Knoxville TN, September 17, 2025
News Summary
The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO) will kick off its 90th season with the world premiere of composer Jennifer Higdon’s ‘XC Blast’. This inaugural performance, part of the ‘9 for 90’ series, celebrates the orchestra’s history and features a blend of classical music including Copland’s Old American Songs and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Music director Aram Demirjian emphasizes community engagement, incorporating audience interactions and highlighting the KSO’s dedication to fostering musical appreciation among younger generations.
Knoxville – The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO) is set to begin its 90th season with the inaugural performance of Jennifer Higdon’s world premiere composition titled XC Blast. This celebratory event will take place on September 18 and 19, 2021, as part of a special series called 9 for 90, which commemorates the orchestra’s rich history and contributions to the music community.
Under the direction of music director Aram Demirjian, the KSO is commissioning nine new works from renowned composers to highlight its milestone anniversary. Higdon, a three-time Grammy Award winner and Pulitzer Prize recipient, has deep ties to Knoxville through her education at Heritage High School. Her composition, XC Blast, which translates to “90 Blast,” is designed as an energetic fanfare that resonates with both the orchestra and the supporting community, lasting approximately two and a half minutes.
The performance program will also include Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, highlighting a blend of classic American and European music. Notably, Higdon’s composition seeks to capture and reflect contemporary experiences and sounds, making it relevant to present-day audiences.
The KSO’s 90th season encompasses a broadened schedule, featuring a variety of concert series that include Masterworks, Concertmaster, Q series, Chamber, and Youth Orchestras. As part of the ongoing effort to engage younger audiences, the KSO’s Youth Orchestra program is celebrating its 52nd season, with the aim of making music both accessible and appealing to young individuals.
In his decade-long tenure as music director, Demirjian has emphasized the orchestra’s growth and its ability to foster community connections through shared musical experiences. He underscored the impact of KSO’s outreach programs, which reach thousands of children through youth orchestras and concerts. This season’s performance not only serves as a commemorative event but also includes audience interactions such as post-concert Q&A sessions with the conductor and guest artists, further enriching the concert experience for attendees.
Higdon’s aspiration for XC Blast lies in its ability to celebrate the KSO’s musicians and the support they receive from the local community. The composition has been orchestrated for standard instruments found within orchestras, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion, to ensure that it resonates well with audiences across the board.
The KSO also highlights that the commissioned works included in the 9 for 90 series will feature pieces by several distinguished composers, namely Kevin Day, Robert Paterson, Sky Macklay, Saad Haddad, Gala Flagello, Jonathan Leshnoff, Guido Lopez-Gavilan, and Nicky Sohn. This diverse roster of creators aims to bring an array of styles and perspectives to the orchestra’s performances throughout the season.
Conclusion
The KSO’s opening concert for its 90th season not only celebrates a remarkable milestone but also emphasizes the orchestra’s enduring commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement. The concert promises to be a vibrant tribute to the past, present, and future of music in Knoxville.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s 90th season about?
The KSO is celebrating its 90th season with a series titled “9 for 90,” featuring new commissions from various composers.
When and where will the inaugural performance take place?
The inaugural performance will occur on September 18 and 19, 2021, in Knoxville.
Who is the composer of the opening piece, and what is it called?
The opening piece is called “XC Blast,” composed by Jennifer Higdon.
What other works will be performed during the concert?
The concert will also feature Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
How does the KSO engage young audiences?
The KSO’s Youth Orchestra program, now in its 52nd season, aims to make music accessible and engaging for young people.
Key Features of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s 90th Season
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Series Title | 9 for 90 |
| Inaugural Performance | Jennifer Higdon’s XC Blast |
| Performance Dates | September 18 and 19, 2021 |
| Additional Works | Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony |
| Community Engagement | Post-concert Q&A sessions |
| Youth Orchestra Program | 52nd Season |
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Additional Resources
- Inside of Knoxville: 9 for 90 and Beyond
- Inside of Knoxville: Music and the KSO at 90
- Arts Knoxville: Jennifer Higdon’s XC Blast
- Arts Knoxville: KSO Opens 90th Season
- New York Classical Review: Carnegie Hall Celebrates America’s 250th
- Wikipedia: Knoxville Symphony Orchestra
- Google Search: Knoxville Symphony Orchestra 90th season
- Google Scholar: Knoxville Symphony Orchestra
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Knoxville Symphony Orchestra
- Google News: Knoxville Symphony Orchestra
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
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