For the first time, Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra (JCSO) will collaborate with more than 50 of the finest high school musicians for a blockbuster musical tour of Russia at the “A Night in Russia” concert on Saturday, March 28, 7:30 p.m. at Johns Creek United Methodist Church. This unique performance will give the audience an opportunity to hear classic Russian sounds in selections by Mussorgsky, Borodin, Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky.
This night to remember wouldn’t be possible without JCSO’s generous sponsor, Transamerica Foundation, which brought the dream of this concert to life. Thanks in large part to Transamerica; this performance is an example of the wonderful things that can happen when the arts, schools, and corporate partners work together.
JCSO enjoys connecting with the community and schools to provide learning opportunities for students. Last October, JCSO performed for students at Ocee Elementary. For some, this was the first time experiencing a professional musical performance and hopefully created an interest in music. “A Night in Russia” takes the concept a step further by bringing seasoned professionals and student musicians on stage together.
“The very nature of a student/professional side-by-side gives the students AND the professionals a unique learning/teaching experience. JCSO's musicians average more than 20 years experience as professional symphonic musicians whose knowledge of repertoire, performance practice and orchestral playing technique combine to create a living "how to" encyclopedia for aspiring young musicians. Conversely, the students are willing learners who present a unique teaching opportunity for the professionals,” said music director, J. Wayne Baughman.
The opportunity for Chattahoochee to play alongside JCSO has sparked excitement for the high school’s orchestra and band. The students are taking the performance seriously.
“Our students have been working hard to prepare a challenging Russian program,” said Lori Buonamici, Chattahoochee High School orchestra director. “It’s been beautiful to watch the transformation of the orchestra students as they began learning musical classics. When I passed out Tchaikowsky’s 2nd Symphony, the panic in the room was palpable. How will we EVER play this? But the way the students jumped in and worked through the difficult passages was truly inspirational,” Buonamici continued.
Baughman said he is looking forward to sharing the podium with Chattahoochee High School's outstanding conductors, Lori Buonamici and Nick Garofalo. “Each of us will lead the combined musical forces in two selections, creating an evening of symphonic gems from the rich treasury of Russian Romantic and post-Romantic repertoire,” he explained.
If you’re not convinced to join JCSO for “A Night in Russia” yet, you’ll be delighted to know, this event would be perfect for a first-timer, someone who's never heard a symphony orchestra concert. All the elements of music and the composing techniques of several great masters will be on display.
Single tickets range from $18 to $37 and can be purchased online at www.johnscreeksymphony.org, by phone (678) 748-5802 or at the door. Groups of 10 or more will receive a 15 percent discount.
The mission of the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra is to enhance the quality of life for Johns Creek and north Metro Atlanta residents through the presentation of high-quality performances, educational and other outreach programs that reflect the cultural diversity of the community. JohnsCreekSymphony.org