Melony Dodson and KSO Music Director Aram Demirjian announced the latest KSO season at a smal reception recently. Dodson is morning concert host and producer at WUOT-FM.
World-famous violinist Midori will return to East Tennessee next season to perform with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra at the historic Tennessee Theatre.
In a series of programs celebrating the KSO’s 90th year and the 10th anniversary of Music Director Aram Demirjian‘s tenure here, the KSO also has commissioned nine world premieres to be spread throughout the season. That’s more world premieres than the KSO ever has performed in a single season.
“It’s definitely a milestone,” Demirjian said during an interview. “It’s about our recent history and about thinking to the future of our organization and the art form.”
The young conductor, who I believe is a master at program scheduling, said he aimed in making his selections to keep the offerings “fresh and vibrant” and to “demonstrate the breadth of what’s possible for a regional orchestra in a smaller city like Knoxville.” He praised the Symphony’s audiences for their open-mindedness. “Our audience seems to understand and be excited about new discoveries,” he said. “New music is met at least with a sense of curiosity and receptiveness.”
Melony Dodson and Aram Demirjian commented on the upcoming KSO season during a gathering at The Emporium on Gay Street.
Demirjian noted that the United States also will turn 250 during the upcoming season and he’s reflected that in the programs, as well. “The May 2026 Masterworks and Chamber programs will feature an American landscape and American soundscapes,” he said.
The programming for next season was presented during a small reception for Board members and top supporters recently. Demirjian expanded upon his comments during a follow-up interview.
Charley Sexton of MoxCar Marketing + Communications and Knoxville Symphony CEO Rachel Ford. MoxCar sponsors the KSO’s Masterworks series.
Don’t worry, though. In addition to all the new music, there also will be some familiar tunes and old warhorses including Beethoven’s 9th: think “Ode to Joy.” That will be included in the first program of the Masterworks series on Sept. 18 and 19.
Here are some other highlights:
Also in September: Some Aaron Copland and a new fanfare composed by Jennifer Higdon, whom Demirjian described as “a dear friend to the KSO.” The acclaimed composer, who once lived in Seymour, Tenn., is a Pulitzer Prize and three-time Grammy winner. Demirjian said the September program, “sets the tone for the celebratory nature of the season.”
October 16 and 17 brings cellist Zlatomir Fung. “A rising star in the music business,” Demirjian said. He will play a concerto by Edward Elgar. Also on the program, “Petrushka” by Igor Stravinsky.
November 20 and 21: Young South Korean pianist Chaeyoung Park will play George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” Michelle Di Russo will return from last year as a guest conductor.
January 15 and 16: Demirjian will conduct Israeli violinist Vadim Gluzman and the KSO in a violin concerto by Johannes Brahms. Also on the program: Jean Sibelius’ “Symphony No. 2.”
Midori in a publicity photo,
Feb. 12 and 13: Looking for a great Valentine’s date night? The KSO has you covered with two composers’ takes on “Romeo and Juliet” (Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev) along with a little Sergei Rachmaninoff thrown in for good measure. (You and your sweetie can even walk down to World’s Fair Park prior to the show and see the statue of the famed composer, pianist, and conductor who played his final concert in Knoxville before his death in 1943.) Russian pianist Zlata Chochieva is featured guest.
March 12 and 13: Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances” from “West Side Story!” Need I say more? Another world premiere also is on the program and it will feature a performance by guest saxophonist Christopher Creviston.
April 16 and 17: Mark your calendars because that’s when Midori returns! And another world premiere!
May 14 and 15: Terrific Knoxville bass-baritone Michael Rodgers will perform a number of spirituals and the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra will join the KSO in the season finale. Will be fun!
To buy season tickets to the 25-26 Masterworks series described here, go to the KSO’s website or call the box office at (865) 291-3310.
The lineup for next season of the KSO’s Chamber series, performed on Sundays at 2:30 mostly at the Bijou Theatre, also has been released. It includes Mozart, Haydn, Copland’s “Appalachian Spring,” and Handel’s “Messiah.” Tickets also available through the website or by phone.
The Pops schedule — to be performed on Saturday nights at the Civic Auditorium, will be released soon.
KSO musicians, from left, Edward Pulgar, Sean Claire, Andy Bryenton, and Katie Gawne performed during the reception.
Aram Demirjian, right, with Sande MacMorran and Elizabeth Offringa, a KSO Board member.
From left, Lyle Irish, Bill and Alexa Riley, and Annette Sydes. Lyle, Bill and Annette are on the KSO Board.
Supporters Jerry and Emily Lenn were there.
From left, Jennifer and Clark Harrell, Lara Joy, and Andy Adzima. Clark and Andy are in the KSO’s percussion section.
From left, Charles Daily, Marylees Miller, and KSO Development Director Josh Thornton.
Katie Gawne and Edward Pulgar.
Loved these macarons they served!
It’s going to be another fantastic season.
George: You are so correct! I can’t wait!