DeKalb Symphony Orchestra announces 61st season lineup, newly appointed principal players

The DeKalb Symphony Orchestra proudly announces its 61st season, a vibrant celebration of musical storytelling, innovation and timeless classics. This season, under the baton of Music Director & Conductor Dr. Paul Bhasin, audiences will experience six thrilling concerts, including masterworks by Rachmaninoff, Elgar, Tchaikovsky, Brahms and more. The DSO also announces the appointment of six new principal musicians for the upcoming season.

Performances will feature exceptional guest artists, community collaborations and the return of beloved traditions such as the annual Children’s Concert as well as the Young Artists Concerto Competition. All concerts will take place at First Baptist Church of Decatur, with the exception of the Children’s Concert, which will be held at Decatur Presbyterian Church.

The season opens Sept. 16 with a rhythmic journey through American music. Leonard Bernstein’s Three Dance Episodes from On the Town bursts with jazzy energy, alongside two electrifying clarinet concertos: Aaron Copland’s lyrical masterpiece and Artie Shaw’s swing-era dazzler, both featuring the DSO’s very own principal clarinetist, Andrew Warwick. Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances will enrapture the audience with sweeping grandeur and nostalgic power.

On Nov. 4, the audience will be immersed in orchestral elegance with Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin and Tchaikovsky’s impassioned Romeo and Juliet. Steinway Artist Dr. Heather Conner, the Chancellor’s Chair of Piano and Professor of Piano at the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University, joins the orchestra for one of the most beloved works in the repertoire, Rachmaninoff’s emotionally charged Piano Concerto No. 2.

The DSO’s annual Children’s Concert returns on Jan. 25 and features dancers from the Decatur School of Ballet alongside narrator Robert-Shaw Smith, bringing to life Prokofiev’s classic tale of Peter and the Wolf. A whimsical, interactive journey for young listeners and the young at heart, this concert promises to be a magical afternoon for all ages!

Rimsky-Korsakov’s brilliant Russian Easter Overture opens a powerful evening of music on February 3rd that also features Brahms’ monumental Symphony No. 1. The spotlight also shines on the winner of the 2025/2026 Young Artists Concerto Competition, showcasing the next generation of classical talent.

The DSO explores musical storytelling from Eastern Europe on March 3 with Glinka’s rousing Overture to Ruslan and Ludmila and Kodály’s colorful Háry János Suite. Violinist Dr. Emily Smith of the renowned Vega String Quartet takes center stage in Bruch’s virtuosic Violin Concerto No. 1, a staple of the Romantic repertoire.

The season comes to a transcendent close on May 19, beginning with Respighi’s Ancient Airs and Dances. The DSO will also deliver its premiere performance of Atlanta-based composer Joel Thompson’s To Awaken the Sleeper. The evening culminates with Elgar’s masterful Enigma Variations, a fitting finale to a season of inspiration, discovery, and brilliance.

The DSO is also pleased to announce the appointment of six new principal musicians for the upcoming season. The principal players were selected through a comprehensive blind audition process, and each musician brings a distinguished record of professional orchestral experience to their new role with the DSO. Mao Omura joins as Associate Concertmaster, Yi-Wen Yeh as Principal Second Violin, Hilary Gamble-Villareal as Principal Viola, Amy Wright as Principal Flute, Michael DeSousa as Principal Trombone, and Jackson Riffle as Principal Timpani and Percussion. The orchestra looks forward to welcoming these musicians to their new roles and to the season ahead.

Season subscriptions and single tickets are now available. For tickets, full season details, and more information, visit www.dekalbsymphony.org. Also, follow the DSO on Facebook and Instagram @dekalbsymphony for behind-the-scenes content, artist spotlights and special announcements.

About the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1964, the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra is a cornerstone of the metro-Atlanta arts community. The orchestra is committed to presenting high-quality performances, nurturing emerging talent, and making classical music accessible to all. In May 2025, the DSO announced that Dr. Paul Bhasin renewed his contract as Music Director and Conductor. Under Dr. Bhasin’s inspired leadership, the DSO has continued to grow artistically and deepen its impact in the community. As we begin our 61st season, the DSO is building a future as an ensemble committed to excellence, grounded in community, and poised for a vibrant future as we continue to bring symphonic music to DeKalb County and beyond.