it embrace the strong nationalism and emphasis on Russian history and folk culture that was current at the time.  Tchaikovsky, in the minority, chose the former path (even though his music occasionally included elements of the latter). No matter, his work is supremely popular to this day, riding on a wave of lush Romanticism, lyricism, and unbridled passion.”

“Tchaikovsky & Friends” is also a highlight event as part of ArtsFest in Columbus, Georgia, a month-long celebration of the city’s rich creative talent and many arts organizations striving to captivate and inspire diverse audiences of all ages every day. The festival encompasses more than 60 events from 30+ organizations presented throughout the month of April, including more than 100 local artists, and features the first annual ArtsFest Block Party on April 20 from 9AM-Noon on grounds of the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.

Following the ArtsFest Block Party on Saturday, April 20, the CSO will present an Open Dress Rehearsal beginning at 12:30 PM. We encourage attendance from all members of the community, including those who are unable to attend the evening concert or are interested in a “behind-the-scenes” look into the ensemble. It is a great way to introduce young children to a live musical experience. In this informal and all-inclusive atmosphere, audience members are given the option of “paying what they want” by providing a donation or attending for free. You set the price! 

To enhance the concert experience, the CSO offers a pre-concert discussion with Maestro George Del Gobbo that gives insight into the composers and works being performed called Know the Score. Know the Score occurs at 6:30 PM in Studio Theatre directly before the concert and admission is included with the purchase of a concert ticket.

Tickets can be purchased online at csoga.org/tickets or in person at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts located at 900 Broadway, Columbus, GA. Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 5:30 PM (Broadway entrance). Single ticket prices range from $12-$42. Senior, military, educator and student discounts are available in person or by calling 706-256-3612. Children ages 4 and under are not admitted to the concert but are encouraged to attend Open Dress Rehearsals.