Next up: American Tapestry — October 10. Experience a bold, inspiring evening of American music. Get Tickets.

Georgia Symphony Orchestra Presents
AMERICAN TAPESTRY
America Isn’t One Story.
And It Doesn’t Have Just One Sound.

Love and conflict. Leadership and history. Isolation, resilience, gratitude, and hope.

Experience an evening of music that explores the complexity of the American story, from the unforgettable sounds of West Side Story to contemporary works inspired by democracy, community, and the moments that bring us together.

Saturday, October 10, 2026  |  7:30 p.m.

Bailey Performance Center at
Kennesaw State University

Condace Pressley Brings Lincoln’s words to life in Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait

What does leadership sound like in a moment of uncertainty?

Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait combines the power of a full orchestra with Abraham Lincoln’s own words, creating a moving reflection on leadership, character, democracy, and responsibility.

For American Tapestry, award-winning journalist and longtime Atlanta media leader Condace Pressley takes on the spoken role, bringing a distinctive voice and presence to one of Copland’s most powerful works.

Four Stories. One American Tapestry.

Love + Conflict

West Side Story: Symphonic Dances
Leonard Bernstein’s iconic music moves from explosive rhythms and tension to soaring romance and heartbreak, bringing the drama of West Side Story vividly to life through the orchestra.

Leadership + History

Lincoln Portrait
Music and spoken word come together in Aaron Copland’s powerful reflection on Abraham Lincoln, leadership, and democracy, featuring Condace Pressley.

Isolation, Gratitude, + Resilience

Seven O’Clock Shout
Inspired by the nightly celebrations of frontline workers during the pandemic, Valerie Coleman’s music transforms isolation into connection, celebration, and gratitude.

Hope + Democracy

Fanfare for Democracy
Bright brass, percussion, and the full power of the orchestra capture a feeling of energy, optimism, and hope for what comes next.

Make a night of it. Dinner isn't the whole date.

Add a live soundtrack. Make American Tapestry part of your night out.

Start with dinner, then settle into Bailey Performance Center for an evening of music that gives you something to experience together and something to talk about afterward.

New to the symphony? You do not need to know the composers or recognize every piece. Just take your seat and experience what a full orchestra can do live.

Want a little more context? Arrive early for the complimentary Maestro Talk with Music Director Timothy Verville at 6:30 p.m.

Program + Final CTA American Tapestry

James Stephenson
Fanfare for Democracy

Joan Tower
Made in America

Leonard Bernstein
West Side Story: Symphonic Dances

William Grant Still
Festive Overture

Valerie Coleman
Seven O’Clock Shout

Aaron Copland
Lincoln Portrait
Featuring Condace Pressley

AMERICA ISN’T ONE STORY.
COME HEAR WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE.

Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.

Bailey Performance Center at Kennesaw State University