The Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) presents “Beethoven’s Eighth” on January 7th, 2023. Hear the vivacious and quirky Eighth Symphony, music for oboe and strings by Vaughan Williams performed by CSO principal oboist Erica Howard, and a lively work by young, African-American composer Jessie Montgomery. The concert will begin at 7:30 PM EST and will be performed in the Bill Heard Theatre at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.

Music Director and Conductor, George Del Gobbo commented, “Our January 7th concert features three distinctly different works. It moves from the unabashed exuberance of Jessie Montgomery's "Strum" through the lyrical playfulness of Vaughan Williams’ "Concerto for Oboe and Strings" to finally arrive at the Beethoven symphony which the composer called "my little eighth".”

The concert opens with Jessie Montgomery’s Strum. Drawing on American folk idioms and the spirit of dance and movement, the piece has a kind of narrative that begins with fleeting nostalgia and transforms into ecstatic celebration. Montgomery is a young, African-American composer known for her work with the Sphinx Organization, a non-profit that supports young African American and Latino string players.

CSO principal oboist Erica Howard steps out in front of the stage to perform Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Concerto for Oboe and Strings. The piece utilizes the warm, luxurious sound of the oboe to evoke the emotion and spirit of the English countryside. Howard has been a member of the CSO since 2011. They also perform with a number of ensembles including the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony, Atlanta Opera, Chattanooga Symphony, and Cayuga Chamber Orchestra.

The CSO closes the concert with Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93. This symphony was one of Beethoven’s favorites although the piece initially got overshadowed by the Seventh Symphony when it first premiered. When a student of his asked why the Eighth was less popular than the Seventh, Beethoven responded, “because the Eighth is so much better.” The piece is described as light and humorous utilizing musical jokes and a range of dynamics for the composer’s own amusement.

On Saturday, January 7, 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 interested in a “behind-the-scenes” look into the ensemble. It is a great way to introduce young 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.

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 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 $10-$40. 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.