Reflections on My First Season as Music Director
As I reflect on my inaugural year as Music Director of the Alpharetta Symphony, I am filled with immense gratitude and joy for the musical journey we’ve experienced together. From August through May, each concert presented unique opportunities to explore the rich, varied world of orchestral music. With seven performances under our belt, this season has been a vibrant celebration of artistry, community, and shared passion.
We began our season with a delightful dual performance of family concerts, featuring music from all of the Harry Potter films. The soaring melodies of Buckbeak’s Flight and Fawkes the Phoenix stood out as personal favorites, transporting our audience directly into the magical world of J.K. Rowling. These works, with their exhilarating orchestral textures, captured the essence of flight, adventure, and wonder that defines the Harry Potter series.
Our Wanderlust concert introduced the enchanting Gypsy Airs by Sarasate, showcasing the extraordinary violinist Alice Hong. Her virtuosic playing brought to life two contrasting characters: the calm, serene beauty of the first section and the fiery, frenetic energy of the second. Sarasate's masterpiece became a powerful showcase for both the violin and orchestra. The Scheherazade performance, featuring the narrative grandeur of Rimsky-Korsakov's The Tale of 1001 Arabian Nights, was another standout moment. Alongside our concertmaster Earl Hough, the Alpharetta Symphony took our audience on a rich and evocative journey, blending musical storytelling with virtuosity
Our annual Holiday Pops concert, which consistently draws a full house, is a beloved tradition that brings our community together to celebrate the winter season. The atmosphere was filled with joy as we performed timeless classics, and we were fortunate to have guest conductor Maestro Justin Han lead the orchestra. He painted a beautiful soundscape of wintery magic, delighting audiences at both the North Point Mall and Innovation Academy—our new home starting in September 2025.
As we welcomed the new year, our Love and Light concert featured eight captivating works, beginning with the sparkling energy of Rossini’s Barber of Seville Overture. The audience was immediately drawn in by its familiarity and charm. We ended the first half with Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, a work brimming with infectious energy and the iconic Can-Can dance that had both the orchestra and audience tapping their feet. Closing the program with Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet was a fitting culmination of a concert full of passion, with some of the most recognizable melodies in the symphonic repertoire.
In The Unfinished program, the Alpharetta Symphony undertook a challenging and deeply artistic performance, beginning with Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony. The orchestra’s interpretation of this work captured its emotional depth and complexity. A particular highlight was Barbaraann Bongiovanni’s stunning performance of Rossini’s Introduction, Theme, and Variations for Clarinet and Orchestra. Her exceptional artistry and joyful collaboration with the ensemble left a lasting impression. Brahms' First Symphony concluded the program with its sweeping beauty and the breathtaking transition from the third movement’s somber end into the triumphant fourth movement, bringing the concert to a powerful close.
Despite the rain that dampened our outdoor performance of Ode to America at Brooke Street Park, the Alpharetta Symphony persevered, playing nearly six of the scheduled nine works before the weather took over. We look forward to returning next year, hopefully with better weather, to continue this Memorial Day tradition for our supporters.
A highlight of the season for me was A Night at the Opera, where I had the privilege of returning to my roots in opera and musical theater. With over a decade of experience conducting these genres, it was a joy to share two incredible vocal talents on stage: Victoria Kerr, Soprano, and August Bair, Baritone. Together, they brought iconic pieces such as Pronto Io Son and selections from The Phantom of the Opera to life. The audience’s standing ovation was a testament to the power of these performances, and it was a night I know will resonate with us all for years to come.
As I conclude my first season as Music Director and Conductor, I reflect on the process of acclimating to this new role, leading with passion and energy, and building meaningful relationships with our orchestra, patrons, and sponsors. Most importantly, it has been a profound privilege to share music with the wonderful and vibrant community of Alpharetta. Looking ahead to next season, as we settle into our new home, I am excited for all that the future holds. We want each of you to feel a sense of connection and ownership in your very own hometown symphony—the Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra.
