Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to Perform Cinco de Mayo Concert in Norcross

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is performing a free concert Friday in Historic Downtown Norcross as part of the ASO's Musicians in Communities program.

The concert kicks off Cinco de Mayo weekend in Thrasher Park by celebrating Mexican and Latin American music. Attendees can expect exciting tangos and hot Latin tempos with compositions by ASO violinist Juan Ramírez and performed with assistance from associate principal trumpet player Karin Bliznik, according to a news release.

Visitors are invited to bring chairs and blankets and find a spot on the park green. Kids are more than welcome, especially since there will be an “instrument petting zoo” where they can try playing instruments from 6:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. before the concert, which starts at 7 p.m.

“The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra embraces its responsibility to engage a broader Atlanta through community performances,” explained the orchestra's Manager of Community Programs Ahmad Mayes. “We want people to be able to enjoy performances by Atlanta Symphony musicians in their local neighborhoods, and we are thrilled to bring a Latin music program to the diverse community of Norcross.”

After the concert, visitors can stroll through downtown and enjoy authentic Mexican and Cuban cuisine at local eateries such as Zapata and Mojitos. Vargas & Harbin Studio Gallery is hosting a preview of "Raices," a collaborative exhibit showcasing several renowned Latin American artists who are from the metro Atlanta area. Some of the show's artists will be on hand to greet visitors and share their vibrant work, too.

Cinco de Mayo doesn't stop there, though; the gallery will have an official opening reception Saturday evening, and the downtown restaurants will continues their specials, too.

Members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performing in Norcross' Cinco de Mayo concert include: Juan Ramírez, violin & guitar; Carolyn Hancock, violin; Carol Ramírez, violin; Olga Shpitko, violin; Lisa Yancich, violin; Yiyin Li, viola; Larry LeMaster, cello; Paul Warner, cello; Michael Kurth, bass; and Karin Bliznik, trumpet.

The ASO program in Norcross starts Friday, May 3, at 6:30 p.m. in Thrasher Park, located at 93 Park Drive. For more details, visit aplacetoimagine.com.

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