Gwinnett Symphony 2025-2026 Program Guide by Gwinnett Symphony

Welcome to the 25/26 Concert Season

Dear Friends,

It is with great pride and excitement that I welcome you to the 29th season of the Gwinnett Symphony. On behalf of our Board of Directors, artistic team, musicians, and volunteers, thank you for being a part of this remarkable journey. Your presence and support continue to inspire everything we do.

Titled "Expect the UNEXPECTED", our 2025–2026 season is the most ambitious and adventurous in our history—ﬁlled with bold contrasts, unforgettable collaborations, and moments that will move, challenge, and uplift you.

I’m especially excited that this year marks a turning point in our commitment to accessibility and outreach. We’re taking Gwinnett Symphony on the road—making world-class music more available to the diverse and vibrant audiences that make up our region. From the magniﬁcent stage of Atlanta Symphony Hall to the beautiful Gas South Theater in Duluth, with stops in Lawrenceville and Norcross, we’re expanding access to live symphonic performance like never before.

This year’s extraordinary lineup of masterworks includes Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, Holst’s The Planets, Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, Arvo Pärt’s Te Deum, Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, Vivaldi’s Gloria, and Xian Xinghai’s powerful Yellow River Cantata. Alongside these masterpieces, we celebrate our most beloved traditions with the Messiah Sing-Along, our festive Holiday POPS! concert, a glittering Vienna New Year’s Celebration, and the high-energy ﬁnale Kings and Queens of Pop, Rock and

We are also thrilled to welcome Christopher Martin, Principal Trumpet of the New York Philharmonic, as this season’s featured artist. Christopher joins us for a spectacular night of music, performing Arutiunian’s Trumpet Concerto and With Malice Toward None—a deeply moving work composed especially for him by John Williams.

There is truly something here for everyone—entry points for new listeners and rich experiences for seasoned music lovers. I invite you to explore this season with open ears and open hearts, and I sincerely thank you for making our work possible through your presence and support.

This year, the Gwinnett Symphony invites you to expect brilliance, expect joy, and above all—Expect the UNEXPECTED!

Robert Trocina

Artistic Director and Principal Conductor

25/26 Featured Artist

Christopher Martin Principal Trumpet

New York Philharmonic

Praised by The New York Times as “brilliant … impeccable” and by The Chicago Tribune for his “effortless understated virtuosity”, Martin is also a devoted champion of new music and education. He has premiered signiﬁcant works—such as Christopher Rouse’s Heimdall’s Trumpet —and currently serves on the faculty of The Juilliard School.

Christopher Martin is among the leading trumpet soloists of his generation. Prior to joining the New York Philharmonic as Principal Trumpet in September 2016, he previously held the Principal Trumpet chair at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from 2005 to 2016, and before that performed with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra from 2000 to 2005.

In March, Mr. Martin will perform John Williams’ With Malice Toward None—a poignant trumpet solo originally composed for him as part of the Lincoln (2012) ﬁlm score and later performed under Williams’ direction at the National Mall during the Capitol Fourth celebration on July 4, 2013. He will also perform Alexander Arutunian’s Trumpet Concerto, a virtuosic and beloved staple of the trumpet repertoire that highlights his signature lyricism and technical brilliance.

25/26 At a Glance

80th WWII Victory Concert

Sept 21, 2025

Sun, 6:30pm

Atlanta Symphony Hall

Shostakovich 5

Nov 2, 2025

Sun, 7:00pm Discovery Theater

BEETHOVEN Coriolan Overture

SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 5

Selections by our YOUTH ORCHESTRA

Nov 23, 2025

Sun, 3:00pm Lawrenceville Presbyterian

MOZART Flute Concerto No. 2, mov.2

STRAUSS Radetzky March & More!

Pärt & Lauridsen

Feb 22, 2026 Sun, 5:00pm Norcross First Methodist

LAURIDSEN O Magnum Mysterium for Brass Choir PÄRT Te Deum

Christopher Martin & The Planets

Mar 29, 2026

Sun, 5:00pm

Norcross First Methodist

ARUTUNIAN Trumpet Concerto

WILLIAMS With Malice Toward None

HOLST The Planets

Youth Orchestra Festival Concert

May 4, 2026

Mon, 6:00pm

Gas South Theater

BORODIN In the Steppes of Central Asia

MASCAGNI “Intermezzo” from Cavalleria Rusticana WILLIAMS Star Wars through the Years

The Kings & Queens of Pop, Rock & Soul

May 4, 2026

Mon, 7:30pm

Gas South Theater

Featuring music by:

ELVIS PRESLEY, ARETHA FRANKLIN, MICHAEL JACKSON, BRUNO MARS & TAYLOR SWIFT

Tickets & Venues

2025/2026Venues

Secure Your Seats with a Scan! Gwinnett Symphony ticket prices generally range from $10 to $25, with discounts available for seniors, students, military personnel, and groups. Prices may vary based on the requirements of each venue. Please scan the code above to access the online box ofﬁce and view all available ticket options.

