January 15, 2019
The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra continues its Moxley Carmichael Masterworks Series with music of Korngold, Grimes and Dvorak. Music Director Aram Demirjian leads the Orchestra this Thursday, Jan. 17, and Friday, Jan. 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Tennessee Theatre. These performances are sponsored by Partners and Russ and Holly Watkins.
Violinist Tessa Lark
Musical selections include contemporary composer Rachel Grimes’ Book of Leaves, Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s Violin Concerto, and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.” The KSO welcomes violinist Tessa Lark to perform Korngold’s Violin Concerto.
The Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra also will perform Slavonic Dance No. 1 by Antonin Dvořák and join the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra on the Masterworks stage for a performance of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9.
Music Director Aram Demirjian said, “I am immensely proud of the achievements of our Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra, led by James Fellenbaum. The artistry and commitment of these young people is something all Knoxvillians can take pride in, and it is long overdue that we feature them again on the Masterworks stage. Dvořák’s New World Symphony was the first piece I ever played in youth orchestra growing up; it was the piece that inspired me to pursue conducting; and it was the first piece I ever actually conducted, so it is personally very meaningful to perform it with both the KSO and KSYO. I can only hope that the experience will inspire the musical journey of another young musician.”
Patrons can attend pre-concert chats at 6:30 p.m. in the concert hall before each performance. Guest performers will offer their personal perspective, and audience members will have a chance for Q&A with the artists. This is a unique get-to-know-you opportunity.
Tickets may be purchased by calling 865-291-3310 or visiting the KSO website. Single tickets range from $15-$85. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets at a discounted rate by calling 865-521-2337.
About Tessa Lark
Violinist Tessa Lark is one of the most captivating artistic voices of our time. She is a recipient of a 2018 Borletti-Buitoni Trust Fellowship, and a 2016 Avery Fisher Career Grant, a Silver Medalist in the 9th Quadrennial International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, and winner of the 2012 Naumburg International Violin Competition. Ms. Lark has been a featured soloist at numerous U.S. orchestras since making her concerto debut with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra at age 16. Keeping in touch with her Kentucky roots, Ms. Lark performs and programs bluegrass and Appalachian music regularly and collaborated with Mark O’Connor on his CD “MOC4,” released in June 2014. She is a graduate of New England Conservatory and completed her Artist Diploma at The Juilliard School.
About Aram Demirjian
Aram Demirjian is the eighth Music Director of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and is internationally sought after for his dynamic performances and innovative programming. He served previously as the Associate Conductor of the Kansas City Symphony. A devoted educator, Demirjian has created and conducted education and family concerts for orchestras across the country. Demirjian has conducted The Philadelphia Orchestra, the Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, St. Louis and Wichita symphonies, the Minnesota and Sarasota orchestras, the Louisiana Philharmonic and appearances at the Tanglewood Music Center and Breckenridge Music Festival. Demirjian is the winner of a 2017 Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award and the 2011 Robert J. Harth Conducting Prize from the Aspen Music Festival, where he was a three-time Conducting Fellow in the Aspen Conducting Academy. Demirjian holds a joint Bachelor of Arts in Music and Government from Harvard University and a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from New England Conservatory.
About the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra
Led by Music Director Aram Demirjian, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra consists of 80 professional musicians and performs 300 programs throughout the region each season, reaching audiences of more than 200,000 people. The KSO performs in traditional venues such as the Tennessee Theatre, Bijou Theatre and the Civic Auditorium as well as non-traditional places like hospitals, schools, city parks and churches. For more information regarding the KSO, please visit www.knoxvillesymphony.com or call 865-291-3310.
