East Cobb Arts & Entertainment

Cobb Library Foundation to hold ‘Casino Night’ fundraiser

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Submitted information:Cobb Library Foundation to hold 'Casino Night' fundraiser

Join us for an evening of fun, music, great prizes, and so much more at the elegant Atlanta Country Club on November 9, 2024 for the Cobb Library Foundation’s 3rd Annual Casino Night. Don’t miss out, buy your tickets now!

Can’t attend? Donate now (form below) and help us continue our mission to help our Cobb County Public Libraries be the best in the State! This year we have funded the Summer Reading Program, the North Cobb Regional Library Garden, purchased a new ScanPro for the Georgia Room, OBIE Projector that will be circulated throughout the Library System, an Illumination Station for the Vinings Library, and so much more! Thank you for your participation and support!

For more information and tickets, click here.

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Cobb-Marietta marching band exhibition set for October dates

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Cobb-Marietta marching band exhibition set for October dates

High school marching bands from the Cobb County School District and Marietta City Schools will be featured on the first two Mondays in October in the Cobb-Marietta Marching Band Exhibition.

The event—which dates back to 1972—takes place Oct. 7 and Oct. 14 at Walter Cantrell Stadium at McEachern High School (2400 New Macland Road, Powder Springs) starting at 7 p.m. each evening.

Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students, and the Cobb school district will be live-streaming the festivities.

The bands from Kell and Wheeler high schools will be performing on Oct. 7, while the Lassiter, Pope, Sprayberry and Walton bands are scheduled for Oct. 14.

For more information, click here.

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St. Catherine’s Friends of Music announces 2024-25 concert series

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Submitted information and photo:

The Friends of Music ministry of St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church will begin its 2024-2025 community concert series with a performance by the Amadeus String Ensemble on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, at 3 p.m.

St. Catherine's Friends of Music announces 2024-25 concerts
Amadeus String Ensemble cellist Charae Kreuger

The performance will be led by Sou-Chun Su, acting principal second violin of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and will feature his wife, violinist Sheela Iyengar Su, violist Zhenwei Shi and cellist Charae Kreuger. The ensemble of professional musicians has been performing in the Atlanta area for more than 20 years. 

The musical program will include “String Quartet Opus 18, No. 1” by Ludwig van Beethoven and “String Quartet No. 12 in F,” nicknamed the American quartet, by Antonin Dvorak.

St. Catherine’s 2024-25 concert series also will include the following performances:

  • Christmas with Gate City Brass on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, at 3 p.m.

  • Ensemble Chaconne on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, at 3 p.m.

  • A Lenten Choral Evensong, featuring the Choirs of St. Catherine’s and special guest artists, on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 3 p.m. 

All Friends of Music events are free to the public and donations are accepted. General seating is first-come, first-served. No tickets are necessary. All concerts are held at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church, which is located at 571 Holt Road. For more information, email stcats@stcatherines.org or call 770-971-2839.

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The Art Place’s Wizarding Academy celebrates 7th year

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The Art Place's Wizarding Academy celebrates 7th yearSubmitted information:

Join The Art Place’s Wizarding Academy as we celebrate Year 7 on Saturday, October 19th!

Wizarding students aged 6-12 will be welcomed into our magically transformed blackbox theater where they will attend classes led by witches and wizards, craft their own magical items, take pictures with their favorite characters, and more! We encourage all who attend to dress in their most magical attire.

There are two sessions, one from 11:00am-1:00pm and another at 2:30-4:30pm, each with three groups. Coordinate with your friends to sign up for the same session and group to ensure you share the adventure. Please sign up for one session only, projects will repeat. We want as many wizards and witches as possible to have the opportunity to experience the magic and mystery of Year 7.

Early bird price of $40.00 lasts through September 30th. The price will increase to $45.00 on October 1st. The Art Place is located at 3330 Sandy Plains Road Marietta, GA 30066. Please visit www.artplacemarietta.org or call (770) 509-2700 to register.

 

 

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Cobb Library System release Hispanic Heritage Month booklist

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The period of Sept. 15-Oct. 15 is recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month by the U.S. Congress.Cobb Library System release Hispanic Heritage Month booklist

The Cobb Public Library System has published an extensive booklist as part of the local observances, including titles in history, culture and more, for children and adults.

The federal agencies leading the official national observance include the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (website here).

