Cobb Symphony Orchestra to Give 'Farewell' Performance

The Cobb Symphony Orchestra announced it will be giving its farewell performance this weekend at the in Kennesaw.

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

During tonight’s concert, the orchestra will be officially reintroduced as the Georgia Symphony Orchestra in an effort to reflect its expanding presence throughout the state.

This won’t be the first time the Cobb Symphony has gone through a name change.

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

Known then as the Marietta Music Club, it would grow from only 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 is reflective of the orchestra’s tradition of change.

Alexander, who has served as musical director for the past seven years, said the name change serves to align all the orchestra’s programs under one roof, as well as to celebrate its growth in recent years.

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

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 youth from over 100 schools, with some youth even participating from out-of-state, said Alexander.

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 partnered in the effort to provide musical instruction to students of varying ages and skill levels.

As for the orchestra's future 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.”

“And long-term, we hope to continue to grow," he said, adding that about 1,000 people currently participate in the orchestra's various programs.

Community members are invited to usher in the birth of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra during today's performance at the Murray Arts Center at 8 p.m., or during a Sunday performance at 3 p.m.

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.

For more information on the Cobb Symphony Orchestra, visit their website at http://www.cobbsymphony.org/index.htm.