The Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) presents “Joy of the Italian Baroque” on October 19, 2024. Enjoy a delightful evening featuring the sunny works of Italian masters Vivaldi, Corelli, Albinoni, and more - all within the intimacy of the beautiful Legacy Hall at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. The concert will begin at 7:30 PM and includes an Italian reception during intermission featuring prosecco and Italian desserts. 

Music Director and Conductor, George Del Gobbo commented, “To this day, all across northern Europe folks look to the south, especially Italy, for a dose of sunshine and happiness at any time of year. I feel the same way about Italian Baroque music. Performing it brings a smile to my face and makes me feel happy all over. I'll bet it will do the same for you.”

The concert opens with Arcangelo Corelli’s Concerto Grosso, Op. 6, No. 1. Corelli was one of the most popular composers of the Baroque era and was responsible for standardizing many common Baroque compositional forms. Next is Concerto Grosso, Op. 3, No. 1 by Italian composer Francesco Onofrio Manfredini, many of whom’s works have unfortunately been lost. 

The next three composers on the program were all born and led careers in the great city of Venice. Antonio Vivaldi’s Sinfonia in C, RV114 is followed by opera composer Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni’s Concerto Grosso, Op. 5, No. 7. After a thirty-minute intermission and reception, the CSO returns to complete the trio of Venetian composers with a lovely Canzona by Giovanni Gabrieli.

Next is Concerto Grosso in G minor, Op. 3, No. 2 by Italian violinist and composer Francesco Geminiani who studied violin with Corelli and later established his career in London. The evening closes with Sinfonia in B Minor, RV169 (al Santo Sepolcro) by Vivaldi and another delightful concerto grosso from Corelli’s Opus 6 collection, Concerto Grosso in G minor, Op. 6, No. 4.

On Saturday, October 19, the CSO will present an Open Dress Rehearsal beginning at 2:30 PM. Please note the difference from our usual start time. 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) and Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM (at the external Broadway ticket window). The single ticket price to a Legacy Hall Series concert is $50. Student rush discounts are available in person at the RiverCenter Box Office one hour before the Legacy Hall concert starts. Children ages 4 and under are not admitted to the concert but are encouraged to attend Open Dress Rehearsals. For questions, call 706-256-3612.