There was a festival on Sunday hosted by the city of Marietta, and future local events include a concert on the green Saturday at Logan Farm Park in Acworth and an Hispanic Heritage Fiesta on Oct. 12 at Thurman Springs Park in Powder Springs.

 

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Cobb PARKS Holiday Artisan Market accepting vendors

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Submitted information:

Join us for the 2024 Holiday Artisan Market Friday, December 13 – Sunday, December 15 at Cobb County Civic Center! This festival will feature retailers and artists and will showcase handmade goods, fine arts, performing arts, and more!

Applications are open!

To apply for our Holiday Artisan Market, complete the application and email it, along with photo references, to holidaymarket@cobbcounty.org. Be sure to pay the vendor fee here. 

Vendors will need to complete the application and pay the fee for submissions to be considered complete. Applications will have a rolling acceptance until November 6th or until full.

To apply for our Merry Marketplace: Youth Market, a free entrepreneurial opportunity for ages 13-17., complete the following application and email it, along with photo references, to tonya.mccain@cobbcounty.org. Space is limited so apply today! 

Please email holidaymarket@cobbcounty.org if you have any questions.

 

 

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‘Final Audition’ comedy begins this weekend at The Art Place

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3rd Act Productions, an Alpharetta-based community theatre organization, is staging “Final Audition, Last Chance for the Role of a Lifetime,” a comedy that opens Friday at 8 p.m. at The Art Place Theatre (3330 Sandy Plains Road).'Final Audition' comedy debuts this weekend at The Art Place

According to promotional information, “this is a heartfelt and hilarious play about pursuing a dream.”

The comedy is set in 1993 in Chicago, and opens with the “voice of legendary Chicago TV & radio host, Bob Sirott, informing all about the big news of the year while playing the greatest hits of 1993, one of the best musical years of the 90s.

“FINAL AUDITION centers on the story of Sally Cochrane, whom after 30 years of heartache and struggle trying to make it as an actress in Chicago, is ready to give up on her dream and go back to Normal (Illinois). But when she learns that famous director, Nick Michaels, is returning to his hometown to cast his next Broadway play with Chicago actors, Sally is torn between doing one final audition or just going back to Normal.”

The play will run in 10 performances from Sept. 6 through Sept. 14. For more information and tickets visit Finalaudition.net.

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The Art Place to hold premiere for ‘Final Audition’ comedy

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Submitted information and art:

Katelin Chesna leads a talented cast of Atlanta actors in “Final Audition, Last Chance for the Role of a Lifetime,” an inspirational new comedy written, directed and produced by Chicago novelist and playwright, John Ruane.

Chesna grew up on the southwest side of Chicago only a few miles from the playwright, although they had never met until they both worked on a television series in Atlanta in 2020. It was there Ruane immediately recognized Chesna’s great talent and comedic abilities. She also has the inherent Chicago accent and sarcastic sense of humor required for the role.

“When I saw her perform, I made a mental note, so when I began organizing a production of my play here, I contacted her immediately,” said Ruane, who initially wrote the play in 1993. “After she read the play, I spoke with her on the phone. She told me that she thought I had followed her around and knew her life’s story. That’s how common the acting struggle is for so many performers across the country.”

A very talented professional ensemble joins Chesna, including Justin Dilley, Ryan Siegel, Noel Olken, Nicolette Acosta, Destinee Monet, Joseph McNabb and Harry Wendorff. The cast was selected through auditions, recommendations and Ruane scouting plays for talented actors in the Atlanta area.

“When I first saw Justin Dilley perform, I was blown away!” said Ruane, who spotted him in an ACT3 production. “And when I watched Harry Wendorff and Ryan Siegel perform, their talent and abilities popped right from their first.line. For Destinee Monet, I knew within five seconds of her audition that she was special. And watching Nicolette Acosta and Joseph McNabb performing theircharacters, they were both so good! Great talent jumps out at you immediately! Plus, I really lucked out when I learned Noel Olken, who had starred in my last play in Chicago in 1991, was now in Atlanta. He was the icing on the cake. It’s so exciting to find such a talented group of actors, who are willing to commit the time it takes to rehearse and perform in a play. I’m so grateful!”

“Final Audition” is the story of actress Sally Cochrane, who has worked for 30 years to land one big break to launch her career, but is ready to give it all up and go back to Normal (Illinois), when she learns world famous director, Nick Michaels, is returning to his Chicago roots to cast his next Broadway show, literally giving every actor cast their big break. Sally must decide if she will do one Final Audition or just got back to Normal.

