The Columbus Symphony Orchestra is pleased to present Beethoven’s Ninth on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. attend Know the Score, a pre-concert conversation with Music Director and Conductor George Del Gobbo about the music being performed during the concert in the Studio Theatre.

The 7:30 p.m. concert will feature four vocalists: Leah Partridge, Phyllis Pancella, Richard Clement and Reginald Smith Jr.. The concert will also include choirs from Columbus State University, Auburn University, and LaGrange College.

CSO Music Director and Conductor George Del Gobbo commented, “Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 is one of the cornerstone pieces of the orchestral repertoire. It is, at the same time, the culmination of everything musical, which had preceded it, and the foundation upon which the future of the symphony, as a form, would be constructed.  It is as vital and profound an expression of the human condition today as it was when it was written almost two hundred years ago.  Because of its technical demands and the large number of musicians involved, both instrumentalists and vocalists, it is not performed as often as Beethoven's other symphonies.  I hope the community will embrace this rare opportunity to hear this great piece, Beethoven's final symphony, which concludes with his setting of Schiller's "Ode to Joy", a cry for social change, emotional hope, and universal brotherhood.”

Beethoven’s Ninth is presented by Pezold Management Associates, 103.7 Litefm, Boomer 95.3, Columbus Marriot, GA-Bama The CW and WLTZ.

Tickets are $5 to $36 and may be purchased at the RiverCenter Box Office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or one hour prior to the performance (enter doors located on Broadway side under covered drive to visit the box office). Student tickets are available for $10. Tickets for children under 12 years of age are $5. For more information call the CSO office at 706.323.5059 or visit us online at www.csoga.org.

S’MORES – (Final Dress Rehearsal) for this concert is on Saturday October 24, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. We encourage attendance from members of the community who are unable to attend the concert or are looking to experience the orchestra. For the first time, this informal and all-inclusive atmosphere is breaking the financial barrier by encouraging attendees to “pay what you want.” Audience members will set their own prices to eliminate hesitation and expose people who have not had the capabilities to partake in the music being created by the CSO. For more information visit csoga.org or call (706) 256-3645.