A Powerful World Premiere: Between Suns Debuts with KSO

In May 2025, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra presented the world premiere of Between Suns, a groundbreaking new concerto for West African drums and orchestra, composed by Derrick Skye and performed by Obayana Ajanaku and Indigenous Vibes.

The KSO-commissioned work was met with enthusiastic applause at the Tennessee Theatre, where audiences experienced an electrifying fusion of Ghanaian djembe, Senegalese sabar, Ewe rhythms, and symphonic sound. The five-movement concerto reflected nearly three years of artistic collaboration between Ajanaku, Skye, and KSO Music Director Aram Demirjian.

“This project represents the spirit of collaboration in Knoxville’s arts landscape,” said Demirjian. “It fuses artistic excellence with community, and I’m so proud the KSO could bring it to life.”

The commission was inspired by Indigenous Vibes’ KSO debut in 2022 and made possible by the generosity of several community supporters. Their belief in bold, inclusive programming helped make Between Suns a reality.

Also featured on the program were Florence Price’s Colonial Dance and Dvořák’s New World Symphony, offering audiences a rich evening of musical storytelling that celebrated cultural heritage, innovation, and the transformative power of live performance.

Thanks to ArtsKnoxville for their review of the performance.