The Columbus Symphony Orchestra is pleased to present our season opening concert “Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto” on Saturday, September 16, 2017. The new season begins with a performance of Tchaikovsky’s ever-popular piano concerto by brilliant young pianist Yun-Chin Zhou. The program also includes Dvořák’s New World Symphony and Sibelius’ Finlandia. It’s a concert of top-ten classical favorites! Join us prior to the concert at 6:00 PM for a FREE champagne reception to kick off the new season.

Maestro George Del Gobbo comments, “This concert of tried and true classics features the brilliant young Chinese pianist Yun-Chin Zhou. He will devote his dazzling technique to a performance of Tchaikovsky's much-loved first piano concerto. The remainder of the concert features audience favorites by Dvořák and Sibelius, the New World Symphony and Finlandia respectively. If you are new to classical music,
this concert is a great way to begin your relationship. If you are already a classical music fan, it will be like a happy reunion of old friends.”

A native of Shenyang, China, soloist Yun-Chin Zhou, whose given name means pure melody, has been hailed as a "dashing virtuoso... complete with dazzling finger work and shapely phrasing" (Cleveland Plain Dealer). Mr. Zhou began his piano studies at the age of seven. From the age of 19, he studied at the Curtis Institute of Music with Gary Graffman and Robert McDonald, with whom he continues his studies at the Juilliard School.

“Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto” is presented by Sunny100, WLTZ, and Columbus Marriott.  On Friday, September 15th, the day prior to the concert, we will be hosting the first of our four Noteworthy Parties. Join us for our Meet the Musicians Mixer beginning at 6:00 PM in the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts’ 2nd Floor Gallery. Enjoy drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres as you get to know some of the greatest musical talent the Southeast has to offer. Following the party, all guests will be invited to attend a special viewing of rehearsal for “Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto”. You may even get a chance to watch from the stage! Tickets for this event are $35 and can be purchased at the RiverCenter Box Office or online at csoga.org/noteworthy.

On Saturday, September 16th, we will be hosting an Instrument Petting Zoo from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM in the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts lobby. Our Instrument Petting Zoo gives children (and curious adults) the opportunity to touch and play with musical instruments. This will precede our 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 looking for a “behind-thescenes” look into the ensemble. It is a great way to introduce your children to a live musical experience. Continuing the tradition, this informal and all-inclusive atmosphere is breaking the financial barrier by encouraging attendees to “pay what you want.” Audience members set their own prices to eliminate hesitation and allow new viewers to partake in the music being created by the CSO.

Attend “Know the Score” prior to the concert, at 6:30 PM in Studio Theatre. “Know the Score” is a casual pre-concert conversation with Music Director and Conductor George Del Gobbo sure to provide more insight into the repertoire on the evening’s concert.

Tickets are $5 to $38 and may be purchased at the RiverCenter Box Office, Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 5:30 PM or one hour prior to the performance (enter doors located on Broadway). Student tickets are available for $10. Tickets for children under 12 years of age are $5. For more information call the RiverCenter Box Office at 706.256.3612 or visit us online at www.csoga.org.