Gwinnett Symphony is performing across a variety of exceptional venues throughout metro Atlanta and Gwinnett County—each offering a unique concert experience and easy access for our diverse audience. Join us at any (or all!) of the following locations:

Road

80th ANNIVERSARY WWII VICTORY CONCERT

Sunday, September 21, 2025, 6:30pm

Atlanta Symphony Hall

Atlanta International Symphony Orchestra

In collaboration with Gwinnett Symphony

Robert Trocina artistic director & conductor

Gregory Pritchard & Chunhe Zhang conductors

Fanfare for the Common Man

Aaron Copland (1900-1990)

Overture to Candide Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)

Lincoln Portrait Aaron Copland (1900-1990)

American Salute Morton Gould (1913-1996)

Theme from “Schindler's List John Williams (born 1932)

America the Beautiful Carmen Dragon (1914-1984)

INTERMISSION

Yellow River Cantata Xian Xinghai (1905-1945)

DIGITAL PROGRAM TICKETS & DIRECTIONS

SHOSTAKOVICH 5

Sunday, November 2, 2025, 7pm

Discovery Theater

Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra

Gwinnett Symphony Youth Orchestra

Gregory Pritchard, conductor

Joseph Eunkwan Choi, guest conductor

Coriolan Overture, Op. 62 (1770-1827)

Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op. 47

Dmitri Shostakovich Moderato (1906-1975)

Allegretto

Largo

Allegro non troppo

INTERMISSION

Song of the Sea Mariner Soon Hee Newbold (born 1975)

Ase’s Death from Peer Gynt Suite Edvard Grieg (1843–1907)

Excerpts from The Rite of Spring Igor Stravinsky / arr. Gruselle (1882-1971)

DIGITAL PROGRAM

TICKETS & DIRECTIONS

Messiah SING-ALONG

Sunday, November 23, 2025, 3pm

Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church

Gwinnett Symphony Chorus

Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra (string quartet)

Rick Smith, conductor

Messiah, Part I

Hallelujah Chorus

George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)

INTERMISSION

Sleigh Ride - With Kids Conductors! Leroy Anderson

A Christmas Festival - Singalong Leroy Anderson

Wonderful Child by Jay Rouse

Noel Heather Sorenson

Betelehemu Barrington Brooks

Glory, Glory, Glory to the Newborn King Moses Hogan

O Holy Night Adolphe-Charles Adam, Arr. by Rene Clausen

DIGITAL PROGRAM TICKETS & DIRECTIONS

A VIENNA NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATION

Sunday, January 11, 2026, 7pm Discovery Theater

Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra & Youth Orchestra

Gregory Pritchard, conductor

Robert Trocina, conductor

Teodora Stoyanova, ﬂute

Matthew Brown, typewriter

Symphony No. 40 in G Minor

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart I. Molto allegro, II. Andante (1756-1791)

Flute Concerto No.2 in D Major

Teodora Stoyanova, ﬂute

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Adagio ma non troppo (1756-1791)

The Typewriter Leroy Anderson (1908-1975)

Matthew Brown, typewriter

The Blue Danube Johann Baptist Strauss II (1825-1899)

INTERMISSION

Symphony No. 40 in G Minor Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart III. Menuetto: Allegretto, IV. Allegro assai (1756-1791)

Radetzky March Johann Strauss (1804-1849)

DIGITAL PROGRAM

TICKETS & DIRECTIONS

PÄRT & LAURIDSEN

Sunday, February 22, 2026, 5pm

Norcross First Global Methodist Church

Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra

Gwinnett Symphony Chamber Singers

Gwinnett Symphony Brass Ensemble

Rick Smith, conductor

Robert Trocina, conductor

O Magnum Mysterium Morten Lauridsen for Brass Ensemble (born 1943)

BRIEF PAUSE

Te Deum

Arvo Pärt (born 1935)

Arvo Pärt: "Te Deum was a quest for something evanescent, something long lost or not yet found, a quest for something believed to be non-existent, but so real that it exists not only within us but beyond our being as well."

