Gwinnett Symphony launches its 29th season with the 80th Anniversary WWII Victory Concert on Sunday, September 21 at 6:30 p.m., presented under the banner of the Atlanta International Symphony Orchestra, a large-scale collaboration hosted at the iconic Atlanta Symphony Hall. This commemorative event unites musicians from Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra, and a distinguished mass choir representing Atlanta, Houston, New York, and Washington, D.C.
Gwinnett’ Symphony’s Artistic Director, Robert Trocina, was hired to ‘orchestrate’ this collaboration between two local orchestras (Gwinnett Symphony and Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra) and six different choral groups (three local choruses and three from other states). The venue, Woodruff Arts Center, was chosen because of its size, reputation, and locale.
Trocina says: “Collaborations like these are rare and important. They remind us of the power music has to unite voices across boundaries—and how orchestral music can serve as both historical reflection and emotional catalyst.”
The program features:
- COPLAND – Fanfare for the Common Man
- BERNSTEIN – Overture to Candide
- COPLAND – A Lincoln Portrait
- Bella Ciao & Guerrilla Song for Brass Quintet
- GOULD – American Salute
- WILLIAMS – Theme from “Schindler’s List”
- DRAGON – America the Beautiful
- -Intermission-
- Xinghai – Yellow River Cantata, and
- SOUSA – Stars and Stripes Forever.
Artists include:
- Robert Trocina, Artistic Director and Conductor
- Chunhe Zhang, Conductor
- Gregory Pritchard, Conductor
- Brandon Graham, Narrator – A Lincoln Portrait, and
- William Pu, Violin.
Oak Road at Hutchins Road to get a roundabout
Gwinnett County is building a new roundabout at the intersection of Hutchins Road and Oak Road to improve safety and ease traffic congestion. In addition to the roundabout, the project includes new concrete sidewalks, enhanced drainage systems, and updated curbs and gutters. Commuters should be aware of lane shifts and minor delays throughout the construction period, though access to residential properties will remain open.
A contract in the amount of $2.56 million for the construction of Oak Road at Hutchins Road roundabout project was awarded to Backbone Infrastructure, LLC of Sugar Hill, in June.
The project, which began in August and is expected to be completed in late 2026, is funded by the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. For more information about how your pennies work in Gwinnett, visit GwinnettSPLOST.com.
Duluth’s Railway Museum plans two keystone events
The Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth has announced its two keystone events for this Fall. “Both are aimed at kids of all ages,” according to Executive Director Chuck Miller. “We’re seeking community partners to help us make both seasonal events the best ones we’ve ever hosted.”
October’s Train or Treat has been expanded to Train, Trunk or Treat and moved to Saturday, October 18. Starting at 10 a.m., the event has grown into the museum’s Trunk or Treat Fall Classic Car show and a Trick or Treat event for the kids in Building 1. Families and car owners are encouraged to be dressed for the occasion.
The event features a live concert band, a costume contest, a scavenger hunt, many of Duluth’s best businesses hosting tables full of candy, classic cars, treats from the trunks of the cars, train rides, and, did we mention, trick or treat candy? The museum is currently seeking area business sponsors to dress up, host a marketing table, and hand out Trick or Treat candy. See below for more information.
The museum’s annual Festival of Trees benefit is planned for November 15 to January 4 during regular museum hours. The Holiday classic has been extended by a week, offering more time for Holiday visitors to experience the variety of highly decorated trees in Building 1. Santa’s arrival by train is Saturday, November 15. Specific details will be posted on the museum’s social media and website with news of a possible Santa return in December.
Carter Center honors Williams for election work
Kelvin Williams, deputy elections supervisor with Gwinnett Voter Registrations and Elections, has received the Georgia Award of Excellence in Election Administration.
Created by the Georgia Democracy Resilience Network and The Carter Center, the honor spotlights the commitment of poll workers and election administrators across Georgia. Williams has served Georgia voters for more than 20 years.
Since 2016, the honor says that “he has served in Gwinnett County with integrity and commitment, ensuring that every voice in our community is heard at the ballot box.” Elections Supervisor Zach Manifold presented the award during the second annual Georgia Civic Excellence Awards Dinner.
