The Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) presents “Beethoven’s Fifth” on February 10, 2024. Thisdynamic, star-studded concert is a must-see event featuring a Grammy-winning guitarist and one of the most famous symphonies ever written. The concert will begin at 7:30 PM and will be performed in the Bill Heard Theatre at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. 

The program opens with “Coqueteos,” the flirtatious final movement from Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout. This colorful piece for string orchestra, composed by Gabriela Lena Frank, creatively depicts the sights and sounds of Andean folk culture through the means of modern Western instruments.

Grammy-award winning classical guitarist Jason Vieaux joins the CSO to perform Concierto de Aranjuez by Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo. Vieaux has been praised for his performances of the beloved Rodrigo and his concerto, an expression of old-world Spanish charm. His musical skills are described by Gramophone as “among the elite of today’s guitarists.

The final piece is the immortal Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 by German composer Ludwig van Beethoven. The opening notes may be iconic, but have you heard this glorious symphony from beginning to end? Don’t miss the live performance of this beloved classic that has stood the test of time.

Music Director and Conductor, George Del Gobbo commented, “Beethoven built a reputation for writing music that expressed stormy passion and conflict. The Fifth Symphony represents the epitome of that fact.  Its perceived battle against Fate and the resulting triumphant resolution and victory of man over circumstance has made this, perhaps, the most famous, often-played symphony ever. At the opposite end of the emotional spectrum you'll find the most famous guitar concerto (Concierto de aranjuez by Roldrigo), and a delightful romp through the Andes by Californian composer Gabriela Lena Frank.”