2025 Press Releases

For all your questions on what the Alpharetta Symphony has stored for the upcoming months and months prior, take a look at our media releases! If you have any questions on what you find or have any suggestions for future documents, feel free to email our team at pr@alpharettasymphony.org.

  • THE ALPHARETTA SYMPHONY ANNOUNCES ITS 2026–27 SEASON

    Six Concert Experiences Highlight a Season of Film Music, Classical Masterworks, Holiday Traditions, and Patriotic Celebration

    ALPHARETTA, GA — The Alpharetta Symphony proudly announces its 2026–27 concert season, featuring six exciting performances that will bring world-class orchestral music to North Atlanta audiences. Named Best of Theatre/Arts in the 2023 Best of North Atlanta competition and recognized as first runner-up in both 2024 and 2025, the Symphony invites music lovers to secure their season subscriptions before seats become limited.

    The new season offers something for every listener—from beloved movie scores and timeless classical masterpieces to festive holiday traditions and a free Memorial Day celebration.

    Music From the Silver Screen

    September 18 & 20, 2026 | 7:30pm & 3:00pm

    And the Oscar goes to...

    The Alpharetta Symphony opens its season with an evening celebrating Academy Award-winning and nominated film music. Audiences are encouraged to dress in their red-carpet best while enjoying iconic selections from cinematic classics including The Lord of the Rings, Titanic, E.T., Gone with the Wind, and Raiders of the Lost Ark.

    Tchaikovsky and Borodin

    October 30, 2026 | 7:30pm

    Two composers. Two symphonies. One unforgettable evening.

    Tchaikovsky's symphony, inspired by Ukrainian folk songs and the picturesque landscapes of one of his favorite retreats, is paired with Borodin's Symphony No. 2, a work the composer himself described as "heroic." These masterpieces showcase the power of orchestral storytelling and the richness of the Russian symphonic tradition.

    An Alpharetta Holiday

    November 28, 2026 | 3:30pm & 5:30pm

    There's nothing like home for the holidays.

    Celebrate the season with your hometown orchestra as the Alpharetta Symphony presents an evening filled with holiday favorites. Featuring beloved film themes, cherished carols, audience sing-alongs, and a few classical surprises, An Alpharetta Holiday captures the warmth and wonder of the season for audiences of all ages.

    Impressions of Paris

    February 12, 2027 | 7:30pm

    "There are only two places in the world where we can live happy: at home and in Paris." — Ernest Hemingway

    Experience the beauty and elegance of French music without leaving North Atlanta. This program explores some of France's most beloved orchestral works while introducing audiences to new musical treasures. Joining the orchestra is acclaimed local soprano Jayme Alilaw, whose artistry brings Parisian sophistication and Atlanta charm together on one stage.

    Beethoven's Seventh

    April 30 & May 2, 2027 | 7:30pm & 3:00pm

    A celebration of some of classical music's greatest masterpieces.

    The evening opens with Mozart's spirited overture to Don Giovanni. Alpharetta Symphony Principal Cellist Jeremy Woolstenhulme takes center stage as soloist in Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 1 before the orchestra concludes the program with Beethoven's Symphony No. 7—a work Richard Wagner famously described as "the apotheosis of the dance."

    Let Freedom Ring

    May 31, 2027

    The Alpharetta Symphony's annual Memorial Day tradition returns with a free concert honoring the service and sacrifice of America's veterans and active-duty military.

    Audiences are invited to gather outdoors with blankets, chairs, picnics, and family members for an evening of patriotic favorites, including Salute to the Armed Forces, The Star-Spangled Banner, and Stars and Stripes Forever. This community celebration remains one of the Symphony's most cherished annual events.

    Season subscriptions for the 2026–27 season are available now. Subscribers receive priority seating, savings compared to single-ticket purchases, and guaranteed access to all performances throughout the season.

    For more information, concert details, and season subscriptions, visit AlpharettaSymphony.org.

    ABOUT THE ALPHARETTA SYMPHONY

    Founded in 2014, the Alpharetta Symphony has become a cornerstone of the musical landscape in Alpharetta and the greater North Fulton County, enriching the region’s cultural life with vibrant and inspiring performances. Under the visionary artistic leadership of Music Director Michael Giel, the Symphony presents a diverse season of full-orchestra concerts, intimate chamber music performances, and special events that showcase music spanning the Baroque era to contemporary works by living composers, as well as popular and film music that resonates with audiences of all ages. Committed to artistic excellence and community engagement, the Alpharetta Symphony actively seeks opportunities to collaborate with local arts organizations, educational institutions, and community groups, fostering connections that transcend the concert hall. These partnerships, along with innovative programming, reflect the Symphony’s mission to create transformative orchestral experiences that unite, inspire, and celebrate the shared human experience through the universal language of music.

    Founded in 2018 to advance the Alpharetta Symphony’s mission of providing engaging educational experiences for Alpharetta and the greater North Fulton community, the Alpharetta Symphony Youth Orchestras (ASYO) offer musicians ages 12–18 a season-long performance experience from August to May. Each season features four concerts showcasing music from orchestral masterworks to popular selections across centuries and cultures. ASYO ensembles include Prelude Strings for developing string players, the Wind Orchestra for woodwind, brass, and percussion students, and the Youth Symphony for more advanced musicians. Students also participate in chamber music, guest artist workshops, and collaborations with Alpharetta Symphony members, with opportunities to audition for GMEA events if their schools lack band or orchestra programs. The Symphony also offers educational events for children, including percussion playgrounds, instrument petting zoos, sensory-friendly concerts, and interactive arts workshops.

