The Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) will perform a captivating evening of music on April 9th with Northern Lights 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. Maestro Del Gobbo transports us to a night in Scandinavia. From Morning Mood to In the Hall of the Mountain King, Grieg’s suite opens with a distinct Nordic flair followed by his flourishing piano concerto. Sibelius’ transcendent second symphony goes on to conclude the concert.
Music Director and Conductor, George Del Gobbo commented, “The summers are shorter, the winters long. Sometimes the sun hardly shines at all. For those of us who believe that one inch of snow is a major winter storm, appreciating what life must be like in Scandinavia is barely possible. However, the music of these countries invites us into their world, one filled with life and warmth and the triumph of the human spirit against all odds.”
Daniel Hsu will join the orchestra to perform Grieg's Concerto for Piano in A Minor, Op 16. Graduated from Curtis Institute of Music, Characterized by the Philadelphia Inquirer as a “poet…[with] an expressive edge to his playing that charms, questions, and coaxes,” Hsu is increasingly recognized for his easy virtuosity and bold musicianship. He captured the bronze medal and prizes for best performance of both the commissioned work and chamber music at the 2017 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, and is also a 2016 Gilmore Young Artist, first prize winner of the 2015 CAG Victor Elmaleh Competition, and bronze medalist of the 2015 Hamamatsu International Piano Competition.
On Saturday, April 9, 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.
Following the concert, the CSO will be serving cake and champagne in honor of Executive Director Eric M. Thomas for his nine years of outstanding leadership and service to the organization. Eric has been given an exciting life opportunity and will be relocating to Oregon in May.
Thomas joined the CSO in 2013 as the Operations Director and in 2017, he stepped into the position of Executive Director. He has served the organization as a humble but thoughtful leader. He sought to strengthen existing partnerships and develop new collaborations in the community to create additional opportunities for the orchestra and its musicians. His work to create a solid foundation for the CSO was most apparent as he led the organization through an unprecedented global pandemic through careful financial management and by developing a 3-year recovery plan in collaboration with Maestro George Del Gobbo.
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.
