A free autumn concert, a Christmas gala and an evening of classical music are just some of the highlights from the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra's upcoming sixth season.

The orchestra kicks things off with a free concert at the Johns Creek Arts Festival on the grounds of the Atlanta Athletic Club on Saturday, Oct. 27 - "a weekend of the arts, fun and food with a Chastain-style concert right in the middle," says Executive Director Sue Haggerty.
 
On Saturday, Dec. 1 the orchestra looks to the holidays when it performs its annual Christmas Gala & Holiday Pops Concert at St. Benedict Church at 8 p.m. As tradition dictates, the music will include everything from Sleigh Ride to White Christmas, sacred and secular, performed by the JCSO and accompanied by adult and children's choirs, soloists and a few surprises. A champagne dessert reception immediately follows. 

The orchestra turns its attention to baroque and classical music on Saturday, Feb. 16, with Baroque & Classical Favorites at 8 p.m. in the theater at Johns Creek High School. Featured that evening will be a performance by the young violinists of N.A.T.E. (North Atlanta Talent Education), a music school based in Roswell. These young performers will play selections from Vivaldi, and the orchestra will perform works of Mozart and C.P.E. Bach. 
 
To close the season, the orchestra will present Symphonic Big Band! on Saturday, April 13, at Johns Creek High. This concert will include the music of Duke Ellington, Hoagy Carmichael, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and other big band legends.

For ticket information, venue locations, to purchase tickets or to make a donation, go to www.johnscreeksymphony.org. You can also email info@johnscreeksymphony.org or call (678) 748-5802. Tickets are $30/adults; $23.50/seniors (age 55+) and $16.50/students (through college) with group discounts for 10 or more. All credit cards are accepted.