DIGITAL PROGRAM

TICKETS & DIRECTIONS

CHRISTOPHER MARTIN & THE PLANETS

Sunday, March 22, 2026, 5pm

Norcross First Global Methodist Church

Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra

Gwinnett Symphony Chamber Singers

Robert Trocina, conductor

Gregory Pritchard, conductor

Christopher Martin, trumpet

Trumpet Concerto in Ab major Alexander Arutunian (1920-2012)

With Malice Toward None John Williams from Lincoln (born 1932)

INTERMISSION

The Planets, Op. 32 Gustav Holst Mars, the Bringer of War (1874-1934) Venus, the Bringer of Peace Mercury, the Winged Messenger Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age Uranus, the Magician Neptune, the Mystic

DIGITAL PROGRAM

TICKETS & DIRECTIONS

YOUTH ORCHESTRA FESTIVAL CONCERT

Monday, May 4, 2026, 6pm

Gas South Theater

Gwinnett Symphony Youth Orchestra

Gregory Pritchard conductor

In the Steppes of Central Asia Alexander Borodin (1833-1887)

“Intermezzo” from Cavalleria Rusticana Pietro Mascagni (1863-1945)

Star Wars through the Years John Williams / arr. Bulla (born 1932)

DIGITAL PROGRAM

TICKETS & DIRECTIONS

The Kings and Queens OF POP, ROCK & SOUL

Monday, May 4, 2026, 7:30pm

Gas South Theater

Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra & Chorus Rick Smith, Robert Trocina & Gregory Pritchard, conductors Sherry Ellis, viola More Soloists TBA

Featuring music by: ELVIS PRESLEY, ARETHA FRANKLIN, MICHAEL JACKSON, BRUNO MARS, TAYLOR SWIFT and more!

Programming was not available at the time of printing. Please scan the QR below for the Digital Program.

DIGITAL PROGRAM TICKETS & DIRECTIONS

Robert Trocina

Artistic Director & Principal Conductor

The Life Revealed Chair

Hailed by Germany’s Odenwälder Zeitung as “a brilliant conductor” who “formally lived with the music,” American conductor Robert Trocina has been praised for his “innovative approach to programming” and “deep commitment to music education” by ArtsATL, and described by Frankfurter Neue Presse as “a dynamic conductor with great charisma,” with performances that have "brought audiences to their feet," according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. An accomplished conductor, artistic director, educator, and entrepreneur, he is known for musical leadership that blends emotional depth, stylistic clarity, and collaborative energy across symphonic, choral, operatic, and ballet repertoire

Robert Trocina serves as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra (since 2006) and sits on the Board of Directors of the International Conductors Guild. He is Music Director of the Georgia Ballet (since 2019), Artistic Director and Conductor of the Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra (since 2024), and Executive Director of New School of Music, which he co-founded in 1997. Since 2018, he has led special cultural exchange “friendship concerts” as Artistic Director with the Korean American Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta International Symphony Orchestra, leading performances at Atlanta Symphony Hall,

He previously served 14 seasons as Music Director of Northeast Atlanta Ballet, conducting over 150 classical ballet productions including Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker; Prokoﬁev’s Cinderella; and set the music for an original dynamic production of Peter Pan. Trocina made his opera debut with Capitol City Opera, conducting acclaimed productions of Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi and Mozart’s The Impresario. He also served as Associate Conductor of the Atlanta Wind Symphony from 1998–2003.

Notable international conducting appearances have included Principal Guest Conductor of the Starkenburg Philharmoniker in Germany (Neujahrskonzerts Series, 2018 and 2019), guest conductor of the Chernivtsi Symphony Orchestra in Ukraine (2019), and guest conductor of Bad Vilbeler Kammerorchester in Frankfurt (2022 and 2024), where his work on Hindemith’s 1921 silent ﬁlm score Im Kampf mit dem Berg was a highlight. His 2019 performance in Chernivtsi was noted by the Wilson Center’s Keenan Institute as one of “joyous abandon,” offering “a sharp contrast to the suffering of the pandemic and the war to follow.” Other recent guest conducting appearances have included the Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra, West Virginia State Philharmonic, and Atlanta Musicians Orchestra. He has performed across the United States, Canada, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ukraine, and Sweden.

With a deep commitment to music education, Trocina co-founded New School of Music in 1997 and continues to serve as its Executive Director, overseeing instruction for more than 1,200 students annually across ﬁve campuses. He led the Gwinnett Children’s and Youth Orchestras from 1997 to 2006, later transforming them into the Gwinnett Symphony Youth Orchestra (GSYO) and launching key initiatives such as the Side-by-Side concerts and the Rising Star Concerto Competition, which give young musicians the opportunity to perform with Gwinnett Symphony. He has overseen the expansion of Gwinnett Symphony to ﬁve ensembles serving youth and adult musicians, and initiated a partnership with the International Conductors Workshop and Competition, giving over 15 winning conductors opportunities to guest conduct GSO.

A proud alumnus of Kennesaw State and Georgia State Universities, Trocina earned degrees in Music Performance and Instrumental Conducting, respectively. His further development as a conductor has been guided by a number of esteemed mentors, including Patricio Cobos, William Fred Scott, Stephen Byess, and Philip Greenberg. Along with his role on the Board of Directors of the International Conductors Guild, he is an active member of the League of American Orchestras and the Georgia Music Educators Association.

