Stories Woven Into Music

A 9 for 90 premiere rooted in community

After the first half of the KSO’s April Masterworks concert closed with Quilts, a new work by Jonathan Leshnoff, many audience members made their way back to the Tennessee Theatre lobby. They returned to the quilts that inspired the music, seeing new connections in the patterns and colors.

In celebration of our 90th Anniversary Season, the KSO and Music Director Aram Demirjian launched the 9 for 90 commissioning initiative, a season-long project that introduces nine new works across the orchestra’s full range of programming. Quilts stands as one of those world premieres, connecting music and the creativity of the community in a way that felt direct and personal. Demirjian described the project as “a beautiful synthesis of audience, music, and performer.”

The idea for Quilts began at Shannondale of Maryville, where music educator Risë Tucker encountered a display of handmade quilts created by residents and was struck by what she saw. “I was just blown away by the beauty of it,” she said. “It was such a testament to the creativity and artistry and craftsmanship that seniors have. It was like an epiphany moment. More people than just the ones who live here and those who come to visit need to be able to see these beautiful quilts.”

Working with her husband Larry Tucker and the KSO, that realization led to a collaboration in which three quilts became the basis for a new orchestral work. Leshnoff selected quilts by Carol Young, Connie Evans, and Susan Eagleton, each of which inspired a movement.

Before the performance, Leshnoff spoke with the audience about how he approached the piece. “When I looked closer at the quilts, I realized there was much more of a story than what was just being presented,” he said. “That’s when they took on an emotional depth that began to catch my musical ear.” Two of the three featured quilters, along with other members of the Shannondale community, were in the audience.

“Our residents were deeply honored to be part of such a meaningful and moving experience,” said Jen Krueger, Life Enrichment Director at Shannondale of Maryville. “Many shared how special it felt to be included and how much the music and presentation touched them. It was an evening they will remember for a long time.”