The play will premiere at The Art Place Theatre in Marietta (3330 Sandy Plains Road) on Friday, Sept. 6 and run through Sept. 14. A total of 10 shows will be performed, including a discounted preview on Sept. 5. Tickets can be purchased on the website, www.Finalaudition.net. More information about the playwright’s books is available at www.johnruane.net. FinalAudition is produced by Ruane’s 3rd ACT Productions.

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Cobb Public Library System announces 2024 fall book sale

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Weekend events, Cobb Library Book Sale

Submitted information:

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! The Fall Book Sale will be held at Cobb Civic Center October 4-6, 2024.

Materials for sale include books for all ages in both hardcover and paperback, DVDs, Books on CD and audiocassette, magazines, and puzzles. Prices range from 10 cents to $4.00.

Find a price list here.

Cobb Civic Center is at 548 South Marietta Pkwy SE, Marietta, GA 30060. Hours for the sale are Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm. There is plenty of free parking.

Acceptable forms of payment are debit, credit, cash, and checks — Visa and MasterCard only.

On Friday until 1 pm electronic (scanning) devices are not permitted. While we hope you will buy lots of materials, we are only able to sell up to 2 boxes of items at a time on Friday until 1 pm. Please plan to pay and take items to your vehicle before coming in to shop some more.

On Sunday we will be working to sell out the Civic Center so please come to buy, buy, buy!

Sunday is BYOB (Bring Your Own Box) Day: fill any size box (you can bodily get back to your car) for a flat rate — $10 upper level only; $20 lower level only; $20 mixed.

All profits from this book sale go directly to buying more items for Cobb County Public Library’s 15 branches and bookmobile. For more information, please visit cobbcat.org.

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Music Studio Atlanta students to perform at Carnegie Hall

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Music Studio Atlanta students to perform at Carnegie Hall
The Music Studio Atlanta’s musicians ending their Sept 11, 2022 performance at the famous Fox Theater in Atlanta.

Submitted information and photo:

The Music Studio Atlanta is thrilled to announce that a select group of its talented students will be performing at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City on July 5, 2025. This extraordinary opportunity marks a significant milestone in the students’ musical journeys and showcases the exceptional quality of education and talent nurtured at The Music Studio Atlanta.

Since its grand opening in 1891, Carnegie Hall has been the epitome of musical excellence, hosting legendary artists from Tchaikovsky to The Beatles. Its hallowed halls have echoed with the performances of the finest musicians across all genres, making it a dream stage for any artist. The Music Studio Atlanta’s students are now set to join this illustrious list, adding their names to the roll call of history.

The Music Studio Atlanta’s young musicians have already wowed audiences at prestigious venues like Fox Theatre and The Strand in Atlanta, Graceland in Memphis, and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Now, they will take their talent to the heart of New York City. To be considered for the Carnegie Hall performance, students must be enrolled with The Music Studio Atlanta through the performance date, have performed in at least one recital, and receive approval from their teacher.

Cecilia Rowe, the owner of The Music Studio Atlanta, shared her excitement, stating, “We are beyond thrilled to take our students and families to such a prestigious venue. This is not just a performance; it’s a weekend of memories that these students will cherish forever. Performing at Carnegie Hall is a dream come true and a testament to their hard work and dedication.”

Founded 12 years ago in Vinings, The Music Studio Atlanta has expanded to an East Cobb location, earning accolades along the way. Recently awarded Top 25 Cobb County 2024 Small Business of the Year for the second consecutive year, the studio has also been recognized in Best of Cobb and named National School of the Year by MASS, a nationwide organization of music studio owners.

The Music Studio opened in 2011 growing out of Courtnay & Rowe In-Home Music Academy and continuing a 30+ year tradition of offering quality music lessons to thousands of Atlanta students, of all ages and levels. With locations in Vinings and East Cobb, this multi-award winning studio offers lessons in piano, voice, guitar, drums, strings, woodwinds and preschool music, 7 days a week and employs a large roster of top-notch teachers and support staff.

tudents enjoy many opportunities to perform including Holiday/Winter Concerts, bi-monthly Open Mic Nights, Summer Recitals, St. Angelo’s Summer Series, and their Destination Performance Series where students perform on some of the most famous stages across the country.