Gregory Pritchard

Music Director & Co-Conductor

The Dover and Cook Family Chair

Music Director and Co-Conductor Dr. Gregory Pritchard has been an integral part of the Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra since 2010, and has also served as Music Director of the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre since 2023. Prior to these current posts, he served for ﬁve seasons as the Music Director of the Gainesville Symphony Orchestra (GA). He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Orchestral Conducting from Michigan State University, where he studied under Leon Gregorian, Catherine Comet, and Elizabeth Green. Dr. Pritchard attributes his reﬁned musical sensitivity to his training in the Musin tradition, having studied with Leonid Korchmar and Peter Gribanov in St. Petersburg, Russia

With a remarkable ability to connect with both audiences and musicians, Dr. Pritchard has garnered extensive conducting opportunities. His prior roles include serving as Music Director of the Opera Company of Mid-Michigan, where he led acclaimed performances of major repertoire including La Bohème, Madama

He has also held faculty positions at several institutions, including Georgia State University, University of Evansville (IN), Indiana Wesleyan University, Taylor University (IN), Konservatori Seni Halus (Fine Arts Conservatory, Penang, Malaysia), and Hope College (MI). His additional conducting appointments include Associate Conductor of the Kokomo Symphony Orchestra (IN), Music Director of the Holland Area Youth Orchestra (MI), Music Director of the Gwinnett County Youth Symphony (GA), and Assistant Conductor at the Music Festival of Arkansas and Southeastern Music Center (GA). Dr. Pritchard has also guest conducted numerous ensembles across the United States,including the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra (MO), Macon Symphony (GA), Lake Charles Symphony (LA), West Virginia State Philharmonic, Georgia Philharmonic and Alma Symphony (MI).

Dr. Pritchard's career is marked by an impressive collection of awards and recognitions. In 1990, as Assistant Conductor of the Blue Lake International Youth Symphony Orchestra, he conducted performances in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and France, and was selected for a private concert for the Chancellor of Vienna. The Lansing State Journal named him "Exceptional Music Director" in 1997 for his work at the Riverwalk Theater (MI). That same year, he was appointed the first-ever Fellowship Conductor of the Grand Rapids Symphony, leading Family and Special Event performances and covering educational and pops programs. In 2004, he secured first prize at both the International Conductors Workshop and Competition in Macon, Georgia, and the Advanced Conducting Workshop in St. Petersburg, Russia. He was also named a Semifinalist for the National Conducting Institute in Washington D.C. As a result of his competition win with ICWC, he guest conducted the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Congress Orchestra (the orchestra of the Russian Ballet) in 2005. In 2010, he made his Italian conducting debut with the Orchestra da Camera del Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Beyond his conducting roles, Dr. Pritchard is deeply committed to music education. He is a veteran music teacher with Gwinnett County Public Schools in Georgia, sharing his passion for music with his students. In 2002, he made his Carnegie Hall conducting debut with the Brookwood Philharmonic. He has also served as the Fine Arts Curriculum Lead and Department Chair at Gwinnett Online Campus, where he developed a comprehensive online music curriculum. After achieving ﬁrst place in conducting competitions in both the United States and Russia, Dr. Pritchard was appointed a faculty member of the International Conductors Workshop and Competition in 2005. He now serves as the Artistic Director of the workshop, mentoring dozens of talented conductors annually, many of whom have gone on to conduct prestigious orchestras worldwide, including the San Francisco Symphony, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, and Toronto Symphony. Critics have lauded Dr. Pritchard's conducting prowess; Wes Sarginson of NBC News Atlanta noted that Gregory Pritchard “brings a sense of humor with his baton,” while K.S. Morrison of the Macon Telegraph described Pritchard as “well-grounded in the art of orchestral conducting” with an interpretive sense that is “tasteful and innovative.”

Rick Smith

Chorus Music Director & Conductor

The Pamela Cook Chair

Rick Smith is an active Music Director, educator, and arts entrepreneur. He currently serves as Music Director and Conductor of the Gwinnett Symphony Chorus and Chamber Singers, and as Director of Music Ministries at Johns Creek Christian Church, a position he has held since July 2011. Prior to this, he served for over nine years as Music Minister at First Christian Church of Atlanta (Disciples of Christ) in Tucker, GA. He is also Executive Director of the New School of Music, one of the region’s leading community music education institutions.

