Step 1: What kind of show do you like?
If you think the symphony is just old music by long-gone composers, think again. KSO Music Director Aram Demirjian blends timeless masterpieces with modern works—often by living composers—and curates experiences for all kinds of music lovers. Here’s a breakdown of our major concert series this season:
MoxCar Communications + Marketing Masterworks Series - Performed by the full 80-member orchestra, these concerts showcase grand symphonic works both classic and contemporary.
- The season opens with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony on September 18–19 at the Tennessee Theatre.
- Features major composers like Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Mahler.
- Celebrates 9 world premieres by living composers in honor of KSO’s 90th anniversary.
Pops Series - Think of this as your symphonic “greatest hits” series—fun, familiar, and family-friendly.
- Themes include Sailing: Soft Rock of the ’70s & ’80s, Sinatra & Friends, Motown, and Beatles Revolution.
- Don’t miss Star Wars: Return of the Jedi with the score performed live in concert.
Roy Cockrum Chamber Series - Performed by a smaller chamber orchestra, these concerts are more intimate and often feature unique repertoire.
- Highlights include Appalachian Spring, Mozart & More, and music inspired by Spain, the American frontier, and more.
- Performed in the beautiful Bijou Theatre and Tennessee Theatre.
Merchant & Gould Concertmaster Series - Led by KSO’s Concertmaster William Shaub, this series presents dynamic programs in the Knoxville Museum of Art, a perfect setting for violin and piano duets plus trios, quartets, and inventive chamber music experiences.
Q Series - Lunch and music, all in one. These hour-long, midweek concerts are performed by KSO ensembles (such as the Principal String Quartet or Woodwind Quintet) at the Elks Lodge in West Knoxville, and includes lunch with your ticket.
