The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra’s recent trip to Vietnam was anything but a simple vacation.
In mid-October, the orchestra was invited to the country as part of a week-long visit to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of strategic diplomatic relations between the United States and Vietnam. Johns Creek musicians, accompanied by “The Voice” contestant Mikaela Ayira, marked the visit with two performances at the Hanoi Opera House.
“It was a diplomatic celebration,” JCSO Music Director Henry Cheng said. The Johns Creek Orchestra was the only one from the U.S. to participate.
Cheng tossed the orchestra’s hat into the ring shortly after he joined the organization in the spring of 2025. After completing several rounds of interviews, the orchestra was selected, beating about 50 other groups.
The orchestra performed pieces such as “Rhapsody in Blue,” “Overture to Candide” and traditional Vietnamese works.
Cheng said he thinks Johns Creek was selected for the opportunity partly because of its respectable skill and the city’s representation as a model American community.
“At the end of the day, they saw us as an idealized version of America, which is a really cool thing,” Cheng said. “And that’s reflected artistically and musically.”
After getting over their considerable jet lag, the musicians did much more than simply tour the country, Cheng said.
They also served as ambassadors for the city.
They met with Vietnamese musicians, sharing what makes the community great, from its parks to infrastructure to diversity, Cheng said.
“It’s hard to find a city like that, and this is what drew me to the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra,” he said. “Music especially, is always a reflection of culture and society.”
Cheng said he hopes the relationships formed will lead to future collaborations between Vietnamese and Johns Creek musicians. He also thinks experience itself will serve as a powerful force in broadening the orchestra’s creative reservoir.
“It was not a vanity show,” Cheng said. “It’s about how we can be of service to the community, bring new cultures back and share how great the city is.”
Written By JON WILCOX on Nov 17, 2025
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