Widely recognized for his charismatic podium presence and immediate connection with audiences, Smith brings a vibrant, communicative style to every performance. His conducting is marked by expressive clarity, infectious energy, and an instinctive ability to draw singers and listeners alike into the emotional core of the

A lifelong musician, Smith began formal piano studies at the age of seven in a musical household where every family member played an instrument or sang. By age twelve, he was serving as the pianist for his local church, a role he held through high school. His passion for music deepened during his time at Shorter College in Rome, GA, where he earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Church Music and Music Education. While his primary instrument is piano, his studies also included private voice and extensive choral training under the mentorship of Dr. John H. Ratledge III, a distinguished choral conductor and student of the world-renowned composer Morten Lauridsen. Under Ratledge’s direction, Smith participated in the world premiere of Lauridsen’s Les Chansons des Roses at Carnegie Hall in 1994 and performed with the Shorter Chorale in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1992. Throughout his career, Smith has combined artistic excellence with a strong commitment to community engagement and education. His work reﬂects a deep understanding of both the choral tradition and the people he serves, fostering inclusive, high-level music-making in every ensemble he leads.

A leading force in music education, Smith co-founded New School of Music in 1997 and continues to lead the organization as Executive Director. Today, NSM operates ﬁve campuses across the metro Atlanta area, offering private and group music instruction to more than 1,200 enrolled students. Under his leadership, the conservatory has grown into a cornerstone of community music education, supported by a dedicated faculty and staff of approximately 60 professional musicians and educators. He also maintains an active studio of piano students, many of whom have gone on to study music at major universities and conservatories, and have been recognized with regional honors and top placements in local and state-level competitions.

Smith has held a leadership role with Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra & Chorus since 1997. In 2007, he founded the Gwinnett Symphony Chorus (GSC), which performs regularly with the Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra on several concerts throughout each concert season. The chorus, comprising singers of all levels, presents a wide-ranging repertoire including sacred works, classical masterworks, and selections from ﬁlm and popular music. In 2020, Smith founded the Gwinnett Symphony Chamber Singers, an auditioned ensemble drawn from the Symphony Chorus that focuses on chamber choral literature, with an emphasis on stylistic nuance, precision, and expressive depth across sacred and secular traditions. Under Smith’s direction, the Gwinnett Symphony Chorus was honored to perform at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City on September 11, 2011, for the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The concert featured René Clausen’s Memorial and was conducted by the composer as part of the Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY) series.

The Chorus

Singers are listed in alphabetical order and the roster is current as of 8/1/2025. View updated rosters here.

Soprano

Allison Collier

Annie Lee

Beth Strabala

Brieanna Haberling

Cara Jensen

Cecilly Shelton

Christy Kim

Claudia Ward

Debbie Jones

Diana Gable

Diane Lanier

Donna Pracht

Frances Peralta

Haley Perez-Arche

Jenni Bolton

Katie Linn

Lacy Wheeler

LaDonna Pitts

Lois Simon

Lydia O’Dell

Mary Thornton

Soprano (cont.)

Melissa Anderson

Melissa Black

Michelle Sander

Pam Cook

Now Auditioning for Orchestra & Chorus Openings

Gwinnett Symphony is holding auditions for select string positions and choral singers on all voice parts. Perform with one of Gwinnett and North Atlanta’s ﬁnest ensembles—a community of passionate musicians dedicated to artistic excellence, collaboration, and inspiring performances.

The Orchestra

Violin I

Nancy Schechter, concertmaster

Youth Orchestra

Youth musicians are listed in alphabetical order. Please view updated rosters here.

Violin I

Samantha R White

Caitlyn Khalil

Amanda Bartley

Veniamin Duarte

Serena Shi

Camille Smith

Amaya Collins

DaMarcus Thompkins

Kaden Paulk

Corrie Tarcau

Ella Girardo

Katherine Serrano

Divinity Seymour

Jordon Taylor

Derin Bilsel

Isabel Espino-Aguilar

Angela Kiume

Lexi Newman

Violin II

Martin Alsayar

Le’Ayana Church

Allen Cruz Hernandez

Jashith Charvik Dadibattina

Angel Gutierrez A

Miranda Lewis

Ava Luttjohann

Liam Maharaj

Brooklynn Marsh

Gerson Márquez

Dominic Medina

Jasmine Miles

Saida Mohamed

Adair McNeal

Nathan Nam

Isabella Osuji

Sonia Sheen

Viola

Gabriel Amponsah

Ruby Babadostov

About Gwinnett Symphony

Founded in 1996, Gwinnett Symphony has become a cornerstone of the performing arts in Gwinnett County and the greater Atlanta region. The Symphony presents a vibrant season of orchestral, choral, and chamber concerts, showcasing music from the classical canon to contemporary works, including pops and holiday classics. Through the combined efforts of its Orchestra, Chorus, Chamber Singers, and Youth Orchestra, the Symphony delivers powerful performances to audiences across the region.

The Gwinnett Symphony Youth Orchestra (GSYO) serves student musicians from more than 50 area schools and offers weekly rehearsals and performance opportunities as part of the Symphony’s commitment to music education. Gwinnett Symphony’s educational and artistic mission is further supported through public performances, school partnerships, and civic collaborations that strengthen its role as a leading cultural institution in one of Georgia’s most dynamic and diverse counties.