The Music Studio Atlanta is especially proud of its proprietary, patent-pending reward curriculum, which encourages student progress through a series of rewards and recognition, as well as their involvement in their local community with their Café Jam program that goes into elementary schools and performs and educates students about music in the school cafeteria at lunchtime.

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Georgia Symphony Orchestra announces 2024-25 season

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Georgia Symphony Orchestra announces 2024-25 season

Submitted information and photo:

The Georgia Symphony Orchestra has announced its 74th season schedule. Led by Music Director and Conductor Timothy Verville, the multifaceted arts organization continues to set itself apart by offering an array of innovative orchestral, choral, jazz, family and sensory-friendly programming.

Classics Series

The Symphony will begin its classics series on Oct. 12, 2024, with Rhapsody in Blue, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s famous composition. Robert Henry will be the featured pianist. The GSO Chorus will join the orchestra in honoring a ground-breaking era in musical history with a medley of popular songs from the 1920s.

The GSO’s mid-season Suite Treats performance on Feb. 1, 2025, will offer a thrilling musical experience with the instantly recognizable “Peer Gynt Suite” by Edvard Grieg, along with the Academy-award winning music of John Williams from the beloved classic “Star Wars.”

The May 17, 2025, season finale, We the People, will delve into various perspectives of American life. The repertoire includes Igor Stravinsky’s orchestration of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” by John Stafford Smith and Francis Scott Key and Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring Suite.” The GSO also will present the world premiere of Verville’s original composition, “Requiem Americano,” which uses American music to speak to our most pressing societal issues. To enhance this powerful performance, the Symphony will be joined by Atlanta’s favorite tenor, Timothy Miller, the Atlanta Boy Choir and the GSO Chorus.

Holiday Pops

The orchestra and GSO chorus will present the annual Holiday Pops! on Dec. 7 and 8, 2024. This beloved holiday tradition will include timeless favorites, new classics and a robust sing-along. A kindly gentleman in his famous red suit will make an appearance and stick around for cookies and pictures after the concert.

GSO JAZZ!

The music of one of the most innovative jazz composers and performers is featured in the season opening performance of the GSO Jazz! Led by saxophonist and Artistic Director Sam Skelton, the band will present Miles Ahead: the Magic of Miles Davis on Feb. 15, 2025, featuring inventive renditions of classics like “So What” and “All Blues.”

On March 28, 2025, Skelton will lead a GSO Jazz! Big-Band performance of West Coast Swing, an electrifying concert featuring the best of West Coast jazz and highlighting the legendary sounds of Stan Kenton, Bill Holman and Buddy Rich, to name a few.

GSO Chorus

On March 9, 2025, the 100-plus members of the GSO Chorus, led by JG Morgan GSO Chorus Director Bryan Black, will perform Lux Perpetua: Light of Hope. Musical selections will feature “Song for Athene” by John Tavener, “Gate, Gate” by Brian Tate, an arrangement of “My God is a Rock” by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw, and the original version of Gabriel Faure’s “Requiem” with the Georgia Symphony Orchestra.

GSO’s Family and Sensory-Friendly Concert Series

The GSO’s family and sensory-friendly concert series opens on Nov. 9, 2024, with Symphonic Superheroes: Music to Save the Day! The program will feature music connected with beloved film characters like Captain Jack Sparrow, Batman and many more.

On March 22, 2025, the Symphony will bring to life the tale of a young boy on an adventurous exploration, in a narrated version of Sergei Prokofiev’s classic “Peter and the Wolf.” Audience members also will enjoy Gustav Holst’s lively “St. Paul’s Suite,” a delightful piece originally composed for the students at the school where Holst taught.

Season subscription packages go on sale on Aug. 1, 2024. Single event tickets go on sale on Aug. 12, 2024. For more information, visit georgiasymphony.org.

 

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GSO awarded Bridge Grant from Georgia Council for the Arts

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GSO Give Back Program

Submitted information:

The Georgia Symphony Orchestra was awarded a $14,400 Bridge Grant from Georgia Council for the Arts, a strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, for fiscal year 2025. The Bridge Grant provides funding for operating support to nonprofit arts organizations, many of which were negatively affected by COVID-19. As part of this year’s Bridge awards, 204 entities in 44 counties will receive more than $2.6 million in funding.

