Worthington Area
Symphony Orchestra
presents
Roll Over Beethoven
featuring
Charlie Albright
Saturday, November 14, 2026 - 7:00 P.M.
Adult: $15 Student $5
Adult: $15 Student $5
The Worthington Area Symphony Orchestra celebrates milestones and musical legends in an exhilarating concert November 14, 2026. The legends of Ludwig van Beethoven and Charlie Albright plus the milestone of a century old Steinway structure the production.
The November 14 concert opens boldly as WASO presents Consecration of the House Overture composed by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) honoring his legacy as we approach the 200th anniversary of his death. Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 is then the musical centerpiece as Charlie Albright takes the stage with the orchestra's area musicians. Considered to be the last and grandest of Beethoven's piano works, this concerto earned the name Emperor from early period publishers and concert attendees who considered it to be the "emperor" of all piano concertos. The masterpiece presents a musical conversation between piano and orchestra through the sparkling, bold, dreamy, and joyful musical themes in it's 3 movements. The presentation of this amazing work with a world renowned pianist is a nod to the legendary composer, Ludwig van Beethoven, as a lasting legacy nearly 200 years after his death on March 26,1827. Charlie Albright, himself a contemporary legend, will bring the Beethoven work to life.
As a child prodigy, Charlie Albright appeared nationally in his childhood and early development, receiving numerous Young Artist awards. Charlie's reputation reaches international levels with performances across the world and collaboration with such legendary artists as Yo-Yo Ma and Harry Connick Jr. His performance of classical literature, improvisational moments, and personal compositions earn praise from national publications including The Washington Post who hails him as "among the most gifted musicians of his generation" with a "dazzling natural keyboard affinity". Charlie is an officially recognized "Steinway Artist." This prestigious title is awarded by Steinway & Sons to select concert pianists who choose to perform exclusively on Steinway pianos.
Charlie's contributions for WASO's second act include A Liberace Medley & Silver Bells with the orchestra, an audience interactive improvisation, and Jerry Lee Lewis' Great Balls of Fire. Each piece spotlights Charlie's outstanding musicianship and audience connection. WASO will bookend this set with 2 holiday classics: Polar Express & Christmas Carol Sing-Along. If the audience and musicians are fortunate, those numbers could include Albright contributions as well.
Charlie partners in these musical adventures with the Memorial Auditorium's legendary Steinway grand piano. WASO proudly calls the Auditorium "home" and often includes the instrument in performances. Charlie performed on it in 2019 as part of a concert series. The piano celebrates more than a century of grand performances being built in 1906 and refurbished in 1996. A legendary artist and composer, the milestone of a Steinway piano, and the contributions of dedicated area musicians will connect with music lovers from many communities.
Celebrating a 17th season of music-making, this concert is sure to please musicians of all levels - young to old, beginner to expert. WASO is pleased to offer area music lovers a seasonal performance of classical, contemporary, and ageless music featuring musical legends and musical milestones. The closer for this holiday concert features Christmas Carol Sing-Along written by local composer Dan Goeller. This piece has become a tradition that WASO audiences anticipate to usher in a new holiday season.
The Roll Over Beethoven! theme for WASO's holiday concert on November 14, 2026 will surely grab your attention.
The November 14 concert opens boldly as WASO presents Consecration of the House Overture composed by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) honoring his legacy as we approach the 200th anniversary of his death. Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 is then the musical centerpiece as Charlie Albright takes the stage with the orchestra's area musicians. Considered to be the last and grandest of Beethoven's piano works, this concerto earned the name Emperor from early period publishers and concert attendees who considered it to be the "emperor" of all piano concertos. The masterpiece presents a musical conversation between piano and orchestra through the sparkling, bold, dreamy, and joyful musical themes in it's 3 movements. The presentation of this amazing work with a world renowned pianist is a nod to the legendary composer, Ludwig van Beethoven, as a lasting legacy nearly 200 years after his death on March 26,1827. Charlie Albright, himself a contemporary legend, will bring the Beethoven work to life.
As a child prodigy, Charlie Albright appeared nationally in his childhood and early development, receiving numerous Young Artist awards. Charlie's reputation reaches international levels with performances across the world and collaboration with such legendary artists as Yo-Yo Ma and Harry Connick Jr. His performance of classical literature, improvisational moments, and personal compositions earn praise from national publications including The Washington Post who hails him as "among the most gifted musicians of his generation" with a "dazzling natural keyboard affinity". Charlie is an officially recognized "Steinway Artist." This prestigious title is awarded by Steinway & Sons to select concert pianists who choose to perform exclusively on Steinway pianos.
Charlie's contributions for WASO's second act include A Liberace Medley & Silver Bells with the orchestra, an audience interactive improvisation, and Jerry Lee Lewis' Great Balls of Fire. Each piece spotlights Charlie's outstanding musicianship and audience connection. WASO will bookend this set with 2 holiday classics: Polar Express & Christmas Carol Sing-Along. If the audience and musicians are fortunate, those numbers could include Albright contributions as well.
Charlie partners in these musical adventures with the Memorial Auditorium's legendary Steinway grand piano. WASO proudly calls the Auditorium "home" and often includes the instrument in performances. Charlie performed on it in 2019 as part of a concert series. The piano celebrates more than a century of grand performances being built in 1906 and refurbished in 1996. A legendary artist and composer, the milestone of a Steinway piano, and the contributions of dedicated area musicians will connect with music lovers from many communities.
Celebrating a 17th season of music-making, this concert is sure to please musicians of all levels - young to old, beginner to expert. WASO is pleased to offer area music lovers a seasonal performance of classical, contemporary, and ageless music featuring musical legends and musical milestones. The closer for this holiday concert features Christmas Carol Sing-Along written by local composer Dan Goeller. This piece has become a tradition that WASO audiences anticipate to usher in a new holiday season.
The Roll Over Beethoven! theme for WASO's holiday concert on November 14, 2026 will surely grab your attention.