Johnstown Symphony Orchestra Prepares to Bring the House Down on Valentine’s Day with Big Band “Jazz in Your Face” and "Johnstown’s Got Talent”
The Johnstown Symphony Orchestra (JSO) is ready to rock on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2026 at 7:30pm at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center.
This upcoming concert will showcase a massive panel of talent, opening with the big band “Jazz in Your Face,” led by local music legend Michael Bodolosky. “Jazz in Your Face” will be joined by the Johnstown Symphony Youth Orchestra, all under the direction of Johnstown native and musical powerhouse, Paul Murtha. Finally, the second half of the concert will feature the twelve winners of “Johnstown’s Got Talent,” returning to the JSO for the first time since 2023. This year’s winners are:
Allison Borek
George Byich
Stella Chepaitis
Sabin Fisher
Angela Godin
Aaron Jefferson
Laken Kurchak
MAYAYAH
Jeffrey Papcun
Robert Ritchey
Maxwell Theiss
Doyle Yernaux
A thirteenth contestant, Ben Plowman, will perform for audience members in the lobby before the concert and during intermission, helping to build excitement and set the tone for the evening.
Tickets can be purchased at johnstownsymphony.org or by calling the Box Office at 814-535-6738. Tickets begin at just $10 in the “Pick Your Price” section, with standard seating ranging from $48–$54 and premium seating available at $65.
“I am personally so excited for this concert, celebrating not only these winning performers, but also our Youth Orchestra and Jazz in Your Face, performing side by side on a subscription concert for the first time in history,” says James Blachly, JSO Music Director. “We will also welcome back to Johnstown one of the most extraordinary musicians to come from our region, Paul Murtha, who will guest conduct several of his own fantastic big band and orchestra arrangements. This is definitely a concert not to be missed!”
Concert highlights include:
I Got Rhythm
Such Sweet Thunder
My Funny Valentine
April in Paris
Mood Indigo
Love for Sale
Take Five
Cottontail
What the World Needs Now
Billie Jean
Unchained Melody
O mio babbino caro
The Sound of Silence
And more surprises!
The JSO would like to acknowledge and thank its February concert sponsors for making this performance possible: Mr. Ross Russo, Catanese Group, and Horizons Personal Care at The Villa Crest.
The JSO also recognizes its Season 97 Leadership Sponsors, who support the orchestra’s full year of operations: 1st Summit Bank, AmeriServ, Concurrent Technologies Corporation, GapVax, and Somerset Trust Company.