CSO Presents “Beethoven and The Scottish”
COLUMBUS, GA - April 17th, 2023 - The Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) presents “Beethoven and The Scottish” on May 13th, 2023. This concert features Felix Mendelssohn’s third symphony known as the “Scottish” because it reflects Scotland, its climate, and its culture. Pianist and former Schwob School of Music professor Henry Kramer returns to Columbus to perform Beethoven’s fourth piano concerto replacing Claire Huangci. 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 CSO’s 2023-2024 concert season will also be announced as part of the evening’s event.
Music Director and Conductor, George Del Gobbo commented, “Something has changed. Claire Huangci, the scheduled guest pianist for the CSO's May 13 concert has been forced to withdraw because of a hand injury. We are pleased to announce that former Schwob School of Music professor, and Columbus favorite, Henry Kramer will take her place. So, new pianist, same wonderful orchestra, same Beethoven and Mendelssohn, same world-class hall....and you. See you then.”
The concert opens with Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 performed by pianist Henry Kramer. The piece is described as magical and intimate with fluid dialogue between solo piano and the orchestra. Beethoven dedicated the concerto to his friend, student, and patron, the Archduke Rudolph of Austria. Kramer is reputable for his rare sensitivity combining stylish programming with insightful and exuberant interpretations.
The CSO closes the concert and the season with Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3, “The Scottish.” Mendelssohn traveled extensively throughout Europe and wrote about these wanderings in many of his greatest compositions. He was a lover of the British Isles and was inspired to write the symphony by a visit to Scotland in 1829.
On Saturday, May 13, 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.
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About the Columbus Symphony Orchestra
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, formed in 1855, is the second orchestra founded in the nation and the first founded in Georgia. The CSO, under the direction of George Del Gobbo, has long been considered one of the Southeast’s premier musical ensembles. The CSO’s performance venue at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Bill Heard Theatre, seats 2,000 patrons and provides a state-of-the-art visual and acoustic experience. For more information about the CSO, visit our website at csoga.org.
About Henry Kramer, piano
Praised by The Cleveland Classical Review for his “astonishingly confident technique” and The New York Times for “thrilling [and] triumphant” performances, pianist Henry Kramer is developing a reputation as a musician of rare sensitivity who combines stylish programming with insightful and exuberant interpretations. In 2016, he garnered international recognition with a Second Prize win in the Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels. Most recently, he was awarded a 2019 Avery Fisher Career Grant by Lincoln Center – one of the most coveted honors bestowed on young American soloists. He received his Doctorate of Musical Arts from the Yale School of Music under the guidance of Boris Berman. His teachers trace a pedagogical lineage extending back to Beethoven, Chopin and Busoni. Kramer is a Steinway Artist.