A Powerful Season Opener

KSO launches 90th Anniversary Season with Beethoven’s Ninth

The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra opened its 90th anniversary season with a program that celebrated both contemporary creativity and symphonic grandeur. Led by Music Director Aram Demirjian, the concert began with a burst of energy in the form of XC Blast by Jennifer Higdon — the first commission from KSO’s 9 for 90 initiative.

The program continued with selections from Old American Songs by Aaron Copland, showcasing the warm stage presence and expressive depth of bass soloist Kevin Burdette. After intermission came Beethoven’s monumental Symphony No. 9, featuring a full chorus and solo quartet. From the stormy first movement to the uplifting “Ode to Joy,” the performance was a moving tribute to the power of music to unite.

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Joining the KSO for this concert were an exceptional group of collaborators:

• Kevin Burdette, bass
• Laura Strickling, soprano
• Renée Tatum, mezzo-soprano
• Kameron Lopreore, tenor
• Knoxville Choral Society, directed by John Orr
• Pellissippi State Variations Choir, directed by Meagan Humphreys