ATTENTION: Visit the “As Seen on ABC Macon” section of our website to view the entire first half of the show. A new symphony orchestra has begun in middle Georgia, and its first performance was over the weekend in a rehabbed and often used historic old theatre. The street outside the Opera House in Hawkinsville was full of music lovers anticipating the evening’s entertainment. Plans for the Ocmulgee Symphony Orchestra have been in the works for quite some time. Dr.

Charles Quinn is the director of instrumental music at Middle Georgia College in Cochran. His vision prompted the orchestra’s creation. “Well I had always wanted to conduct an orchestra; I thought we had a beautiful opera house in Hawkinsville,” said Quinn. “It seemed a perfect match. There are lots of great musicians in the area. Many of the players come from Macon.

But we also have players from Atlanta and Athens as well.” Judye Blackburn serves on the Hawkinsville/Pulaski Arts Council. “Dr. Quinn certainly is a talented musician,” said Blackburn. “When he gets something started, he is one that gets it going and it’s very successful.” State Senator Ross Tolleson said that he attended the event to get a little culture. “Well I always like to get a little culture,” said Tolleson. “An old country boy needs some of that.

But we do enjoy it.” To learn more about the Ocmulgee Symphony Orchestra, you can visit www.ocmulgeesymphonyorchestra.com. If you missed Saturday’s performance, you still have four more chances to see the orchestra perform. The next performance is on December 15th. A rock and roll band performs at the Oprera House this weekend. For more information, check out the Opera House website www.hawkinsvillechamber.org/artsoldoperahouse.htm.