Athens Symphony Orchestra

05/07/2026

Did you miss our POPS concert? Or just want to listen again? Please enjoy our 2026 POPS concert!

04/30/2026

Pops concerts are this weekend Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 PM.

03/31/2026

Did you miss our Spring Concert? Or want to enjoy it again? Here is your chance!!

03/30/2026

Ever wondered what our musicians would play if given the chance to try another instrument?

We ask our musicians what instrument would you play if you didn't play yours?

03/16/2026

Curious about what goes into preparing a symphony concert? Want to hear a little more about the music you’ll experience at our 2026 Spring Concert?

Tune in to our latest podcast episode where we talk about the pieces on the program, what makes them exciting to perform, and a few behind-the-scenes insights about bringing this concert to life. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or planning to join us for the first time, it’s a great way to get a preview of what’s coming!

Take a listen and get ready for an incredible afternoon of music. We hope to see you at the concert!

🎧 Listen to the podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spring-2026-four-tunes-walk-into-a-bar/id1715016939?i=1000755552690

01/12/2026

Come sing with us at our POPS concert!!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FxMI30sGXhj0n9SZVV1O9NZx-Yjb3k_C2-gElfYySgo/edit?usp=sharing

01/12/2026

🎶 Chorus Spotlight: Joy Ovington 🎶

Joy Ovington sings alto with the Athens Symphony Chorus, and she’s been singing for as long as she could follow a conductor. Children’s choirs were her first true musical home. Piano technically came first, but after a few years of dedicated practice, singing won out. She also played a little flute in college (and was actually not bad!), but ultimately chose acting over band life, earning her MFA in Acting.

For Joy, music isn’t complicated—it’s transformational. She’s drawn to pieces with a message or that glorious “wall of sound” that sends good vibrations through the room. She believes sound can be healing and loves being part of creating that experience, especially in sacred music. Her musical tastes are wide-ranging, from funk to Celtic, which feels like a family tradition—her mother was a lifelong jazz singer.

While her music-educator sister inherited the “superpowers,” Joy channels her creativity as Creative Director for the Georgia Fine Arts Academy and also works at UGA’s Grady College. Over the years, she’s sung with many groups, including church choirs, theatrical ensembles, the former Athens Choral Society, and Windy City Performing Arts in Chicago, where she also served on the board.

At home, Kitty Gladdy supervises all practice sessions, and her boyfriend of 15 years—a writer and publisher—has faithfully attended every choral concert, which Joy believes deserves its own round of applause. Over the years, she’s sung every female voice part from top to bottom, but her favorite role is still listening to the sound around her, especially tucked in behind the horns.

Joy first joined the Athens Symphony Chorus way back in 2011 when Liz and her BFF violinist, Mamie Mills, invited her. She’s been on and off ever since—most people don’t realize she’s been part of our story that long, and we’re so glad she is. 💙🎵

01/05/2026

🎶 **Meet Susan Guest – Chorus Spotlight!** 🎶

Susan Guest sings alto in the Athens Symphony Chorus, and she’s been singing for as long as she can remember! She took piano lessons for many years (though she doesn’t play much now) and loves performing music filled with rich harmony — the kind that makes choral singing extra special.

When she’s listening to music, Susan gravitates toward contemporary Christian artists, including TobyMac, Lauren Daigle, Danny Gokey, CeCe Winans, Brandon Lake, Zach Williams, Crowder, Tauren Wells, Cochran & Co., Phil Wickham… and many more.

Susan is the proud mom of four amazing kids (ages 21, almost 19, almost 17, and 14) and is often found serving as the family’s head chef while chauffeuring everyone to their many activities. Professionally, she has dedicated 25 years as an elementary speech-language pathologist, all at the same school — a true testament to her commitment and heart for kids.

At home, she’s outnumbered by pets with six cats, one dog, and two toads 🐱🐶🐸
And one thing that might surprise you? Susan has lost over 60 pounds in the past year — an incredible achievement!

We’re so grateful to have Susan’s voice, heart, and harmony in our chorus! 💙🎵

12/29/2025

🎶 Member Spotlight: Leigh Griffiths 🎶

Meet Leigh Griffiths, a soprano in the Athens Symphony Chorus who brings both heart and harmony to our ensemble! Leigh’s musical journey began around age eight, when she sang “Edelweiss” as a solo in church—an early moment that sparked a lifelong love of music. She studied piano for many years and can still read music and play some, though singing has always been her true joy. She especially loves Christmas music and worship songs, and she lights up when singing duets or harmonies with a group.

When she’s not singing, Leigh is listening to music—favorites include 80s and 90s country and pop, along with contemporary Christian music. By day, she is in her 28th year of teaching elementary special education, a calling she has made her life’s work and loved every single minute of.

Leigh cherishes time with her wonderful husband and two amazing daughters. This summer, her family grew with the addition of a son-in-law when her oldest daughter was married. She’s also active at church, working with the children’s program and teaching an adult Sunday school class with her husband. At home, she loves playing with her dogs—Jojo, Ducky, and Judd.

When she’s not singing, Leigh is listening to music—favorites include 80s and 90s country and pop, along with contemporary Christian music. By day, she is in her 28th year of teaching elementary special education, a calling she has made her life’s work and loves every single minute of it.

12/24/2025

Friends and members of the Athens symphony donated to the symphony and dedicated our Christmas concert to second violinist Nancy Smith. Here is the dedication.

The musicians got together and pulled their resources and dedicated our Christmas concert to the second violin player, Nancy Smith. Here is the ceremony befo...