The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra is kicking off a brand-new season, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. Under the baton of Maestro Henry Cheng, audiences are invited to IMAGINE: Your Playlist—a season designed like a personal soundtrack, filled with music that stirs memories, sparks connection, and inspires us in fresh ways.
The journey begins on Saturday, September 20, 2025, with the season opener IMAGINE: Stories in Sound, an evening that blends timeless classics with groundbreaking new works, including John Lennon’s Imagine, Elgar’s Enigma Variations, and George S. Clinton’s daring violin concerto The Rose of Sonora, plus a few surprises along the way.
Spotlight on Holly Mulcahy
At the heart of this performance is internationally celebrated violinist Holly Mulcahy, whose artistry and advocacy for living composers have made her one of the most compelling performers of her generation. Known for her radiant tone, adventurous programming, and fearless championing of new music, Mulcahy has performed works by leading composers including Jennifer Higdon, James Stephenson, and Philip Glass.
Her collaboration with Hollywood composer George S. Clinton on The Rose of Sonora has captivated audiences across the country. Premiered in 2019 with the Chattanooga Symphony, the concerto is written in five scenes and inspired by the stories of legendary women in the Old West. The work takes listeners on a sweeping journey of love, loss, and revenge, pairing cinematic storytelling with virtuosic violin writing. Mulcahy’s interpretation, joined by the Michael O’Neal Singers, promises to deliver a performance that is both intimate and epic in scope.
Even more exciting for Johns Creek audiences, George S. Clinton himself will be in attendance at the September 20 performance. Widely known for his award-winning film scores for Austin Powers, The Santa Clause, Mortal Kombat, and more, Clinton has become an important voice in contemporary classical music. His presence offers patrons a rare opportunity to experience this powerful work alongside its composer.
Mulcahy’s influence reaches far beyond the concert stage. As the concertmaster of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and the Wichita Symphony’s Partner for Audience Engagement, she is dedicated to breaking down barriers between musicians and audiences. Her non-profit organization, Arts Capacity, brings live chamber music into prisons, using art as a healing force for people preparing to re-enter society. Her advocacy work, combined with her dazzling performances, positions her as one of classical music’s most innovative cultural leaders.
For Mulcahy, music is more than performance—it is storytelling, connection, and transformation. Her presence at JCSO’s season opener not only elevates the program but also underscores the orchestra’s commitment to bringing world-class artistry and meaningful experiences to the Johns Creek community.
About the Program
Maestro Cheng describes the evening’s program as a reflection of life’s journey:
“Our season opens with music that mirrors the journey of our own lives. The Rose of Sonora begins with the story of a single individual—her struggles, triumphs, and perseverance. From there, the lens widens to Elgar’s Enigma Variations, a portrait of friends, neighbors, and loved ones, reminding us that even in our most personal trials, we are never truly alone. These works form a musical arc, from a singular voice to many, inviting our community to reflect and embark on this season’s journey together.”
By pairing Clinton’s Rose of Sonora with Elgar’s deeply human Enigma Variations and Lennon’s iconic Imagine, JCSO sets the tone for a season that is bold, relevant, and profoundly moving.
Dinner and a Show
To make the evening even more special, JCSO is introducing Dinner and a Show, a new program designed to give audiences a full night of culture and connection. For the September 20 concert, ticket holders can add on an enhanced package that includes a $25 dining credit at Stoney River Duluth, along with access to exclusive menu items. The credit is applied directly to the final bill, creating a seamless experience that combines fine dining with world-class performance.