October 23, 2018
Series opener features collaboration with Knoxville Symphony Orchestra
The Concerts on Cumberland series launches Thursday, Oct. 25, when artists from the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO) will perform original works by local composer Jason Overall at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral.
The free hour-long event at 7:30 p.m. will feature three original pieces composed by Overall, the music director at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral. The expressive movements will be expertly played by members of the KSO and will take the listener through a range of emotions from melancholy to exuberance.
“We’re delighted to kick off the Concerts on Cumberland series,” said John C. Ross, dean of St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral. “We’ve looked forward to sharing this with the community and are honored to partner with the Knoxville Symphony for opening night. We invite everyone to come, listen and enjoy.”
The first composition is a five-movement suite for solo cello and resembles the form of popular cello suites by Bach, although the musical language is unmistakably contemporary. Gregorian chant melodies provide thematic material for each movement.
The second piece is an expansive work for piano and string quartet, nearly symphonic in scope. The final work is a light-hearted quartet for oboe, violin, viola and cello that begins with a lyrical song-like movement, has a gentle aria as the middle movement and ends with Fantasia.
Concerts on Cumberland is part of a larger music series, Chords for the Community, which runs through July 2019 at the downtown Knoxville cathedral, located at 413 Cumberland Ave.
St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral will host five events for Concerts on Cumberland. Upcoming concerts include ticketed collaborations with the Big Ears Festival and Marble City Opera, as well as free performances by Orison and Echoing Air.
To learn more about St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, the Concerts on Cumberland series and Chords for the Communuity, visit stjohnscathedral.org. Parking for the concerts is available adjacent to the cathedral.
About St. John’s Cathedral
St. John’s Cathedral shares and spreads love as exemplified by Jesus Christ. We’re a people first community, building relationships of trust and authenticity. Wherever you are on your faith journey, we invite you to join us on our path of growth and discovery. We connect through joyful gatherings of worship, teaching, arts, music, and service to others. You are warmly welcomed and wanted in this vibrant, multi-generational, downtown congregation. Learn more at stjohnscathedral.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Chords for the Community
Chords for the Community is a world-class musical program presented by St. John’s Cathedral Arts. The program consists of three series: Evensong for Everyone, reflective and soothing choral performances; Concerts on Cumberland, a series of renowned artist performances including a collaboration with Big Ears Festival; and Choral Camaraderie & Worship, traditional worship services featuring inspirational music led by the St. John’s choir. St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral through its Chords for the Community program aims to spread love and share the transformative joy of worship to all through music. The doors are open. Come, listen and enjoy. Learn more at stjohnscathedral.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
