Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra sets October 9 concert with Paganini winner Simon Zhu

The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra will present “Taking Flight” on Oct. 9 at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center as part of its 20th anniversary season. The program pairs violinist Simon Zhu and The Michael O’Neal Singers in a concert built around collaboration, solo virtuosity and orchestral storytelling.

Why it matters: - The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra is using its 20th Anniversary Season to showcase a program built around collaboration between orchestra, choir and soloist. - The concert pairs internationally recognized artists with a local Atlanta choral ensemble, broadening the event’s reach beyond a standard orchestral performance. - The evening also includes a donor-only post-concert gathering, giving supporters added access to guest artists.

What happened: - Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra will present “Taking Flight” on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. - The concert is part of JCSO’s 20th Anniversary Season, BECOMING. - German violinist Simon Zhu, winner of the Premio Paganini International Violin Competition, will perform with The Michael O’Neal Singers. - JCSO Music Director Henry Cheng will lead the program.

The details: - The concert opens with Christopher Tin’s Sogno di Valaro (Dream of Flight), featuring The Michael O’Neal Singers. - Cheng described the opening work as a community piece “about what happens when we work together.” - The program continues with Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, performed by Simon Zhu. - Zhu will play a rare 1760 Cremona violin by Zosimo Bergonizi. - The final work is Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, drawn from his ballet score. - JCSO describes the final work as a showcase for magical orchestration, fairy-tale imagery and high-energy orchestral writing. - The concert is designed to move from choral collaboration to solo violin virtuosity and then to full-orchestra drama. - An “After After” experience will follow the performance upstairs immediately after the concert. - The post-concert event will be open only to donors at the $250 level or higher. - The “After After” gathering will give select guests time with Simon Zhu and members of The Michael O’Neal Singers. - Ticket information was listed for the concert, along with a request for more information about JCSO and its anniversary season. - More information is available through the orchestra’s social channels and Facebook page.

Between the lines: - JCSO is leaning on a high-profile guest artist and a major choral collaboration to mark a milestone season. - The mix of a community choir, an international soloist and a familiar symphonic staple suggests the orchestra is aiming for both accessibility and prestige. - The donor-only add-on signals that JCSO is also using the event to deepen patron engagement.

What’s next: - The orchestra will stage the concert on Oct. 9 and follow it with the donor-only “After After” event. - The 20th Anniversary Season, BECOMING, will continue beyond this performance with additional programming tied to the milestone year.