Concert Calendar | SUBSCRIBE
TICKETS

For more than 90 years, live symphonic music has been one of the good things about life in Knoxville – thanks to supporters like you.

Support the KSO

Explore this Section

The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra is a cultural cornerstone of East Tennessee. Each year, our performances, education programs, and community outreach touch the lives of thousands of people, from concertgoers in the Tennessee Theatre to students in classrooms and patients in hospital rooms.

Ticket sales cover a portion of our expenses, but it is philanthropic support from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners that allows the KSO to carry out its full mission.

Why Your Support Matters

  • Education & Outreach: Our musicians dedicate approximately 70% of their time to outreach activities—including in-school concerts, masterclasses, and hands-on instruction—reaching more than 16,000 students annually through direct education programs. Plus, KSO’s award-winning Music & Wellness program delivers live musical performances – to more than 6,000 people in 2025 -in healthcare settings designed to support healing for patients, caregivers, and staff.
  • Youth Ensembles: Nearly 500 young musicians from 90+ schools across the region participate in KSO’s Youth Ensembles, rehearsing weekly and receiving exceptional training across five string orchestras, one full orchestra, a wind ensemble, chamber music ensemble, and youth choir.
  • Community Access: Through free community concerts, low-cost ticketing initiatives, and ongoing partnerships, the KSO ensures music is accessible across a broad spectrum of ages, backgrounds, and neighborhoods. More than 11,500 people experienced live, free orchestral music by the KSO in 2025.
  • Artistic Excellence: From Masterworks and Chamber series to our popular Pops performances, KSO delivers dynamic programming led by professional musicians and guest artists of national stature.

Much of this vital work – particularly our outreach and education programs – is supported solely through grants and charitable contributions. The demand for these programs continues to grow, and with your help, we can meet it.

Did you know that you can support the KSO and other local arts organizations simply by choosing a Tennessee Arts Specialty License Plate for your vehicle? A portion of the proceeds from each plate directly supports arts programming throughout the state including grants that help fund the KSO’s community and education initiatives. It’s an easy way to show your support for the arts, raise awareness, and help ensure that music continues to thrive across Tennessee. Specialty License Plate Program