The Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) presents “Shostakovich & Brahms” on January 20, 2024. The concert will begin at 7:30 PM and will be performed in the Bill Heard Theatre at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. 

First on the program is Psalm and Fugue, Op. 40a by Armenian-American composer Alan Hovhaness. This stately piece for string orchestra sings with moving lines reminiscent of Renaissance vocal music.

Next is Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Major, Op. 102featuring the return of pianist Dominic Cheli. Cheli’s playing has been described by Symphony Magazine as “spontaneous yet perfect, the best of how a young person can play.” Shostakovich’s quirky and delightful concerto is famous for its stunningly beautiful second movement. 

Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73 by German composer Johannes Brahms concludes the evening. Brahms waited long into his career to write symphonies due to perfectionism. His Second Symphony - a pastoral masterpiece overflowing with lyricism - was worth the wait. 

Music Director and Conductor, George Del Gobbo sums up the program: “The mysticism of Alan Hovhaness, Shostakovich with a smile, and a Brahms symphony filled with glorious melodies.  Pianist Dominic Cheli joins the CSO as we wink and grin our way through an evening of delight.”

On Saturday, January 20, 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 are interested in a “behind-the-scenes” look into the ensemble. It is a great way to introduce young children to a live musical experience. In this informal and all-inclusive atmosphere, audience members are given the option of “paying what they want” by providing a donation or attending for free. You set the price! 

To enhance the concert experience, the CSO offers a pre-concert discussion with Maestro 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 $12-$42. 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.