The DeKalb Symphony Orchestra, Inc. (DSO) proudly announces that Eve Gordon, an exceptional young percussionist, has been named the winner of the DSO Young Artists Concerto Competition. Gordon will make her orchestral debut on Tuesday, March 25, at 8:00 PM at Smoke Rise Baptist Church, where she will perform the exhilarating third movement of Emmanuel Séjourné’s Marimba Concerto.

“Eve represents the next generation of extraordinary musicians, and we are honored to showcase her talent with the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra," says Catherine MacGregor, the DSO’s Interim Executive Director. “Her performance of Séjourné’s marimba concerto promises to be a breathtaking highlight of our season.”

Also as part of the March 25 event, the DSO is excited to collaborate with the members of the DeKalb Youth Symphony Orchestra for a special side-by-side performance of Gustav Holst’s Jupiter from “The Planets.” Also on the program are performances of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Forza Del Destino Overture and Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 in G Major.

A 16-year-old sophomore at Westminster in Atlanta, Gordon has distinguished herself as a rising star in the world of percussion. Under the tutelage of Victor Pons, a renowned soloist and educator, she has demonstrated extraordinary talent and dedication to her craft. Gordon is a member of both the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony and the Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra and has performed as Principal Percussionist of the Interlochen Philharmonic and the Interlochen World Youth Symphony Orchestra.

“The DSO is thrilled to feature Eve Gordon in this milestone performance,” says DSO Music Director and Conductor Paul Bhasin, who recently sat down with Eve for an exclusive interview, providing insight into her musical journey and what this moment means for her. “Music lovers are encouraged to attend and witness this exceptional young artist’s debut with a full symphony orchestra,” Bhasin says.

Gordon’s experience extends across a diverse range of ensembles, including the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, GYSO Percussion Ensemble and GYSO Jazz Ensemble. In addition to her classical training, Gordon also studies drum set and vibraphone in jazz percussion and has performed in Westminster’s pit orchestra for musical theater productions.

The concert will take place at Smoke Rise Baptist Church on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM. The event is open to the public; see Ticket information, pricing and available seating on DSO’s website. For more information about the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra and upcoming events, please visit www.DeKalbSymphony.org and follow DSO on Facebook.