A Night of Recognition

Season-ending concerts honor retiring musicians

The KSO closed its 2025-26 MoxCar Marketing + Communications Masterworks Series on May 14-15 with Marsalis Swing Symphony, a collaboration with the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra that celebrated the rich connections between jazz and symphonic music.

The concerts at the Tennessee Theatre also provided an opportunity for the KSO to honor three longtime musicians retiring from the orchestra after decades of service.

Bass trombonist Brad McDougall retired after 25 years with the KSO. Violist Bill Pierce concluded a 43-year tenure with the orchestra after first coming to Knoxville during the 1982 World’s Fair and joining the KSO full-time in 1983. Timpanist Michael Combs retired after an extraordinary 58 years with the orchestra, a career that began in 1968 under Music Director David Van Vactor.

Together, the three contributed more than 125 years of artistry, collaboration, and service to the KSO and to audiences throughout East Tennessee.

The evening also included a surprise recognition of Music Director Aram Demirjian’s 10th season leading the KSO. CEO Rachel Ford and Board Chair Rick Fox joined Demirjian onstage to thank him for a decade of artistic leadership, musical innovation, and commitment to the community.