Masterworks
Tchaikovsky · Stravinsky
October 9, 2026
Byers Theatre
City Spring Performing Arts Center
Sandy Springs, GA
The official season opens with a cinematic, transformative arc. Christopher Tin’s Sogno di Volare (from Civilization VI) launches us into the sky; Simon Zhu, soloist takes center stage in Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, tracing a journey from struggle to triumph; and Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite (1919) closes the night in a blaze of color and renewal. The orchestra itself “becomes” something new in front of the audience – embracing game music, classic virtuosity, and 20th-century ballet in a single statement.
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Details:
Date:
October 9, 2026
Location:
Byers Theatre, City Springs Performing Arts Center
Sandy Springs, GA
Program:
Christopher Tin - Sogno di Volare
ft. Michael O’Neal Singers
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto
ft. Simon Zhu
Stravinsky - Firebird Suite
Featuring:
The Michael O’Neal Singers (MOS) is one of the premier symphonic choruses in the Southeastern United States, comprising a full auditioned chorus of over 150 singers along with its 36-member Kaleidoscope ensemble. The organization is known for its high artistic standard and versatile repertoire spanning major choral-orchestral works to innovative programming. MOS has performed with the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra since its inception, maintaining a long-standing collaborative partnership.
Simon Zhu began playing violin at age six and trained with leading teachers across Europe, including studies at the Mozarteum Salzburg and the Berlin University of the Arts, and is currently studying in Munich with Ana Chumachenco and Ingolf Turban, with additional mentorship from Ning Feng.
A prizewinner of several major international competitions, including the 2023 Paganini Competition in Genoa, one of the world’s major international violin competitions held in Genoa, Italy, the birthplace of Niccolò Paganini.
He has performed internationally with leading orchestras and at major venues such as the Berlin Philharmonie and the London Symphony Orchestra. He currently performs on a c. 1760 violin by Zosimo Bergonzi, on loan from the Stretton Society.