The Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) will perform a captivating evening of music on March 26th with Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony presented by TSYS. The concert will begin at 7:30 PM and will be performed in the Bill Heard Theatre at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. This concert is perfect for the classical novice to the symphony aficionado.  

Music Director and Conductor, George Del Gobbo commented, “Ludwig van Beethoven believed that Napoléon Bonaparte was the symbol of a new European humanitarian belief system, one standing for freedom, democracy, and the rights of the individual. To that end he had decided to dedicate the symphony on which he was working on to his French idol. However, when Napoléon declared himself to be the emperor, Beethoven was totally disillusioned and withdrew the dedication, tearing up the title page of the manuscript. Later he rededicated the work to "the memory of a great man." His third symphony "Eroica" was Beethoven's favorite of his nine, and stands as one of the most influential symphonic works in the history of Western music.”

Pianist Dominic Cheli joins the orchestra to perform Beethoven’s Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 73, “The Emperor.” Cheli’s playing has been described as “...spontaneous yet perfect, the best of how a young person can play.” by Symphony Magazine. In 2017, he was named 1st prize winner of the Concert Artists Guild Competition in New York City. The piece is considered Beethoven’s greatest piano concerto and the last concerto that he would complete. Although Beethoven had written his four previous piano concertos for his own performance, he was too far into his hearing loss to perform this work with the orchestra so the piece was premiered by Carl Czerny. 

The concert ends with Beethoven’s heroic Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55, “Eroica.” This challenging and provoking symphony shocked its first audiences. Previously, Beethoven composed primarily in the Classical style, but Eroica incorporated new and interesting elements which led to the soon to be Romantic style. Although the symphony is not programmatic, it embedded the concept of the hero, using expanded symphonic structures, and is twice as long as his previous ones. With this work, Beethoven set a new template for composers to follow. 

On Saturday, March 26th, we will have 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-the-scenes” look into the ensemble. It is a great way to introduce young children to a live musical experience in a sensory-friendly environment. 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.

To enhance the concert experience, the CSO offers a pre-concert discussion with George Del Gobbo that gives insight into the composers and works being performed called Know the Score. Know the Score will occur in-person at 6:30 PM in Studio Theatre directly before the concert.  

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 $10-$39. 

Consistent with CDC recommendations, masking is optional in RiverCenter. RiverCenter employees will continue to wear masks while interacting with the public. The theater and all public areas are sanitized after each performance. Persons experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with anyone who tested positive within the past 15 days are discouraged from entering the facility. RiverCenter will continue to provide masks for members of the audience who would like to use a mask for any performance.

The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, formed in 1855, is the second orchestra founded in the nation and the first founded in Georgia. The CSO, under the direction of George Del Gobbo, has long been considered one of the Southeast’s premier musical ensembles. The CSO’s performance venue at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Legacy Hall, seats 424 patrons and provides a state-of-the-art visual and acoustic experience. For more information about the CSO visit our website at csoga.org.