Columbus Symphony

How good is the Columbus Symphony?
When reviewers rank Symphonies around the country, they are always listing symphonies with fully paid orchestras and so the Columbus Symphony will never be listed. However, I am amazed at how the orchestra can draw players from around the state, practice a little bit and put on a stellar performance. And lest you think I'm damning with faint praise, I think they compete with the fully paid orchestras.
The most important reason is George Del Gobbo, the symphony's Music Director for 22 years. George has never taken himself or the music too seriously and his enthusiasm spills over onto the orchestra and the audience. One cannot overemphasize the importance of continuity in putting these programs and players together every year.
Even the Concertmaster, Karren Berz, has been in her position for 12 years. She is a member of Orchestra Nashville and plays with orchestras around the country and yet she returns to Columbus every year. That says a lot about Del Gobbo's leadership.
Truth be told, I'm not qualified to discuss the merits of individual performers but I will say that I've been very impressed with the Principal Cello, Andre Gaskins. The Atlanta Symphony is generally considered to have one of the best Cellists in the country, Christopher Rex, but Gaskins plays as well as I've ever heard Rex play and that's no knock on Rex who truly is the best.