    PRESS INQUIRIES

    For press and media inquiries, please contact the Alpharetta Symphony atpr@alpharettasymphony.org. To learn more, please visit alpharettasymphony.org. 

  • THE ALPHARETTA SYMPHONY PERFORMS DVOŘÁ’S 8th SYMPHONY

    HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Our premiere James Bond performance, pianist Alex Wasserman, Conductor’s Corner.

    ALPHARETTA, GA — The Alpharetta Symphony—named Best of Theatre/Arts in the 2023 Best of North Atlanta Competition and first runner-up in 2024—invites audiences to experience an evening of music that celebrates life, passion, and imagination.

    The program features Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8, a vibrant and joy-filled work known for its lyrical beauty; Franz Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1, a dazzling showcase of virtuosity; and Ferdinand Hérold’s Overture to Zampa, a spirited operatic gem bursting with character. Together, these works promise an evening that captivates from the very first note.

    Executive Director Kelly Meholic shared, “As a 16-year-old playing in my local youth symphony, I remember being captivated by the hauntingly beautiful cello melody that opens Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8. It remains one of the most gorgeous openings to any symphony, and that memory has stayed with me for nearly 25 years. As the Alpharetta Symphony prepares to bring this masterpiece to life—joined by Hérold’s spirited Overture to Zampa and Alex Wasserman performing Liszt’s dazzling Piano Concerto No. 1—this concert is sure to take your breath away.”

    Tickets are available now for this riveting performance. To purchase, visit www.alpharettasymphony.org/dvoraks-8th.

    OUR PREVIOUS PERFORMANCE: JAMES BOND

    A stunning performance full of glitz and glamour, the music of James Bond brought the house down. Soloist Deb Bowman captivated the audience with her powerful vocals, channeling the essence of a true Bond girl as she performed timeless 007 classics.

    The audience embraced the theme in style, arriving in elegant gowns and tuxedos to experience the thrill of being a double agent for the night. 

    The performance was completely sold out—a humbling achievement for the Alpharetta Symphony’s premiere concert of the season.

    SOLOIST ALEX WASSERMAN

    Described as a “pianist of real fireworks” (Giorgio Koukl, EarRelevant), Dr. Alex Wasserman will join the Alpharetta Symphony on stage on November 7.

    Known for his dynamic stage presence and virtuosic artistry, Wasserman brings an energy that perfectly complements the brilliance of Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1. He has collaborated with acclaimed musicians from across the country, including members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and more.

    Audiences can look forward to a breathtaking performance as Dr. Wasserman takes the stage for the Alpharetta Symphony’s concert featuring Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8.

    THE CONDUCTOR’S CORNER

    “The Alpharetta Symphony will be back on stage in November to present a dynamic journey through the expressive range of Romantic music, beginning with the theatrical flair of Louis Joseph Ferdinand Hérold’s Zampa Overture, moving into the virtuosic fireworks of Franz Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E flat Major featuring Alex Wasserman on piano, and concluding with the lyrical optimism of Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 in G Major.”

    Continue reading here: https://www.alpharettasymphony.org/blog/diamonds-are-forever-nz7ft

    ABOUT THE ALPHARETTA SYMPHONY

    Founded in 2014, the Alpharetta Symphony has become a cornerstone of the musical landscape in Alpharetta and the greater North Fulton County, enriching the region’s cultural life with vibrant and inspiring performances. Under the visionary artistic leadership of Music Director Michael Giel, the Symphony presents a diverse season of full-orchestra concerts, intimate chamber music performances, and special events that showcase music spanning the Baroque era to contemporary works by living composers, as well as popular and film music that resonates with audiences of all ages. Committed to artistic excellence and community engagement, the Alpharetta Symphony actively seeks opportunities to collaborate with local arts organizations, educational institutions, and community groups, fostering connections that transcend the concert hall. These partnerships, along with innovative programming, reflect the Symphony’s mission to create transformative orchestral experiences that unite, inspire, and celebrate the shared human experience through the universal language of music.

    Founded in 2018 to advance the Alpharetta Symphony’s mission of providing engaging educational experiences for Alpharetta and the greater North Fulton community, the Alpharetta Symphony Youth Orchestras (ASYO) offer musicians ages 12–18 a season-long performance experience from August to May. Each season features four concerts showcasing music from orchestral masterworks to popular selections across centuries and cultures. ASYO ensembles include Prelude Strings for developing string players, the Wind Orchestra for woodwind, brass, and percussion students, and the Youth Symphony for more advanced musicians. Students also participate in chamber music, guest artist workshops, and collaborations with Alpharetta Symphony members, with opportunities to audition for GMEA events if their schools lack band or orchestra programs. The Symphony also offers educational events for children, including percussion playgrounds, instrument petting zoos, sensory-friendly concerts, and interactive arts workshops.

    PRESS INQUIRIES

    For press and media inquiries, please contact the Alpharetta Symphony atpr@alpharettasymphony.org. To learn more, please visit alpharettasymphony.org.