EarRelevant Staff | 12 AUG 2024
JOHNS CREEK, Georgia— The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra (JCSO) embarks on a pivotal season this fall, beginning its search for a new music director. Titled “Three Maestros, One Podium,” the orchestra’s 2024-2025 season will feature three distinguished conductors, each vying for the position of the orchestra’s next leader.
JCSO announced the finalists for the role at a concert in early April: Paul Bhasin, director of orchestral studies at Emory University and music director of the Atlanta Chamber Music Festival; Henry Cheng, former chief conductor and artistic director of the Klangkraft Orchester in Duisburg, Germany, and current conductor of the Tonyeong International Music Festival Ensemble in Seoul, South Korea; and Howard Hsu, music director of the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra and director of orchestra studies at Valdosta State University.
Throughout the season, renowned instrumental and vocal soloists, including Britton-René Collins, David Fung, Tom Hooten, the Johns Creek Chorale, and Bethany Mamola will join the guest conductors.
As part of the selection process, each finalist will conduct two concerts during the upcoming season. This process will involve not only the JCSO board but also the audience, who will have the opportunity to influence the final decision. Audience members will be invited to complete surveys after each concert, providing invaluable feedback that will help the JCSO choose its next artistic leader. At the end of the season, the JCSO will announce its new Music Director.
“This season is unlike any season that the JCSO has ever had, and that’s because the season is influenced by not one, but three extraordinary maestros who are hoping to become the next Music Director of the JCSO,” said Linda Brill, Executive Director of the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra. “Our audience will play an important role in the selection of our new Music Director, so we invite everyone to attend and make your opinions heard!” she added.
All three guest conductors will present concerts emphasizing the power of human connection, the vibrancy of different music genres, and the impact music has on communities.
The lineup for the complete series of six concerts appears in the list below. For more information on the 2024-2025 season schedule and tickets, visit the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra’s website. ■
JOHNS CREEK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 2024-25 SEASON CONCERTS
- Sat. October 5 @ 7:30pm
“Classical K-pop”
Conductor Henry Cheng leads the JCSO in orchestral arrangements of chart-topping K-Pop hits from BTS, PSY, and more in a free concert at Newtown Park. - Sat. November 9 @ 7:30pm
“Magnificent Marimba”
Conductor Howard Hsu and percussionist Britton-Rene Collins headline a strings-only program at Johns Creek United Methodist Church. - Sat. December 14 @ 2:30pm
“A Kids’ Christmas”
Conductor Paul Bhasin will lead the JCSO in sensory-friendly holiday concert for the whole family at Mount Pisgah Church. (This concert is a single ticket event, not included in the season subscription.) - Sat. December 14 @ 7:30pm
“Holidays with the JCSO”
Conductor Paul Bhasin leads JCSO’s most popular concert of the year at Mount Pisgah Church, featuring guest vocalist Bethany Mamola and the Johns Creek Chorale. - Sat. January 25 @ 7:30pm
“Heroes Among Us: A Musical Tribute”
Conductor Henry Cheng presents Heroes Among Us: A Musical Tribute. Don’t miss this powerful tribute to the spirit of heroism around the world, featuring pianist David Fung at Mount Pisgah Church. - Sat. March 15 @ 7:30pm
“From Screen to Stage”
Conductor Howard Hsu brings the sounds of Harry Potter, Star Wars, Mission: Impossible, and more to Mount Pisgah Church. - Sat. May 10 @ 7:30pm
“A Kaleidoscope of American Music”
Conductor Paul Bhasin unveils a Kaleidoscope of American Music, showcasing the depth, complexity, and diversity of our nation’s musical heritage. Featuring LA Philharmonic Principal Trumpet Tom Hooten at Johns Creek United Methodist Church.
EXTERNAL LINKS:
- Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra: johnscreeksymphony.org
Read more by EarRelevant Staff.
