Henry Cheng, music director of the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra, will receive the Art award at Fulton County Arts & Culture's FACEs of Fashion gala on Sunday, Sept. 27, in Atlanta.
The award recognizes Cheng's influence on the region's creative landscape. He is one of four honorees at the event, titled "The Art of Influence," which marks the fifth year of Fulton County's FACE initiative promoting fashion, art, culture and education.
"As FACE celebrates five years, Fulton County is proud of the opportunities we continue to create for artists to connect, showcase their work and inspire the next generation," Fulton County Arts & Culture Director David Manuel said in a county announcement.
Cheng took the podium at the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra in September 2025 after a yearlong international search, according to the League of American Orchestras. He also serves as artistic director of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestras of Atlanta, known as MYSO, beginning with the 2026–2027 season.
His credentials stretch well beyond Johns Creek. A winner of the Antal Doráti International Conducting Competition and the European Union Conducting Competition, Cheng has led ensembles including the La Scala Chamber Orchestra across Europe, Asia and North America. He studied at Georgia State University, the Eastman School of Music, Indiana University and the University of the Arts in Berlin. On his LinkedIn profile, Cheng describes his work as building orchestras into cultural infrastructure.
The other 2026 FACEs of Fashion honorees are Jamie Tankersley, vice president and general manager of Neiman Marcus Atlanta, for Fashion; Jo Ann Haden-Miller, senior director of partnerships for the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, for Culture; and B.J. Arnett, chair of the Art & Fashion Department at Clark Atlanta University, for Education. Songwriter and record producer Dallas Austin will receive the Icon Award.
The gala runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Skillshot Media, 2470 Lindbergh Lane NE, Atlanta, according to Georgia Entertainment. The evening includes a runway showcase, a networking reception and performances by the Sinfo-Nia Youth Orchestra of Metropolitan Atlanta. Daphnée Duplaix and Keith D. Robinson of the Emmy-nominated series "Beyond the Gates" will host.
Free parking is available at the MARTA station parking garage. Tickets are available through the Posh events platform.
Upcoming community events:
- Sunday, Sept. 27: FACEs of Fashion: "The Art of Influence," 6–10 p.m., Skillshot Media, 2470 Lindbergh Lane NE, Atlanta
