TURNING THE PAGE
As Music Director of the Alpharetta Symphony, I’m proud to say that the past season was one of our most exciting and artistically fulfilling yet. We opened with a thrilling celebration of the music of James Bond, bringing iconic film scores to life for an enthusiastic audience, and continued with masterpieces that showcased the orchestra’s growing artistry, including Dvořák’s magnificent Symphony No. 8. Our annual Holiday Concerts once again brought the community together in celebration, while Revolution, commemorating the 250th anniversary of America, offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our nation’s history through the power of music. Another unforgettable highlight was our collaboration with Harmonia Atlanta in a moving performance of John Rutter’s Requiem, uniting the orchestra and chorus in a deeply powerful musical experience.
The defining artistic achievement of the season, however, was our electrifying Tango Concert featuring violinist Alice Hong and composer-pianist Julio Barreto. Bursting with passion, rhythmic energy, and irresistible flair, this vibrant program transported audiences into the heart of the tango tradition.
The extraordinary chemistry between our guest artists and the orchestra elevated the performance to an exceptional level, highlighting the ensemble’s versatility, expressive depth, and growing confidence. Together, these concerts reflected the Alpharetta Symphony’s continued artistic evolution, our commitment to excellence, and the ever-deepening connection we are building with our community through bold programming and memorable performances.
Now, we turn the page and launch into an equally exciting 2026–27 season!
We begin with a spectacular celebration of Oscar-nominated and Academy Award-winning music from the past 50 years, revisiting some of cinema’s most beloved and unforgettable scores. From there, we dive headfirst into a program of pure symphonic power; no overture, no concerto, just an exhilarating evening of two monumental Russian symphonies from Borodin and Tschaikowsky.
Our cherished Holiday Concerts return to fill the season with festive spirit before we welcome 2027 with an evening of luminous French Impressionism featuring soprano Jayme Alilaw. In the spring, timeless classics take center stage with Mozart’s Overture to Don Giovanni, Haydn’s Cello Concerto featuring our own principal cellist Jeremy Woolstenhulme, and Beethoven’s exhilarating Symphony No. 7 in A Major, one of the most joyful and life-affirming works in the orchestral repertoire. And, weather permitting, we look forward to celebrating Memorial Day together once again with our outdoor concert at Brooke Street Park.
So, get your passports ready! This season, the Alpharetta Symphony invites you on a musical journey spanning Russia, France, Germany, Austria, and the United States. We celebrate the cultures, traditions, and extraordinary music from around the world. Our next season is just around the corner, and we cannot wait to share these remarkable performances with you. Join us for another unforgettable year of music, inspiration, and community.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Giel, Music Director
