A little rain couldn’t keep our community from coming together to kick off Season 76 in grand fashion! And what a night it was!
American Tapestry brought an innovative and fascinating program to the stage, performed masterfully by our GSO musicians. But the evening was about more than extraordinary music. It was also a celebration of the people whose contributions are so deeply woven into the fabric of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra.
Throughout the evening, we recognized our Named Chair Sponsors, whose generosity helps support the musicians who bring our music to life, and celebrated the naming of the Betty Shipman Bennett Conductor’s Podium, honoring the remarkable legacy of one of the GSO’s earliest musical leaders. We also paid tribute to our retiring Concertmaster, Edward Eanes, recognizing his years of artistry and dedication, and celebrated the establishment of the new W.C. “Cran” Bennett Volunteer Appreciation Award, honoring the invaluable contributions of our volunteers.
Our featured nonprofit partner, the Marietta Arts Council, brought the concert’s theme to life through its beautiful American Tapestry community weaving project—a wonderful reminder of the many individual threads that make our community stronger. And we were thrilled to welcome award-winning broadcaster Condace Pressley to the stage for a powerful narration of Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait.
We are especially grateful to our concert sponsors, Paraklete Financial and The Veterinary Clinic, whose generous support helped make this memorable evening possible.
From the remarkable music to the meaningful moments of recognition, American Tapestry reminded us that a symphony is so much more than the musicians on stage. It is a community of artists, supporters, volunteers, and audiences, each contributing something essential to the whole.
Thank you to everyone who braved the weather to celebrate with us. Season 76 is off to a wonderful start!
Relive the evening! Take a look at some of our favorite moments from American Tapestry in our photo gallery.
