Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra Presents 'Taking Flight' Featuring Paganini winner Simon Zhu & The Michael O’Neal Singers

JOHNS CREEK, GA, UNITED STATES, September 15, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra (JCSO) continues its landmark 20th Anniversary Season, BECOMING, with “Taking Flight” on Friday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center.

The evening brings together internationally acclaimed German violinist Simon Zhu, winner of the prestigious Premio Paganini International Violin Competition, and The Michael O’Neal Singers, one of Atlanta’s premier choral ensembles, for a powerful program centered on collaboration, artistry and the ways music brings people together.

Under the direction of JCSO Music Director Henry Cheng, the program opens with composer Christopher Tin’s Sogno di Valaro (Dream of Flight), featuring The Michael O’Neal Singers. Cheng says the work captures the spirit at the heart of the evening:
“Our first piece is a piece by Christopher Tin called Dream of Flight. It’s a large community piece with a community choir, and it’s literally about what happens when we work together,” Cheng said.

The program continues with Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, showcasing the virtuosic artistry of Simon Zhu, performing on a rare 1760 Cremona violin by Zosimo Bergonizi. His concerto is followed by Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, a thrilling orchestral work based on his iconic ballet score. The Firebird comes to life in a dazzling display of magical orchestration, vibrant fairy-tale imagery, and thrilling musical energy.

Together, the works create an evening that moves from the collective power of a community choir to the brilliance of a world-class soloist and the sweeping orchestral storytelling of Stravinsky.

An Exclusive “After After” Experience
The evening continues after the final note with an exclusive “After After” experience upstairs immediately following the performance. This special experience gives select guests an opportunity to spend time with the evening’s guest artists, including Simon Zhu and members of The Michael O’Neal Singers. The “After After” event is exclusively available to donors at the $250 or more level.

“Taking Flight” is part of BECOMING, JCSO’s 20th Anniversary Season, celebrating two decades of bringing exceptional orchestral music, innovative collaborations and meaningful experiences to the community.

WHEN: Friday, October 9, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center
CONCERT: Taking Flight
TICKETS
For more information about the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra and its 20th Anniversary Season.

Rachel Loyd
Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra
+1 404-734-5020
rachel@johnscreeksymphony.org
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