St. Benedict Presents a Christmas Gala

Patrons of the arts in Johns Creek are in for a special treat on Saturday night, Dec. 1. The newly-formed Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra will be performing a Christmas Gala Holiday Pops Concert at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, starting at 8 p.m., with a champagne and dessert reception following the performance.

Soprano Katie Baughman, contemporary Christian artist Cathy Biscan, and Viva El Senor will join the orchestra and the St. Benedict Choir for an evening of musical entertainment that will rival a Boston Pops concert.

Wayne Baughman, Music Director and Conductor of the Johns Creek Symphony, is understandably effervescent about Saturday’s concert.

“The St. Benedict Christmas Gala is designed to reproduce the Boston Pops Christmas symphonic musical experience as authentically as possible, including the instrumentation, the selection of music, the quality of the musicians and soloists,” said Baughman.

As founder of the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra, Baughman has worked tirelessly to recruit the finest musical talents to the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra, and is proud to show off their abilities on Saturday night.

“The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra makes use of the absolute best available talent in metropolitan Atlanta's large orchestral talent pool. The average player in the JCSO has a performer's certificate or master's degree in performance from a leading conservatory or major university music school,” he said.

“Our guest ensemble, Viva El Senor, is one of the most sought after Hispanic liturgical music groups in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Our vocal soloists are excellent and the 55-voice chorus is first rate,” he added.

Baughman has won six Grammy awards for his vocal talents as a baritone/bass soloist, and performed with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Robert Shaw. In addition to his leadership of the symphony, he is also the Music Director at St. Benedict’s, and has been active in the musical arts in the Atlanta area for 37 years.

After receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama, Baughman received an additional undergraduate degree and a Master’s from the University of Michigan, where he studied under Elizabeth A. H. Green, who encouraged Baughman to pursue his vocal talent.

The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra, under Baughman’s direction, debuted on September 30 with a memorial concert dedicated to Baughman’s late wife, Lynn Marie Baughman, a Suzuki violin and viola teacher, who passed away on April 25. The debut was a huge success and there was not a dry eye in the house.

Baughman’s youngest daughter, Katie, will perform under the direction of her father during the concert on Saturday.

Tickets to Saturday evening’s event are $25 per person and may be purchased in advance from St. Benedict’s Church Main Office during the week, or after all weekend Masses. Proceeds from the gala will benefit Habitat for Humanity.

Baughman says of Saturday’s concert, “We truly believe that no better expenditure of $25 could be made anywhere. And my commitment as conductor is this: I will personally refund the price of the ticket to anyone who attends our concert on December 1 and does not thoroughly enjoy the whole evening!”

“The St. Benedict Christmas Gala is the perfect ending to the Founder's Day celebration for the City of Johns Creek,” he said.

For more information about the concert, contact the St. Benedict Music Ministry at 11045 Parsons Road, Johns Creek, 678-992-2055 or call Joy in the office at 770-442-5903.

Baughman’s enthusiasm about the concert is contagious.

“My hope is that this year's St. Benedict Christmas Gala will be the beginning of a long and prosperous relationship between the people of Johns Creek and THEIR Symphony,” said Baughman.

And for the second time, there probably won’t be a dry eye in the house.