We envision a future where every resident of Gwinnett County has access to high-quality music education and performance opportunities, where orchestral music is embedded in the civic and cultural life of the region, and where Gwinnett Symphony serves as a leading voice for artistic innovation and broad cultural representation.

Mission

Gwinnett Symphony exists to inspire, educate, and connect our community through transformative musical experiences that reﬂect the excellence, cultural richness, and creativity of Gwinnett County while welcoming and serving all people, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance.

Ensembles

Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra

Gwinnett Symphony Chorus

Gwinnett Symphony Chamber Singers

Gwinnett Symphony Youth Orchestra

Gwinnett Symphony Chamber Music Ensembles

Leadership

Robert Trocina, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor

Rick Smith, Symphony Chorus, Music Director and Conductor

Gregory Pritchard, Music Director and Co-Conductor

José Manuel García, Jazz Orchestra Music Director

LEARN MORE

Sponsor a Musician

Sponsor a Musician in Gwinnett Symphony, you create a personal connection with a musician while supporting the cost of concert production—including rehearsal space, music rental, venue expenses, and community outreach. Whether you choose a speciﬁc performer or simply a favorite instrument, your gift strengthens the Symphony and brings you closer to the music you love.

Sponsorships may be made in your name, in honor or memory of someone special, or anonymously. Many donors enjoy building relationships with their musicians through thank-you notes, meet-and-greets, post-concert photos, and recognition in our

All musician sponsorships are fully tax-deductible and help sustain our mission across the orchestra, chorus, and youth programs.

Sponsorship Levels: © CH

Podium Sponsor – $500

Sponsor our Artistic Director or a Music Director.

Concertmaster / Principal Chair – $200 Sponsor a concertmaster, chorus section leader, or principal player.

Section Musician – $75

Sponsor any orchestra or chorus member in a non-principal chair.

Youth Orchestra Musician – $50 Sponsor a student musician in the Gwinnett Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Friend of the Symphony – $100 General support level—we’ll pair you with a musician or area of greatest need.

Recognition & Benefits

Your name, company name, a dedication in honor or memory of someone, or anonymous—will be listed in the printed season program if received before the print deadline, or in the digital program if received after.

SPONSOR A MUSICIAN

Many sponsors enjoy building a special connection through thank-you notes, post-concert photos, and occasional meet-and-greet opportunities.

Your support creates a personal, lasting bond with the music and helps ensure the future of live performance in Gwinnett County.

Join the Orchestra or Chorus

Are you an instrumentalist or vocalist looking for a place to do what

JOIN THE ORCHESTRA OR CHORUS

Join the Youth Orchestra

Founded in 1997, Gwinnett Symphony Youth Orchestra (GSYO), under the direction of Dr. Gregory Pritchard, offers young instrumentalists in the Gwinnett area the opportunity to enrich their musical education through high-quality orchestral training and exposure to symphonic literature. Membership is open to middle and high school students by audition or teacher recommendation. String players are accepted for the fall semester, while woodwind, brass, and percussion students join in the spring. Rehearsals are held Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, at Discovery High School.

This season, the GSYO will present three exciting concerts:

November 2, 2025 – Discovery Theater

January 11, 2026 – Discovery Theater

May 4, 2026 – Gas South Theater

JOIN THE YOUTH ORCHESTRA

Adrian Gnam International Conductors Workshop and Competition

Founded in 2004 by Adrian Gnam, the International Conductors Workshop and Competition has become one of the nation’s most respected and enduring professional training programs for orchestral conductors. Based on the time-honored techniques of Monteux, Musin, and Szell, the workshop provides each participant with extensive podium time and a rare opportunity to work with a fully professional orchestra.

With Maestro Gnam’s passing in 2025, the workshop now bears his name, celebrating his lifelong dedication to artistry, mentorship, and orchestral music. The 35th annual workshop will take place January 16–19, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia, continuing its tradition of artistic excellence, professional development, and career advancement for conductors from around the world.

Hosted & Governed by Gwinnett Symphony

Now hosted by Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra and governed by its Executive Board of Directors, the program continues its mission of cultivating excellence in the art and craft of conducting through intensive podium time, professional rehearsal experience, and public performance with the ICWC Orchestra under the guidance of internationally acclaimed faculty. Additionally, ﬁrst place winners are honored with a guest conducting appointment with Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra. To date, GSO has hosted over ﬁfteen winners spanning ten years, furthering the program’s lasting impact on the professional conducting community.

