This Saturday, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra continues their 2021-22 Season with a concert entitled The Greats: Beethoven & Schubert. The performance will begin at 7:30 PM in Heard Theatre at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.
Not sure about the symphony? Still think it's just some boring event your grandmother made you go to decades ago? With all due respect, you're wrong. And you're really missing out! We get it. A night at the symphony is not on everyone's radar. Over the past several years, we've had more than a handful of people reach out with questions and (typically misinformed) pre-conceived notions about attending. Things like "I have nothing to wear..." or "I know nothing about classical music..." and our personal favorite "I don't want to be the youngest person there..." (Spoiler: You won't be!)
Please trust us. Seeing a symphony live is something everyone should experience at least once. Why? It's simple, really. Here are our Top 5 Reasons to Attend the Symphony this Weekend, and a few tips to know before you go!
Photo by Spencer Imbrock
ONE: Listening to Classical Music Has Been Proven to Enrich Your Health
There's a reason doctors recommend playing classical music for babies. Music has been proven to have positive effects on many aspects of overall health including but not limited to improved mental wellness, reducing blood pressure, memory retention, stress relief, and improved sleep. Why not give it a try?
TWO: The Featured Artist is a World Famous Violinist
Saturday's concert will feature Benjamin Beilman, recipient of the Borletti-Buitoni Trust Fellowship, Avery Fisher Career Grant, and London Music Masters Award. If you're new to the genre, those are some MAJOR accomplishments to have on your resume.
Beilman is exceptional, and he'll be playing Beethoven’s masterful violin Concerto for Violin in D Major, Op. 61. Trust us, this is the perfect concert to see live — especially if classical music isn't in your normal rotation. Beilman will keep your attention and leave you wanting more.
Image by Stefan Ruiz via CSO
THREE: Hear the Second Oldest Orchestra in the Nation
It's come to our attention that many locals don't realize Columbus is home to the second oldest orchestra in America. The Columbus Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1855 by Mendelssohn’s student, Herman S. Saroni. You read that right, our hometown orchestra pre-dates the Civil War. Though it disbanded during the Civil War and both World Wars, it always came back during times of peace. In the 1970s, it was officially developed into a professional orchestra and employs as many as 90 musicians per concert.
FOUR: It's Safe!
The CSO plays at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts whose COVID-19 safety protocols are in accordance with recommended guidelines from local and state officials, the CDC, and the DPH (Department of Public Health). For more information on RiverCenter's current safety protocols, click here.
FIVE: Share the Experience with Someone You Love
After enduring a global pandemic, it's no secret everyone could use a night out. Treat your date, family member, or friend to a new experience you can share together. Make it an evening by grabbing dinner before the concert and/or a cocktail afterward. It'll be an occasion to remember!
More to Know
Attire: Symphony concerts usually carry an array of different dress levels from casual to semi-formal so you can be comfortable enjoying the evening’s performance. Most people will be wearing business clothes or slightly dressy casual clothes, but you’ll see everything from khakis to cocktail dresses. Some people enjoy dressing up and making a special night of it, and you can, too! (Source: CSOGA.org)
The Mobile App: Last season, the CSO unveiled a new app that lets you view their season, purchase tickets, and even see the musical scores! Click here to download.