Johns Creek Symphony: Kevin Zhu, “American Soundscapes”

CRITIC’S PICK: Just days before his 23rd birthday, violin virtuoso Kevin Zhu will join the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra to perform an American-themed concert “that honors the pioneers of our nation’s beginnings,” a press release announced. Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring will be among the works presented. Publicist Lauren Nye says that having the Gen Z soloist as a guest performer “reflects this new trend that we’re seeing of classical music resonating with younger generations.” Zhu was the first prize winner at the 55th edition of the International Paganini Exhibition in Genoa, aged just 17, and also won the junior division of the 2012 Yehudi Menuhin International Competition for Young Violinists in Beijing; he made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2019. In Johns Creek, Zhu is likely to be accompanied by his 1722 Stradivarius. — Kevin C. Madigan