September 14, 2017
Aram Demirjian conducts humorous music with spooky, sing-song narrative
The KSO Chamber Classics Series begins in two weeks with music of Prokofiev, Gruber, and Haydn. This performance will take place on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. at the Bijou Theatre. This series is presented with support from the Aslan Foundation and is sponsored by UT Federal Credit Union. Tickets start at just $15 and can be purchased here.
The Chamber Classics Series includes five concerts which take place on Sunday afternoons at the Bijou Theatre (unless otherwise noted) with ensembles of four to 25 performers. This program opens the Chamber Classics series with Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 60 known as Il Distratto, or “The Distracted,” which is a playful piece intended to almost make the audience laugh out loud. The second half includes Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony, and concludes with Austrian composer H.K. Gruber’s Frankenstein!! A Pan-Demonium for Chansonnier & Ensemble. Debuted in 1978, this humorous piece includes spoken word and sung verse by a narrator, or “chansonnier,” to accompany the orchestra who talk-sings of Frankenstein and other demons he encounters.
The Chamber Orchestra will be conducted by Music Director Aram Demirjian and feature local tenor Scott Bearden as the narrator or “Chansonnier.” Musical selections include Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony, Gruber’s Frankenstein!!, and Haydn’s Symphony No. 60, “Il Distratto.”
Baritone Scott Bearden has performed with the San Francisco Opera, Opera Boston, Opera San Jose, Toledo Opera and Opera Memphis, and the Tanglewood Festival Orchestra among others. Recent performances have included Maria Stuarda, Tosca, and Hansel and Gretel with Knoxville Opera. Mr. Bearden will proudly take part in the 40th Anniversary celebrations with Knoxville Opera this fall as well as perform in Verdi’s Aida next spring. Mr Bearden earned a Bachelor of Music from Central Michigan University and a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music. Mr. Bearden has taught at Santa Clara University, University of Arkansas-Monticello and currently teaches privately and at Lincoln Memorial University. This is Scott Bearden’s debut performance with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.
Aram Demirjian is currently the Music Director for the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra after a four-year stint as Associate Conductor at the Kansas City Symphony. A dynamic young conductor, American-born and of Armenian descent, Demirjian is already leaving his mark on the region’s musical culture with creative programming, innovative collaborations and energetic community engagement. Demirjian is a recipient of the Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award in 2017 and holds 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 Bachelor of Arts in music and government from Harvard University and a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from New England Conservatory.
When: Sunday, October 1, 2017, 2:30 p.m.
Where: The Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay St.
Note: There is a shuttle available to and from State Street Garage one hour before and after the concert.
Tickets start at just $15 and range to $35. They may be purchased at the door, by calling 865-291-3310 or by visiting www.knoxvillesymphony.com. Students Kindergarten through 12th grade may attend FREE with purchase of an adult ticket. Contact the KSO box office for more information.
About the KSO
Established in 1935, and now under the leadership of Music Director Aram Demirjian, the KSO has contributed to the cultural life in East Tennessee continuously for 80 years, providing excellence in musical and educational programs. The Orchestra consists of 80 professional musicians and performs more than 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.
KSO Chamber Classics: Frankenstein!! Sunday, Oct. 1, 2:30 p.m. at @knoxbijou. Just $15 for an afternoon of great music. 291-3310. Follow @knoxsymphony on Twitter and Like KSO on Facebook.
