Knoxville TN, September 23, 2025
News Summary
The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO) launched its 90th anniversary season with a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Conducted by Maestro Aram Demirjian, the concert featured the opening piece ‘XC Blast’ by Jennifer Higdon and introduced the ‘9 for 90’ commissioning program, which aims to honor the anniversary with new works from nine composers. The event concluded with a standing ovation, highlighting the orchestra’s deep connection with the community and its commitment to excellence in music.
Knoxville, Tennessee
The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO) launched its 90th anniversary season with a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, conducted by Maestro Aram Demirjian. This concert not only marked the start of the 2025-26 season, but also celebrated nearly a century of artistic achievements and community engagement within the region. The evening was filled with emotional resonance, offering a magical experience that deeply moved the audience in attendance.
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony was a fitting choice for such an important milestone, showcasing the artistic aspirations of the orchestra for this new season. The concert also featured the launch of the “9 for 90” commissioning program, which will present new works by nine composers to honor the KSO’s significant anniversary. This initiative aims to support contemporary music and expand the symphonic repertoire.
The evening began with the opening piece, XC Blast, composed by Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award winner Jennifer Higdon. This vibrant orchestral fanfare set an energetic tone for the concert. Following this, bass soloist Kevin Burdette performed selections from Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs, demonstrating his exceptional storytelling skills through the music. The program included beloved pieces such as “Simple Gifts,” “The Dodger,” “I Bought Me a Cat,” and “At the River.” These selections were well received and contributed to the overall celebratory atmosphere of the concert.
As anticipation built for Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, the Knoxville Choral Society and Pellissippi State Variations Choir joined the performance during the intermission. Maestro Demirjian’s conducting style enhanced the experience, with a focus on crisp tempos and dynamic contrast that enriched the performances throughout the evening.
The symphony commenced with an ethereal first movement, transitioning into a remarkably balanced Adagio. As the finale unfolded, the audience experienced the intensity of the “Ode to Joy”, which featured projected supertitles for the text, allowing everyone to engage with the powerful message of unity present within the music. Notable vocal soloists included soprano Laura Strickling, mezzo-soprano Renée Tatum, tenor Kameron Lopreore, and bass Kevin Burdette.
The performance concluded with a magical coda that resulted in overwhelming applause and a standing ovation from the audience, underscoring the reverence for Beethoven’s masterwork. The positive reception of the concert bodes well for the KSO’s plans for the remainder of the season, which promises to be filled with inspiring performances and innovative collaborations.
Reflecting on the night, Demirjian acknowledged the growth of the orchestra and expressed excitement for the upcoming season. As the KSO navigates through its 90th anniversary, it is poised to captivate audiences with its artistic endeavors and commitment to excellence in symphonic music.
FAQ
What was the opening concert for the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s 90th anniversary season?
The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s opening concert for its 90th anniversary season featured Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
Who conducted the performance?
The performance was conducted by Maestro Aram Demirjian.
What was the first piece performed during the concert?
The concert opener was XC Blast, composed by Jennifer Higdon.
What new program was introduced by KSO?
The KSO introduced the “9 for 90” commissioning program featuring new works from nine composers.
Who were the soloists featured in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony?
The vocal soloists included soprano Laura Strickling, mezzo-soprano Renée Tatum, tenor Kameron Lopreore, and bass Kevin Burdette.
What was one notable characteristic of Maestro Demirjian’s conducting?
Demirjian’s conducting emphasized crisp tempos and attention to dynamics.
How did the audience react to the performance?
The performance concluded with a magical coda, eliciting a standing ovation from the audience.
Key Features of the 90th Anniversary Season Opening Concert
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Concert Title | Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony |
| Conductor | Maestro Aram Demirjian |
| Opening Piece | XC Blast by Jennifer Higdon |
| Commissioning Program | “9 for 90” |
| Vocal Soloists | Laura Strickling, Renée Tatum, Kameron Lopreore, Kevin Burdette |
| Audience Reaction | Standing ovation for the performance |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Engaging Family Activities in Knoxville This Week
Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Launches 90th Season with New Works
Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Launches 90th Season with World Premiere
Maryville Prepares for Third Thursday Celebration of the Arts
Knoxville Choral Society Celebrates 75th Anniversary
Knoxville Family-Friendly Activities for Winter
Exploring Knoxville’s Cinematic Legacy
University of Tennessee Announces 2025-26 Theatre and Music Season
Sons of the American Revolution Celebrate Independence Day in Knoxville
Knoxville Fire and Police Departments Launch Fireworks Task Force
Additional Resources
- Arts Knoxville: Review of KSO’s Season Opening
- Inside of Knoxville: Preview of KSO’s 90th Season
- WBIR: KSO’s Independence Day Concert
- Greeneville Sun: Doug Howard’s Music Career
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
