'New' Orchestra to Entertain Area

The Cobb Symphony Orchestra gave its farewell performance this weekend at the Murray Arts Center in Kennesaw and, in the process, gave Dallas and Hiram an orchestra they can call their own.

“Well, ‘farewell’ is kind of tongue and cheek,” said musical director and conductor Michael Alexander. “We’re just changing the name.”

During Saturday’s concert, the orchestra officially was reintroduced as the Georgia Symphony Orchestra to reflect its expanding presence throughout the state.

You can help usher in the birth of an orchestra for all of Georgia during today's matinee performance at the Murray Arts Center at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at the box office or by calling 770-429-7016.

In a metaphor of both mourning and celebration, Alexander said the performance will pair Beethoven’s 7th Symphony, “a celebration of dance and life,” with the finality of Mozart's Requiem.

It's not the first time the orchestra just to the east of Paulding has gone through a name change.

The 85-person, Cobb-based orchestra traces its beginnings to 1951 in the Marietta home of Arthur F. Moor.

Known then as the Marietta Music Club, it grew from a handful of members to become the Marietta Concert Orchestra, then the Marietta Symphony, and eventually the Cobb Symphony Orchestra.

The addition of “Georgia” to the title reflects the orchestra’s tradition of change.

Alexander, who has served as musical director for seven years, said the name change aligns all the orchestra’s programs under one roof and celebrates its growth in recent years.

While the Georgia Symphony Orchestra will continue to be based out of the Murray Arts Center in Kennesaw, it has plans to expand its reach, Alexander said.

He also noted the orchestra’s many other efforts, including its chorus, jazz and youth programs. Since its founding in 2006, the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra has grown to become the largest youth orchestra program in the Southeast with two full orchestras, two string orchestras, several ensembles and two choruses.

The program serves youths from more than 100 schools, with some participating from out of state, Alexander said.

The orchestra's educational focus has grown with the founding of the Georgia Center for the Arts in 2008. The Cobb Symphony Orchestra and the Murray Arts Center of Mount Paran Christian School partnered in the effort to provide musical instruction to students of varying ages and skill levels.

As for the orchestra's goals, Alexander said: "We’re very excited to continue to be sort of cutting edge in how we present art. We’re very proud to be sort of producing high art that is accessible to all.”

Noting that about 1,000 people participate in the orchestra's various programs, he added: “And long term, we hope to continue to grow."