As part of our 75th Anniversary celebration, we’re excited to feature a new storytelling series in The Score, written by Paige Perkins and told through the voice of our fictional friend, Pert- the GSO’s most enthusiastic (and possibly longest-serving) supporter. With humor, heart, and a healthy dose of Southern charm, Pert will guide readers through the GSO’s early days and its evolution into the vibrant organization it is today.
Written by lifelong music lover and natural storyteller Paige Perkins, these monthly tales offer a delightful peek behind the curtain of our rich history.
We hope you’ll follow along-and as Pert would say, “Stay out of treble!”
People often ask me, “Pert, who is your favorite GSO musical director of all time?”
What a silly question! That’s like asking me which of my Boston Terriers was my favorite. Why I’ve been living with those black and white terrors since I was a child. Daddy bred champion Boston’s, even had one at Westminster! Mr. Blackjack was definitely in my top ten if not my top five.
OK, now wait a minute. I’ve got myself sidetracked. We were talking conductors not canines, so I apologize.
As you know we’ve had four main musical directors since the inception of the orchestra. The first one was our longest serving, Betty Shipman Bennett. For the first 35 years of the GSO, our Betty was the pioneer that kept the orchestra going and growing. She turned that group of volunteers into the Marietta Community Symphony, which set the stage for what was to come. I have so many fond memories of her time with us as we watched our concert halls grow bigger and the audiences too!
I wouldn’t have wanted to come after Betty, but there was no one more perfect for the job than Steven Byess. He came in 1989 and built on Betty’s foundation. He was a gifted conductor and a hometown boy. Graduated from right here at North Cobb! He introduced some very innovative music and special programs. I adored his Movie Nights at the Jenny Anderson Theater. Such fun! I admit he was also a favorite at our Guild meetings, always giving us a sneak peek of what was coming at the next concert.
In 2004 Michael Alexander came and the growth of our little hometown orchestra really took off. He helped to launch the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra which is now the largest in the southeast AND the Georgia Symphony Chorus! It was unbelievable – and a delight – how much he accomplished. He brought modern music to our concert halls and with it came new audiences. It was thrilling to see all the young faces. Seemed only fitting that we changed our name to Georgia Symphony Orchestra during his tenure. We had become so much more.
Now we have Music Director Timothy Verville, and he’s brought an exciting talent and innovative programming that’s just plain ol’ fun! He seems to be able to do anything. Always figuring out how to bring music to even larger groups and mixing music with other forms of art. I’m a fan of American music myself, and he highlights American composers at least once a year. He’ll be directing the 75th Anniversary Concert at Atlanta’s Symphony Hall in May, and I just cannot wait to see the spectacular he’s planned. Don’t worry, I’ll be there. Several people have already offered to escort me downtown because they know I don’t do the Uber.
So who’s my favorite? Well, when I think back on it, whoever held the baton at the time was my favorite. They all stand shoulder to shoulder when it comes to how much they love music and the mission of the GSO. It takes a unique lyrical touch and a certain je ne sais quoi to lead a bunch of musicians and the people who support them. We wouldn’t be here 75 years later if we hadn’t had these four maestros, and for that I’m thankful. Aren’t you?
Until next time, stay out of treble!
Pert
