“FOUR GUITARS… ONE CONCERT!”

COLUMBUS, GA, January 14, 2018 - The Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is pleased to present “Las Guitarras” on Saturday, January 26, 2019. Are four guitars better than one? I'll say! Joaquín Rodrigo's tuneful Spanish concerto for four guitars will feature visiting guest artists the Texas Guitar Quartet. Rodrigo was a prolific composer of Spanish music, so much so that he was given the title First Marquis of the Gardens of Aranjuez by the Spanish king himself. This flavorful concerto will be flanked by the greatest music for strings ever written, Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis by Ralph Vaughan Williams, as well as Tchaikovsky's moving and profound "Pathétique" Symphony No. 6. This was Tchaikovsky’s final composition, premiering a week before his death. This concert will be filled with gorgeous music with drama and emotion. Formed in 2009, the Texas Guitar Quartet (TxGQ) has been hailed as “Impeccable in every respect” by Classical Guitar Magazine. Throughout the United States, Central America, Spain, and China, audiences have embraced the quartet for their daring programs, dazzling virtuosity and joyful music making. Recent highlights include performances for the Encuentro Internacional de Guitarra 2016 (Nicaragua), Victoria Bach Festival, Guitar Foundation of America Convention, Festival Internacional del Noreste (Mexico), and Texas Music Festival. During the summer of 2015, the quartet presented a series of concerts in historic cathedrals along the Camino de Santiago, Spain. The TxGQ features Isaac Bustos, Jay Kacherski, Alejandro Montiel, and Joseph Palmer. “Las Guitarras” is presented by Aflac, Circa Craft Cocktails, Uptown Wine & Spirits, Columbus Marriott, the Columbus Cultural Arts Alliance, Visit Columbus GA, HooKnows, and Troy Public Radio. Enhance the evening experience with an exclusive pre-concert event! On Saturday, January 26th from 6:00 – 7:00 PM, prior to the concert, enjoy our Trivia & Tapas Party at Circa Craft Cocktails (across the street from the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts). Join us for some brain-puzzling trivia questions, complimentary appetizers provided by Circa Craft Cocktails, and signature drinks provided by Uptown Wine & Spirits. Entrance to the party is FREE with your concert ticket. To register yourself and/or your team for the party, visit csoga.org/preconcertevents or call Marketing Director Kristen Hudson at (706) 256-3645. On Saturday, January 26th, we will have our Open 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

CONTACT: Kristen Hudson CSO Marketing

706.256.3645 (direct line) 706.323.7051 (fax)

Email: marketing@csoga.org Website: www.csoga.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

or looking for a “behind-the-scenes” look into the ensemble. It is a great way to introduce young children to a live musical experience in a sensory-friendly environment. 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. Prior to our Open Rehearsal, join us in the RiverCenter lobby at 10:30 AM for FREE kids’ activities provided by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and the Columbus Museum with the help of Big Dog Fleet Feet. Children will have the opportunity to build their own guitars out of recycled materials and to craft necklaces out of old guitar picks. Attend Know the Score at 6:30 PM in Studio Theatre. Know the Score is a casual pre-concert conversation with Music Director and Conductor George Del Gobbo that provides insight into the repertoire on the evening’s concert. Tickets are $20-$39 for adults, $10 for students, and $5 for children (ages 5-12). They can be purchased at the RiverCenter Box Office, Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 5:30 PM or one hour prior to the performance (enter doors located on Broadway). For more information call the RiverCenter Box Office at 706.256.3612 or visit us online at www.csoga.org. 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 visit csoga.org or call (706) 256-3645.

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