KSO spreads its wings at Cirrus Aircraft hangar

Knoxville Symphony Music Director Aram Demirjian and flutist Hannah Hammel during a “KSO UnStaged” performance at Cirrus Aircraft’s “Vision Center.”

Over the next few years, expect to see the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra playing unusual music in unlikely places as part of its new “KSO UnStaged” series of performances. This year brought the core musicians to a brewery for “KSO UnStaged: Craft” and, most recently, to the Cirrus Aircraft hangar in Alcoa for “KSO UnStaged: Flight.”

The idea for the “KSO UnStaged” series was that of the Symphony’s new music director, Aram Demirjian. “He wanted to reach new people in different settings,” explained KSO Executive Director Rachel Ford. “It’s a chance to play different music that’s kind of off the beaten path. It allows the musicians to do some solo work and play in different ensembles.”

The performance at Cirrus Aircraft was a sellout, with more than 200 attendees. “There were a lot of people there that we didn’t know,” Ford said. “Who knew there were so many pilots in town?” Several pilots clubs attended, she said.

The UnStaged concerts aim to be accessible in pricing, too. Tickets are only $40. Patrons need to be 21 or older because admission includes access to alcohol. The UnStaged programs planned for the 2018-19 season will be announced soon. You should go. They are fun!

From left, Dr. Andrew Singer, Jamie Singer, Steve and Anita Davis, KSO Executive Director Rachel Ford. The Davises, Jamie Singer’s parents, came to the event from North Carolina because they wanted to see the Cirrus airplanes. Steve Davis is a pilot.

Not a traditional Symphony venue!

The Woodwind Quintet.

The entire Chamber Orchestra.

Conductor Aram Demirjian doing his thing.

Stephen Deucker, vice president and general manager of the Cirrus Aircraft Vision Center, welcomed everyone.

It was a treat to see all the planes up close.

Ruth Bacon charms them.

Bob Adamcik playing a five-octave marimba that the University of Tennessee School of Music generously loaned to the KSO for the occasion.

Hannah Hammel.

From left, Sean Claire, Zofia Glashauser, Stacy Nickell, Eunsoon Lee-Corliss and Steve Benne.

One of the sponsors was Old Forge Distillery, and guests were offered “flights” of moonshine.

Matt Whisman, cocktail developer at Old Forge Distillery, offered a few comments.

Patrick and Marilyn Roddy stepped outside for intermission.

Sara Hedstrom and Ben Pinnell.

From left, Charlotte Walden, Karen Hughes, Carmen Johnson, Linda Haynes and Judy Wayman-Robinson. They are all pilots!

Take a look at Linda’s very appropriate necklace!

From left, Dr. Mark Overholt, Alexa Riley, Dr. Meredith Overholt, Bill Riley and Janie and Brad Denning. Bill Riley is president-elect of the Knoxville Symphony Board.

Back to the music, which on this night included the familiar “Flight of the Bumblebee” and “As Above” by Michael Gandolfi.

The mission was accomplished in this most unusual setting.

KSO staff members Sara Deatherage, left, and Rose Sampley were happy following the show.

As were musicians Ikuko Koizumi and Peng Yang.

Here’s a little marimba by Bob Adamcik:

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13 Responses to KSO spreads its wings at Cirrus Aircraft hangar

  1. Alan Carmichael, on May 10th, 2018 at 9:47 pm said:

    This was a very different and fun event. Keep an eye out for future Unstaged happenings.

  2. Jim Martin, on May 10th, 2018 at 10:14 pm said:

    Wonderful the KSO is doing this! Cynthia you sure did great job of showing what went on.

  3. Sharon Pryse, on May 10th, 2018 at 10:14 pm said:

    Thanks for sharing. Wish we could have been there. Looks like an awesome event

  4. Cynthia Moxley, on May 10th, 2018 at 10:16 pm said:

    Jim: Thanks to you for all your support of KSO over the years. I hope you can come to an UnStaged event when you make it back to K-town! I miss you.

  5. Cynthia Moxley, on May 10th, 2018 at 10:17 pm said:

    Sharon: It was very fun! Thanks for all your support. Hope you can make one of the UnStaged events next season. They are really different from any other KSO offering.

  6. Sara Hedstrom pinnell, on May 11th, 2018 at 5:33 am said:

    Thanks to the symphony for such a unique experience! You captured it well!

  7. Becky Tate, on May 11th, 2018 at 5:07 pm said:

    Were the acoustics really cool and different?

  8. Sara Rose, on May 11th, 2018 at 6:12 pm said:

    What a great idea! How are Unstaged events publicized?

  9. Cynthia Moxley, on May 13th, 2018 at 8:13 am said:

    Sara Pinnell: Thanks! Great seeing you all there.

  10. Cynthia Moxley, on May 13th, 2018 at 8:14 am said:

    Becky: Acoustics were interesting and fun. Lighting also added drama.

  11. Cynthia Moxley, on May 13th, 2018 at 8:16 am said:

    Sara Rose: The KSO website has a comprehensive list of all performances, including the UnStaged shows. These unique events also were heavily promoted on social media, especially Facebook and Twitter.

  12. Monique Anderson, on May 14th, 2018 at 8:12 am said:

    Wow. That looked like a fun unique event. Aram is great.

  13. Cynthia Moxley, on May 14th, 2018 at 8:25 am said:

    Monique: I love his out-of-the-box thinking.

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