The Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) presents “Remembering…” on March 18th, 2023. This concert finds its inspiration in our desire to remember: a departed loved one, a bittersweet history, and a gallery of dear friends. Award-winning violinist Stella Chen joins the CSO to perform Corigliano’s music composed for the film The Red Violin. Enigmatic pieces by Edward Elgar and American female composer Margaret Brouwer complete the concert. The concert will begin at 7:30 PM and will be performed in the Bill Heard Theatre at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. 

The concert opens with Remembrances by female composer Margaret Brouwer. This tone poem is an elegy and a tribute to Robert Stewart who was a musician, composer, sailor and loved one. Beginning with an expression of grief and sorrow, the music evolves into a musical portrait, full of warm memories, love and admiration, and images of sailing. 

Award-winning violinist Stella Chen joins the CSO to perform John Corigliano’s The Red Violin: Chaconne for Violin and Orchestra, which was written for the film of the same name. The film spans three centuries in the life of a magnificent but haunted violin in its travels through space and time. Stella Chen garnered worldwide attention with her first-prize win at the 2019 Queen Elizabeth International Violin Competition, followed by the 2020 Avery Fisher Career Grant and 2020 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award.

The CSO closes the concert with Edward Elgar’s Variations on an Original Theme “Enigma,” popularly known as the “Enigma Variations.” This piece started as a humorous work but expanded into deep seriousness. It contains musical sketches in the form of variations that serve as brief musical portraits of a close friend of the Elgars or of themselves. 

On Saturday, March 18, 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.