ICWC Director: Gregory Pritchard

Faculty:

Philip Greenberg – Kiev Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Music Festival (Danish Monarchy), Cahors, France

Gregory Pritchard – Music Director, Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra, Gwinnett Ballet Theatre

Chelsea Tipton II - Music Director, Symphony of Southeast Texas, Principal Pops Conductor, New Haven Symphony Orchestra

Scott Woodard – Music Director, West Virginia State Philharmonic Orchestra, Butler Philharmonic Orchestra

Board Advisor

Robert Trocina – Artistic Director, Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra

Ways to Volunteer

Gwinnett Symphony Guild

The Gwinnett Symphony Guild is the heart of our volunteer community—an essential force behind every performance, rehearsal, and event. Whether you're a parent, performer, or supporter of the arts, your time and energy can make a lasting impact. By joining the Guild, you’ll help sustain the Symphony’s artistic and educational mission while becoming part of a passionate and welcoming network of music lovers. Your involvement helps ensure Gwinnett Symphony continues to thrive and inspire for years to come.

Concert Support: Greet guests, assist with ticketing, and distribute programs and merchandise at concerts.

Fundraising & Special Events: Organize and staff fundraising events, donor receptions, and auctions.

Campaign & Sponsorship Outreach: Support program ad sales, Sponsor a Musician, and other fundraising campaigns.

Marketing & Community Outreach: Share events on social media, distribute materials, and serve as a Symphony ambassador.

Administrative Support: Assist with ofﬁce tasks, volunteer coordination, and email campaigns.

Youth Orchestra Assistance: Support rehearsals, track attendance, and assist with stage setup and logistics.

Benefits of Being a Guild Member

Be Part of the Music: Support one of Gwinnett’s leading performing arts organizations.

First Access & Free Admission: Get early access to volunteer slots and free entry when you serve.

Special Recognition: Be acknowledged in concert programs and on our website.

Invitations to Events: Enjoy Guild-only gatherings and behind-the-scenes previews.

Community & Connection: Join a network of parents, musicians, and supporters who share your passion.

Make an Impact: Know your time directly supports the arts and enriches the quality of life in Gwinnett.

Support & Giving

Your gift makes the music possible! Whether you're an individual donor, a business sponsor, or planning a legacy gift, your support ensures that great music continues to thrive in our community. You may not hold a baton or play an instrument, but your generosity leads the way. As a 501(c)(3) nonproﬁt organization (Tax ID: 99-4604060), all contributions to Gwinnett Symphony are fully tax-deductible.

What Will My Gift Do?

Your Donation Supports:

• The purchase of musical scores and performance materials

• Compensation for guest artists and administrative staff

• Rental of concert venues and rehearsal spaces

• Educational programs and youth orchestra opportunities

• Community outreach and cultural partnerships

Your gift is also fully tax-deductible, and it helps ensure that live symphonic music, music education, and artistic excellence remain accessible to everyone in our community. Whether you’re making a one-time contribution or giving monthly, you’re playing a vital role in keeping the music alive.

Ways to Give

Individual Giving:

Join a community of passionate supporters who believe in the power of music. Every gift makes a difference, helping us bring exceptional performances, music education, and cultural enrichment to Gwinnett and beyond.

• One-time donations: Make a one-time contribution at any level

• Monthly giving: Become a sustaining donor with automatic monthly gifts. It’s convenient and meaningful—like a subscription that supports the arts all year long

Ways to Give, continued

Corporate Sponsorships:

Partner with Gwinnett Symphony to align your brand with excellence, creativity, and community. Corporate sponsors receive visibility across our concerts, print and digital materials, and social media.

• Opportunities include: Season Sponsorships, Concert or Series Sponsorship, Advertising in Program Books and In-Kind Contributions

Legacy & Planned Giving:

Create a lasting legacy by including Gwinnett Symphony in your estate plans. Planned gifts help ensure the future of symphonic music in Gwinnett for generations to come.

• Options include: Bequests in your will or trust, Naming Gwinnett Symphony as a beneﬁciary of a life insurance policy or retirement plan, Charitable gift annuities or trusts

Grants & Foundation Support

We welcome partnerships with private, public, and corporate foundations whose missions align with arts, education, and community engagement.

• Foundation grants can be directed toward: Youth Orchestra programs, Community outreach, Guest artist appearances, New works & commissions

Gwinnett Symphony Strategic Initiative At-a-Glance (2025–2028)

Strategic Priorities Summary

Artistic Growth and Innovation: Expand creative programming through collaborative productions, immersive concert formats, and new works by emerging composers.

Youth Education and Development: Grow youth ensembles, launch leadership and chamber opportunities, and bring music education into underserved schools.

Community Engagement and Inclusion: Deliver accessible performances in local spaces, build diverse cultural collaborations, and strengthen civic and faith-based partnerships.

Organizational Sustainability: Empower musicians and families through the Gwinnett Symphony Guild, grow donor support, enhance systems, and strengthen leadership capacity.

Brand Visibility and Public Identity: Improve audience experience, boost social and digital presence, and elevate Gwinnett Symphony’s role as a cultural ambassador.

