SR 781: Georgia Symphony Orchestra; recognize

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate praising the Georgia Symphony Orchestra (GSO), founded in 1951, for 75 years of bringing symphonic, jazz, and choral music to the state. It also recognizes the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestras (GYSO), the GSO's educational program started in 2006, for 20 years of training young musicians. The resolution further commends Music Director Timothy Verville for 10 years of artistic leadership, including programs like sensory-friendly concerts and outreach to underserved communities. It does not change any Georgia law, create funding, or impose any requirements. The only concrete action is directing the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for the orchestra.

• Formally recognizes and commends the Georgia Symphony Orchestra for 75 years of musical performances in Georgia.
• Commends the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestras program for 20 years of music education for young people.
• Praises Music Director Timothy Verville for 10 years of artistic leadership, including sensory-friendly concerts and outreach programs.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to the Georgia Symphony Orchestra.

The Georgia Symphony Orchestra, its musicians and staff, the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestras program and its young participants, Music Director Timothy Verville, and the Secretary of the Senate, who must prepare a copy of the resolution.

This is a symbolic honor rather than a policy change. It carries no funding, legal requirement, or regulatory effect, but it gives the Georgia Symphony Orchestra and its youth education program official recognition from the state Senate for their decades of community and cultural contributions.

• The resolution states the GSO was founded in 1951 and has provided symphonic, jazz, and choral music for 75 years.
• It notes the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestras, founded in 2006, has served young musicians for 20 years.
• It credits Music Director Timothy Verville with 10 years of artistic leadership and programs such as sensory-friendly concerts.
• The resolving clause formally commends the GSO and GYSO for their service and Verville for his leadership.
• A final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to the Georgia Symphony Orchestra.

1. 2026-02-18Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-02-17Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)Primary sponsor
• John Albers (R, SD-056)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• Ed Setzler (R, SD-037)

• Georgia Symphony Orchestra
• arts and culture
• music education
• legislative recognition