This is the 1153rd most frequent Spanish word.
empieza
"Empieza" means "starts" or "begins."
In this sentence, 'empieza' is used as the present tense form of the verb 'empezar', indicating the start of an event, in this case, a concert.
El concierto empieza a las ocho de la noche.
The concert starts at eight in the evening.
Here, 'empieza' is again the present tense of 'empezar' and shows the onset of a continuous action, specifically the blooming of the garden during spring.
Cuando llega la primavera, empieza a florecer el jardín.
When spring arrives, the garden starts blooming.
In this instance, 'empieza' describes habitual action during speeches, marking the commencement of his discourse by referencing a quote.