The Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) presents their special Friday-night season finale “Beethoven & Liszt” on April 11, 2025. The concert will begin at 7:30 PM and will be performed in the Bill Heard Theatre at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. 

Music Director and Conductor, George Del Gobbo comments, “Beethoven was the king of the symphony; Liszt the emperor of the piano. The reasons for both of these notions can be heard as the CSO presents Beethoven's glorious Seventh Symphony and a Liszt Piano Concerto (No. 1) which demonstrates what you might be doing on the instrument if only you hadn't quit in high school…”

The CSO begins the evening with Beethoven’s dark and stormy Coriolanus Overture. Written in 1807, this work served as incidental music for a play by Heinrich Joseph von Collin and explores themes of tragedy, pride, and vengeance.

Next is the return of award-winning pianist and Columbus-favorite Henry Kramer as he takes on the impressive Piano Concerto No. 1 by Franz Liszt. A musician of rare sensitivity, Kramer is praised by The Cleveland Classical Review for his “astonishingly confident technique” and The New York Times for “thrilling [and] triumphant” performances.

Intermission is followed by Beethoven’s energetic and almost dancing Symphony No. 7. Unlike some of Beethoven’s more dramatic symphonies, this exuberant work is filled with irresistible forward motion and a sense of unshakable optimism, even in its darker moments. 

On Friday, April 11, 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), and Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM. Single ticket prices range from $10-$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.

“Beethoven & Liszt” is also a highlighted event of ARTSFEST, a month-long festival celebrating Columbus, Georgia's rich creative talent and the many arts organizations striving to captivate and inspire diverse audiences of all ages every day. The festival will run April 1-30, 2025. ARTSFEST will encompass more than 60 events from 30+ organizations presented throughout the month of April, include more than 100 local artists, and feature a community-wide celebration on April 27 from Noon-5PM at Arts in the Park in Lakebottom Park.