Columbus Symphony Orchestra (GA)

MISSION

"The mission of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra is to be recognized as a leading voice that uplifts, educates, and unites our community through music."

ABOUT THE CSO

Founded in 1855 as Georgia’s first ever symphony orchestra and the second symphony orchestra formed in the United States, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is one of the Chattahoochee Valley’s historic treasurers producing vibrant live concerts each season. Long recognized as one of the southeast’s finest musical ensembles, the CSO currently performs up to 12 concerts a season at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts ranging from classical masterwork concerts to contemporary pop favorites. We are the only professional orchestra within 50 miles of Columbus and we utilize up to 180 musicians each year. Out of those musicians, 60-70% live across the State representing 49 zip codes in Georgia. Our artistic payroll makes up the largest segment (approximately 50%) of our operating expenses each season.

The CSO focuses on community partnerships to provide opportunities and experiences to students in all surrounding regions to help further their music education. The CSO provides professional job opportunities for talented students studying at the nationally prominent Schwob School of Music to develop their musical skills. The CSO also works with local organizations such as Girls, Inc. and the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus to provide professional experiences that help build homegrown talent to retain the brightest workers in our community. In addition to its artistic programming, the CSO reaches out to at least 6,000 students through its in-school and after-school educational programming and school matinee performances.

EDUCATION OUTREACH PROGRAMS

The CSO’s educational programming plays a vital role to students in the Columbus metropolitan area and makes it possible for them to be involved with instrumental music, both as participants and listeners, at accessible and engaging activities tailored to their grade level standards.

In collaboration with the Columbus’ Crime Prevention Program, the CSO’s Making Music Matters Program provides free after-school group music instruction to underserved children within the Muscogee County School District. This program is designed to teach life skills through music to instill in them the skills of discipline, concentration, and team work necessary to be successful, not only in music but in life. All instruments, materials, and instructors are provided for free to the students and schools to eliminate economic barriers. Our current partners in this endeavor are Girl’s, Inc. of Columbus and Open Door Community House, Inc.

The Orchestra Up Close brings small groups of CSO musicians into local classrooms to perform and talk about their instruments allowing for an “up close” orchestral experience. Children have the opportunity to make observations, ask questions, and, most importantly, to touch and play the variety of instruments in the CSO “instrument petting zoo.” This program is available to schools throughout the region, and is presented to more than 2,000-3,000 children annually.

CSO Open Rehearsals take place during the daytime of our Saturday Masterworks and Legacy Hall concerts. With the performance hall doors open and the house lights on, it creates an informal setting that is welcoming to all. It is perfect for families with small children to gain exposure to the art form. It is also great for those who may not be able to sit long, are uncomfortable in the dark, unable to attend at night, cannot afford the evening ticket prices and many other barriers that prevent people from attending concerts. The CSO breaks the financial barrier by encouraging attendees to “pay what they want.” By allowing them to set the price, the Open Rehearsals eliminate hesitation and expose people who have not had the capabilities to partake in the music that is being created here in Columbus.

Led by Maestro George Del Gobbo, the CSO offers a pre-concert lecture series called Know the Score, which offers insight into the repertoire and the lives of the composers of upcoming concerts so that the audience knows what to listen for during the performance.