Conducting Education and Professional Development: Establish the Adrian Gnam International Conductors Workshop and Competition as a signature program in partnership with the Conductors Guild to train and showcase the next generation of conductors.

Patrons, Sponsors, Board & Guild

We would like to express our deepest appreciation to the following individuals and organizations who supported our mission to create memorable shared experiences with music in the past year. Without your support, it would be impossible for Gwinnett Symphony to continue to strive for artistic excellence and touch the hearts of audiences.

Patrons & Sponsors

Alejandro Imperial

Aletta Muller

Alice Stanley

Amanda Henderson

Anonymous

Brian Baker

Brianne McKenna

Bruce & Pat Haggard

Carmen Ezeta

Christi Lenz

Debra Weeks-Alexander

Dover & Cook Families

Duane White

Gwinnett Forum

James (Jim) & Meredith Holt

Jennifer Burke

Jim & Cheri Lawson

Joyce Pohlman

Kathi McKenna

Kathleen Mackle Tiffany

Kristy Reed

Laurie Schechter

Life Revealed, Inc.

Lisa Shankles

Lynn Renshaw

Mark & Malissa Brown

Mark Bradley

Mike & Susie Kaiser

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors provides governance, strategic leadership, and artistic oversight for the organization.

Executive Board (Ofﬁcers)

Pam Cook, Chair, (Guild Advisor)

Shirley House, Treasurer (Ticketing Coord.)

Lisa Shankles, Secretary (Symphony Store Coord.)

Robert Trocina, Ex Ofﬁcio

Rick Smith, Ex Ofﬁcio

Board Members-at-Large

Carmen Ezeta, General Manager

Gregory Pritchard, Artistic Advisor

Joel Emerson, Musicians’ Representative

Members appointed after September 1, 2025 will be listed on our website.

All board members serve in a volunteer capacity and may also lead or advise key programs, committees, and artistic initiatives.

Miri Kim

Nancy McDaniel

Nancy Schechter

New School of Music

Pam Cook

Rachel Jones

Rachel O’Dell

Rick Smith

Robert Olson

Robert Trocina

Sara Quezada

Sherry Ellis

Shirley House

Stephen Henderson

Gwinnett Symphony Guild

The Guild supports our mission through volunteerism, event coordination, community engagement, and fundraising efforts.

Guild Leadership

Amanda Henderson, Guild Director

Malissa Brown, Concerts Volunteers Coord.

Rachel O’Dell, Staging Committee Coord.

Rhonda Starling, Fundraising Comm. Lead

Roula Khalil, Youth Orchestra Liaison

Guild Volunteers

Ora Ball

Jessica Barbastov

Manuel Barbastov

Austin Brown

Ashlyn Burke

Jana Chambers

Tricia Clayton

John Cochran

Shanna Cochran

Alida Delgado

Adalia Dover

Elliette Dover

Volunteers (cont.)

Amanda Francis

Bernadette Francis

Laurel Grifﬁths

John Kilpatrick

Emma Kunesh

Cheri Lawson

Jimmy Lindquist

Tonya McCorry

Machaela Nance

Khunthea Nhim

Susan Reniszewski

Lynn Renshaw

Fidias Reyes

Azra Sabanovic

Jennifer Burke Shelton

Alice Stanley

Sonali Vora

Sherry Ward

Jeff White

Music Lessons for Everyone!

New School of Music (NSM) proudly serves as the Music School of Gwinnett Symphony, helping to bridge music education and performance across our region. As part of its sponsorship, NSM provides essential support to the Symphony— including annual ﬁnancial contributions, ofﬁce and rehearsal space, administrative services, marketing and media support, and access to educational resources.

Many of Gwinnett Symphony’s professional musicians also teach at NSM, giving students the extraordinary opportunity to study directly with the artists they see on stage. By choosing NSM, you're not only investing in your own musical journey—you’re helping sustain the Symphony's mission in our community.

Music Lessons at NSM

NSM offers private instruction for all ages and skill levels, with a faculty of over 70 teachers, including many active members of Gwinnett Symphony. Students can take lessons on virtually every instrument, including piano, guitar, bass guitar, voice, violin, viola, cello, double bass, ﬂute, piccolo, oboe, English horn, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, orchestral percussion, and drum set.

Locations & Other Offerings

Founded in 1997 by music educators Rick Smith and Robert Trocina, NSM serves an annual enrollment of over 1,200 students across ﬁve campuses in Buford, Lilburn, Johns Creek, Flowery Branch, and Fayetteville.

In addition to private lessons, NSM provides full-service music support at its Buford and Lilburn locations. This includes convenient and affordable instrument rentals for school band and orchestra programs, a comprehensive music retail selection featuring instruments, method books, and accessories, and access to professional instrument repair services for brass, woodwind, string, and percussion instruments.

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