“These grant dollars will allow arts organizations in Georgia to focus on their primary mission to bring art and cultural events to their communities by relieving the burden of certain operating expenses,” said GCA Executive Director Tina Lilly. “Georgia Council for the Arts is excited to help our arts organizations continue to foster economic and cultural vitality in their communities.”

Georgia Council for the Arts received applications from arts organizations from across the state, including performing arts centers, museums, galleries, amphitheaters, and music festivals. Bridge Grants are available to arts organizations for eligible operating expenses like rent, utilities, programming expenses and marketing. 

“We are so grateful to have the support of the GCA as we begin our 74th season serving Marietta, Cobb County and the greater metro Atlanta area,” said GSO Executive Director Suzanne Tucker. “These funds will allow us to bring music into schools, senior centers and veteran’s homes, and to continue our special concerts for those on the autism spectrum or with other special needs. It means we can have a positive impact on our community beyond the concert stage.”

Funding for these grants is provided through appropriations from the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Rescue Plan (ARP).

GCA uses Peer Review Panels to judge and review applications following standard practices set by the National Endowment for the Arts. Panelists are GCA Council members and fellow professionals who are experienced in the arts discipline or type of grant being reviewed, or are citizens with a record of arts activities, experience and knowledge.

 

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Shakespeare for young audience set for Sewell Mill Library

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Submitted information and graphic: Shakespeare for young audience set for Sewell Mill Library

Atlanta’s Shakespeare Academy presents Tempest, Junior!, a 45-minute version of the comedy appropriate for children ages 4-7, at Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center, 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta 30068, on Wednesday, July 10 at 7 p.m.

The free Theatre for the Very Young production in the Sewell Mill Black Box Theatre will feature much audience engagement while introducing Shakespeare language and characters to kids. The cast is four energetic professional actors and puppets.

For information on the Atlanta Shakespeare Co., visit shakespearetavern.com.

For information on programs and resources of Sewell Mill Library, visit cobbcat.org or call 770-509-2711.

 

 

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4th annual MiniCon returns to Sewell Mill Library in late June

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4th annual MiniCon returns to Sewell Mill Library in late June
A rendition of Beowulf at a previous MiniCon at the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center.

Submitted information and photo:

Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center welcomes back MiniCon, a free fan convention, on June 22, 2024, from 10am-5pm. Fans of all ages are invited to celebrate everything fantasy, Sci-Fi, and anime with their community.

MiniCon 2024 is set to be the best one yet! “We are all so excited to see MiniCon return once again in an even bigger “mini” fashion…[E]very corner of Sewell Mill will be buzzing with activity,” says Recreation Program Coordinator Christopher McDoniel.

Young fans can start their day with an intergalactic themed story time and craft before walking in the Children’s Costume Parade. Throughout the day, fans of all ages can attend a variety of panel discussions, watch live entertainment, and shop the Artist Alley that features 30 local artists. Cosplay enthusiasts are invited to enter the cosplay contest in one of three categories: Youth, Teen, or Adult. Guests can wrap up the day singing along in Cosplay Karaoke.

Local food trucks, C’est Tou Bon 2 Eat and Pelican’s Snowballs, will be next to the flagpole with delicious food and treats.

Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center are under Cobb County Libraries and Cobb PARKS, and they offer creative programming through their gallery, arts classes, and Creative Studios in addition to other library resources. For more information regarding MiniCon 2024, email smcc@cobbcounty.org or call 770-509-2711.

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GSO’s season-ending show to feature Ukrainian mezzo-soprano

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Submitted information and photo:GSO's season-ending show to feature Ukrainian mezzo-soprano

Having escaped the dangers of war, Ukrainian refugee Tetyana Vakhnoska is grateful for the opportunity to sing in the Georgia Symphony Orchestra’s season-ending performance of ‘Beethoven’s Universe.’ Two performances of this awe-inspiring, innovative, multimedia concert experience are scheduled to take place May 18-19, 2024, at the Dr. Bobbie Bailey and Family Performance Center in Kennesaw, Ga.

Vakhnoska is one of four winners of the GSO’s Beethoven’s 9t national vocal competition. She is a renowned, state-awarded mezzo-soprano who graduated from the National Academy of Music in Lviv, Ukraine, and was a leading opera singer at the National Opera in Lviv for 15 years. She has toured internationally with concerts and opera productions in Poland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, China and the United States.

