World Premiere of Requiem Americano Leaves Audience Moved at KSU’s Bailey Center
The Georgia Symphony Orchestra brought its 2024–2025 season to a stirring close Saturday night with a breathtaking performance of We The People, a powerful and poignant concert held at the Bobbie Bailey Performance Center on the campus of Kennesaw State University.
The program opened with Igor Stravinsky’s dramatic arrangement of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” immediately immersing the audience in a spirit of solemn reflection and patriotic reverence. The performance continued with Aaron Copland’s beloved “Appalachian Spring,” a quintessentially American composition that evokes the nation’s ideals of hope, renewal and resilience through its sweeping melodies and rustic charm.
The evening culminated in the world premiere of “Requiem Americano,” an original composition written and conducted by GSO Music Director Dr. Timothy Verville. The bold, genre-defying piece explores themes of unity, justice and the complex journey of the American identity. It was performed by the full Georgia Symphony Orchestra, the GSO Chorus, the acclaimed Atlanta Boy Choir, and featured special guest soloist, tenor Timothy Miller, whose performance brought exceptional emotional depth to the work.
“We wanted this finale to be more than a concert—we wanted it to be an experience that speaks honestly and openly to the heart of who we are,” said Dr. Verville. “Requiem Americano is a reflection of our shared history, aspirations and shortcomings, told through music that explores both the intimate, the grand and everything in-between .”
The response from the audience was overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with a standing ovation that echoed the emotional power of the performance and the extraordinary collaboration between the performers. A first-time audience member shared, “The musical performances took us to different emotional places (sentimental, solemn and comforting). I personally thought the venue size was wonderful. It allowed us to easily see and view the performers’ faces as they played or sang, as well as enjoy the movement of the musical instruments. It was a wonderful experience!”
This unforgettable evening closed a remarkable season for the GSO, setting the stage for its highly anticipated 75th anniversary season this fall.
For more information about upcoming performances and season subscriptions, visit www.georgiasymphony.org.
