Columbus Symphony Orchestra to offer Valentine's Day-themed concert for 300 attendees at Palace Theatre

What is Valentine’s Day if you can’t share it with someone special?

The Columbus Symphony wasn’t about to try.

For its love song-filled concert Saturday in the Palace Theatre, the symphony will admit 300 socially distanced, face-mask-wearing attendees — marking the first time that Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz will lead the group before a live audience since the start of the pandemic.

“I didn’t realize, until it was gone, how much of what I do is playing off the audience and their reaction,” said Chafetz, who conducted the symphony’s “Holiday Spectacular” program, which was recorded without an audience for broadcast on WBNS-TV (Channel 10) in December.

“It’s amazing when that’s gone and there’s no reaction,” Chafetz said.

Saturday’s intermission-free concert, "An Evening of Romance," is sure to inspire some positive audience feedback: Leading a reduced, distanced ensemble of 22 symphony musicians, Chafetz will lead a selection of popular and classical music appropriate for Valentine’s Day weekend.

“I think people have their own history with this music,” Chafetz said. “It’s going to make their hearts warm and full.”

Joined by vocalists Scott Coulter and Jessica Hendy, both with significant stage experience in New York, the symphony will perform “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “River Deep — Mountain High” and a trio of tunes by Elton John: “Your Song,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.”

Guest pianist John Boswell will be on hand to add texture to the symphony and vocalists.

The tango “Por una Cabeza,” memorably heard in the 1992 Al Pacino movie “Scent of a Woman,” might inspire a few cinematic sense memories.

“You remember that scene of them dancing to this wonderful tune,” Chafetz said. “There’s just something very sensual and romantic about a tango.”

And while conducting Marvin Hamlisch’s “Nobody Does It Better” — used in the 1977 James Bond movie “The Spy Who Loved Me” — Chafetz might have his own flashback to working with the noted composer when both were at the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.

“I can picture Marvin playing piano, playing the opening lick to that,” Chafetz said.

Classical connoisseurs won’t be left out in the cold: “Nessun dorma,” from the opera “Turandot,” and “Salut d’Amour” by Edward Elgar are also on tap.

All of the music, Chafetz said, will be coated by the “velvet sheen” that only a symphony can offer.

“Which adds to that special moment," he said, "especially when you’re cuddling up, socially distanced, to somebody you love.” 

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At a glance

The Columbus Symphony will perform a 2021 Valentine’s Concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. Tickets, $125, can be purchased by calling 614-484-9431 or visiting columbussymphony.com. Capacity is limited to 300 patrons and attendees must wear facial coverings.