In 2022, following the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Vakhnoska, her husband and their then 11-year-old son made the difficult decision to leave their hometown of Lviv for a new life in the U.S. “It was very, very scary and I had to save my son,” she said in a recent interview with GSO Executive Director Suzanne Tucker. She and her family settled in Park Ridge, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. She credits the kindness of many Americans in helping her and her family to resettle.

“I sang solos in Beethoven’s 9th many times in Ukraine and it was always festive, like a celebration,” Vakhnovska said. Since immigrating, she has been a soloist in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and in Bruckner’s “Te Deum” with the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra.

Vakhnovska will be joined in the GSO’s ‘Beethoven’s Universe’ performance by fellow vocal competition winners and featured soloists: soprano Emma Robertson, tenor William Green and bass/baritone Jacob Lay.

In addition to Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9,” this unique musical program includes Eric Whitacre’s composition, “Deep Field,” which will be performed live by the orchestra and 100-plus members of the GSO Chorus to the film “Deep Field: The Impossible Magnitude of our Universe.” Combining stunning imagery from the Hubble Space Telescope, never-seen-before galaxy fly-bys and custom animations, the film creates an immersive, unforgettable journey from planet Earth to the furthest edges of our universe. Audience members will be encouraged to take a more active role in the piece via a free app on their mobile devices.

Tickets are $15-$45. For more information, and to purchase tickets online, visit georgiasymphony.org/all-events.

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Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra seeks young musicians

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Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra seeks young musicians

Auditions have begun for the Marietta-based Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, which is seeking young musicians for the fall 2024 season.

The program is one of the largest in the Southeast, serving students from 17 metro counties in elementary through high school. It includes five orchestras and seven instrumental chamber ensembles, including jazz and percussion.

Two students currently in the program are Antonia Patel, a member of GYSO’s Camerata orchestra, who joined GYSO three years ago, and her brother Aidan, a violinist in the philharmonic orchestra who first auditioned for GYSO five years ago.

“I love the challenge of playing harder and harder music and seeing my friends each week,” Antonia Patel said.

Here’s more from the GYSO about the program, plus information on auditions and scholarships:

What sets GYSO apart is its dedication to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for young musicians to develop their skills and perform at the highest level. Led by professionals in their fields, each ensemble works tirelessly to prepare for performances throughout the year, giving students a comprehensive music experience that fosters excellence on both an individual and collective level.

For more information about the GYSO program, audition process or need-based scholarships, visit georgiayouthsymphony.org.

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New East Cobb Silent Book Club to hold reading sessions

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Barnes and Noble opens Avenue East Cobb
The Barnes & Noble at Avenue East Cobb is among the venues for the new East Cobb chapter of the Silent Book Club.

We heard recently from Cecilia Griesenauer, who’s part of a new chapter of the Silent Book Club in the East Cobb area.

The concept is similar to book clubs that are held at book stores and libraries, except that there is no assigned reading. Instead, reading sessions for participants including mingling, socializing and reading.

Participants bring or buy their own books and can interact with others how they choose, or not.

“There is no agenda or personal gain on my part other than meeting the founding goals, supporting local businesses who are willing to host our gatherings, meeting and mingling with others who love books, and finding my next read,” she said.

The group met earlier this month at the Barnes and Noble at Avenue East Cobb (4475 Roswell Road, Suite 102) and there’s another meet-up there this Wednesday, April 24 at from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

On Monday, April 29, a meet-up is scheduled at Mzizi Coffee (2995 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 220), also from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Another Barnes and Noble meet-up will take place on Wednesday, May 8 at 7 p.m.

The time frame includes mingling, and optional book discussions before and after a dedicated hour of reading.

The Silent Book Club started in San Francisco in 2012 and has more than 500 chapters in more than 60 countries, all organized by volunteers.

Here’s a recent story from The Washington Post explaining how the concept appeals particularly to introverts, and that it grew out of a sense of isolation readers felt during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many of the clubs formed recently, according to the story, which mentions the East Cobb chapter. Some of the participants said formal book clubs with assigned reading “were too much like homework.”

Griesenauer said she’s aware of 12 chapters in Georgia, including one that formed in Marietta late last year, as well as Smyrna and Roswell.

She said the Atlanta chapter began in December 2023 with 22 attendees at the first meetup, with growth from social media communications.

The East Cobb Silent Book Club updates its activities on its Instagram page.

