Gemma

This week delivers an acoustic riot of color conjured by the musicians of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The "fiery young sensation" (ArtsATL) Gemma New returns as guest conductor for Gustav Holst's off-world delight The Planets. Based on astrology, this irresistible concert suite enchanted audiences at its 1918 debut and has inspired spin-offs ever since, from church singing to Star Wars. Also, on the concert, planet Earth makes a dazzling appearance alongside the ASO percussion section in Salina Fisher's beautifully atmospheric opener Rainphase. And Adam Schoenberg makes a plea for planetary healing in his 2019 piece Losing Earth, which explores the world's oldest musical instruments (after the voice) with ASO Principal Percussionist Joseph Petrasek.