October 10, 2022
KSO concert in 2023-24 season to present new work by Sarah Gibson
The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO) is one of 30 orchestras selected to take part in the League of American Orchestras’ Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program. The unprecedented national consortium ensures that new works by women composers, each commissioned by the League, will be infused in orchestra seasons to come with multiple performances throughout the country.
The consortium’s initial six lead orchestra-composer pairings were previously announced, with more than 80 orchestras applying for the additional 24 spots.
The KSO will partner with composer Sarah Gibson for a performance of her new work, “to make this mountain taller,” in the 2023-24 concert season.
“Championing the work of composers of our time has been at the core of the KSO’s artistic mission, and it brings all of us great pride to partner with the Toulmin Foundation in this laudable initiative,” KSO Music Director Aram Demirjian said. “I am so excited to be working with Sarah Gibson for the first time and eager to introduce her to audiences in East Tennessee.”
See the full lineup of the orchestras selected to be a part of the consortium, and read all six composer bios on the League’s website.
About the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commission Program
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. The program seeks to increase the programming of works by women and nonbinary composers on orchestra stages.
Networking, mentoring, career development, and community engagement opportunities are built into the program. Consortium orchestras were required to demonstrate a commitment to engaging the composers in rehearsals, networking opportunities, and education or community engagement activities, and orchestras receive funds for marketing efforts and to support composer attendance at performances.
As with the original Women Composers Readings and Commissions program, the new program is embedded in EarShot, an initiative of American Composers Orchestra in collaboration with American Composers Forum, the League of American Orchestras, and New Music USA. The six commission recipients were selected from women and nonbinary composers who have participated in EarShot residencies.
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 Civic Auditorium, as well as non-traditional places like hospitals, schools, city parks, and churches. For more information regarding the KSO, please visit knoxvillesymphony.com or call 865-291-3310.