 

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Wheeler students to perform at Woodruff Arts Center concert

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Two students at Wheeler High School will be performing in the Fall Into Spring Finale Concert, which features chamber music selections played by young musicians, at the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta later this month.Wheeler students to perform at Woodruff Arts Center concert

The concert is a collaboration of Franklin Pond Chamber Music and the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra and takes place on Sunday, April 28 at 3 p.m.

The Wheeler students, sophomore Angelina Lu, a violinist, and senior Christian Phanhthourath, a cellist, are part of the Eucalyptus Trio, and will be performing Henrietta Renié’s Trio for Harp, Violin, and Cello.

Here’s more from a Franklin Pond release about the event:

Twenty talented middle and high school musicians from six ensembles representing 13 schools from six counties will present some of classical music’s most beloved chamber works, including compositions by Dvořák, Mendelssohn, Clara Schumann, Shubert, Prokofiev, Henrietta Renié and Paul Schoenfield.

The performances by these inspiring young musicians celebrate the ongoing collaboration between FPCM and the Atlanta Youth Symphony Orchestra (AYSO). Several students also play with the Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO) and the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO). All these organizations provide students with comprehensive and collegiate-level music education to prepare students for success in college and beyond.

“This event showcases the dedication and incredible work of these talented young musicians, and each year they raise the bar, delivering truly inspiring performances,” said Ginny Fairchild, Franklin Pond program coordinator.

This year there are seven graduating seniors and 12 of the 20 overall participating students are in both FPCM and the ASYO. Two FPCM members are also members of the EYSO and two FPCM members are also in MYSO.

The young musicians are coached and mentored by Franklin Pond’s elite faculty, all members of the Atlanta Symphony or Atlanta Opera Orchestras. They also perform in masterclasses led by internationally renowned guest artists such as the award-winning violinist and chamber player, Itamar Zorman.

The Fall into Spring Finale Concert takes place April 28 at 3 p.m. in the Rich Theatre of Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta. Admission is free and open to the public with no ticket required. Visit FranklinPond.org or call 404-252-3479 for more information.

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Cobb Water System high school photo contest winners named

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Cobb Water System high school photo contest winners named
Ari Low of Pope High School was the overall winner with this photo of a swimming race.

The Cobb County Water System and the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority honored Cobb County high school student winners in its fifth annual High School Photography Contest.

Eight of the 10 are from high schools in East Cobb, including overall winner Ari Low of Pope.

The others are Ashley Ann Lafferty and Timy Dang of Sprayberry; Eleanore Witte, Jessica Mitchell, Kaitlyn O’Connor and Maya Story of Lassiter; and Samuel Moore of Walton.

The contest invites high school students enrolled in Cobb County and City of Marietta schools to enter a photograph in one of 6 categories: Water at Play, Water at Work, Water in Nature, Water and People, Protecting Water, and Conserving Water.

Cobb Water System high school photo contest winners named
Kaitlyn O’Connor, Lassiter
Cobb Water System high school photo contest winners named
Eleanor Witte, Sprayberry

You can view all the winning photos by clicking here.

The photo contest is part of the CCWS and CC-MWA’s waterSmart education program aimed at students at all grade levels “to learn about water conservation and the value of water.”

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Tickets on sale for Wheeler Theatre’s ‘Mamma Mia!’

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Submitted information:Tickets on sale for Wheeler Theatre's 'Mamma Mia!'

Wheeler High School Theatre rocks to ABBA’s timeless hits in the hilarious feel-good musical, Mamma Mia! April 18, 19 & 20 at 7 pm and April 20 & 21 at 2 pm. 

Told through Swedish pop group ABBA’s timeless music and inspiring the 2008 hit movie starring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan, Mamma Mia! tells the uplifting story of a young woman’s search for her birth father on the eve of her own wedding. Non-stop laughs, explosive dance numbers, the magical backdrop of a Greek island paradise, and infectious hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Super Trouper,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and “The Winner Takes It All” make Mamma Mia! a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! 

Mamma Mia! is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). Rated PG -13. Take a chance on Wheeler Theatre for an ABBA-solutely amazing evening and see why people all around the world have fallen in love with this sunny, funny feel-good show! 

ADVANCE TICKETS are $12 at WHEELERHS.BOOKTIX.COM. Tickets at the door: $20 for adults; $15 for students with ID; $12 for kids 12 and under. CCSD Faculty/Staff receive one free ticket at the door with ID.

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