Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1

The North Carolina Symphony is bringing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 to the Meymandi Concert Hall at the Martin Marietta Center on Friday, November 20, and Saturday, November 21. Both nights start at 8 PM, so you've got two chances to catch it if one date doesn't work. Music Director Carlos Miguel Prieto is leading the orchestra, and pianist Alessio Bax takes the solo for the Beethoven.

That concerto is the center of the program, and the symphony has built the rest of the evening around it. The night opens with Tzam by Gabriela Ortiz, and closes with Shostakovich's Symphony No. 6. The whole set is framed by the idea of Beethoven's long shadow—two centuries after his death, his work still moves and inspires audiences. It's a good way to hear the concerto: tucked between a contemporary piece and a mid-century symphony, rather than standing alone.

For those who like a bit of context before the music starts, there's a free 30-minute Concert Insights experience at 7 PM, an hour before the main event. Doors open 90 minutes before the concert, so if you're planning to hit that session, you'll have plenty of time to get settled. The symphony describes itself as the state's orchestra, working toward high artistic standards while balancing its dual legacy of statewide service and music education.

Tickets are $33.77. Every patron needs one regardless of age, and children two and under aren't permitted. The venue is the Meymandi Concert Hall at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St. in downtown Raleigh.