Knoxville TN, October 18, 2025
News Summary
Knoxville will premiere a vibrant ‘spatial symphony’ called Knoxville Broadcast at World’s Fair Park, featuring nearly 600 local musicians from various community groups. Scheduled performances on October 17 and 18 include choirs, bands, and orchestras in an immersive experience that encourages audiences to wander through the park as the music travels. This groundbreaking event, led by composer Lisa Bielawa, focuses on natural sound propagation and invites public participation, celebrating the city’s rich musical heritage.
Knoxville to Host Unique “Spatial Symphony” Featuring Nearly 600 Local Musicians
A vibrant “spatial symphony” titled Knoxville Broadcast will premiere at World’s Fair Park from October 17-18, 2023, presented by Big Ears. The event features nearly 600 local musicians, including choirs, bands, orchestras, and community groups, participating in an immersive musical experience.
Three free public performances are scheduled: Friday, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Each performance will last approximately 45 minutes. The performance begins in the Amphitheater of World’s Fair Park before the musicians disperse throughout the park, allowing listeners to wander and engage with the music as it shifts across the landscape.
Event Details and Participation
This event marks the fourth city where Lisa Bielawa‘s “Broadcast” concept has been performed, following previous events in Berlin, San Francisco, and Louisville. Notably, Knoxville is the smallest city to host the project yet has managed to draw a significant number of participants. Bielawa composed an original score specifically for this performance, which is inspired by Knoxville’s unique geography and diverse musical traditions.
Among the participants are notable groups like the Appalachian Equality Chorus, the Knoxville Community Band, and the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra, alongside three “pickup” groups: Sterchi String Band, Found Forte, and Sunsphere Singers. These “pickup” groups invite public participation, making it an engaging experience for local talent.
Composition and Sonic Experience
The performance is designed to encourage active listening, letting the audience decide how they engage with the unfolding music. Cecilia Stair, the community outreach coordinator for Big Ears, emphasizes the enriching experience of physically following sound as it travels through the park. The event also stands out as the music will be unamplified, relying on natural sound propagation to create a unique auditory experience.
Musicians participating in the event have prepared independently without joint rehearsals, underscoring the organic nature of the performance. Bielawa has emphasized the value of foreground versus background sounds, which allows for an interactive and personal interpretation of the music. The gathering aims to foster a communal atmosphere, allowing attendees to connect with the production while appreciating Knoxville’s diverse musical landscape.
Background on the Event’s Concept
This interactive approach is a key element of Bielawa’s work, where the focus lies not in delivering a specific message but rather in creating enriching experiences through music. The Knoxville Broadcast aims to celebrate the city’s vibrant culture and the significant role of community involvement in the arts, providing a platform for shared experience and understanding.
Key Features Summary Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Title | Knoxville Broadcast |
| Date and Time | Oct. 17 at 6 p.m., Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. |
| Performance Duration | Approximately 45 minutes |
| Location | World’s Fair Park, Amphitheater |
| Number of Musicians | Nearly 600 local musicians |
| Participating Groups | Appalachian Equality Chorus, Knoxville Community Band, Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra, and others |
| Sonic Experience | Unamplified music relying on natural sound propagation |
FAQ Section
What is Knoxville Broadcast?
Knoxville Broadcast is a unique “spatial symphony” premiering at World’s Fair Park featuring nearly 600 local musicians.
When will the performances take place?
Three free public performances are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
How long will each performance last?
Each performance will last approximately 45 minutes.
How does the performance work?
The performance begins in the Amphitheater and musicians will disperse throughout the park, allowing listeners to wander and engage with the music.
Who are the participating musicians?
Nearly 600 local musicians will participate, including groups like the Appalachian Equality Chorus, Knoxville Community Band, and Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra, among others.
Is there any cost to attend?
The performances are free and open to the public.
What makes this event unique?
The event is significant for being unamplified and encourages audience members to interact with the music as it shifts across the park.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Inside of Knoxville: Big Ears Knoxville Broadcast Invites the City to Listen Differently
- Google Search: Big Ears Knoxville
- The Violin Channel: Big Ears Festival Presents Three Free Concerts in Knoxville
- Wikipedia: Knoxville
- Knox News: Musicians Rehearse for Big Ears Knoxville Broadcast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee
- Inside of Knoxville: Big Ears 2025 – Many Rivers to Cross – Part One
- Google News: Music Festivals
- Knox News: Musicians to Roam World’s Fair Park in Giant Complex Mobile Concert
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.
