In celebration of it's 90th anniversary season, the KSO is partnering with nine world-class composers to create and premiere nine brand-new works, performed live throughout the year. These commissioned premieres will appear across our Masterworks, Chamber, Q Series, Concertmaster, and Youth Ensemble performances, representing a bold artistic vision that touches every corner of our season.
One of the signature milestones of Aram Demirjian’s tenure, 9 for 90 is the KSO’s most ambitious artistic initiative to date. It reflects a core belief that Demirjian expressed when he joined the orchestra a decade ago: classical music should be welcoming and accessible to all. He envisioned “a vibrant, inviting culture in which all Knoxvillians are inspired to share in the eye-opening symphonic experiences we create,” and has continued to affirm that “no matter your age, background, or musical taste, there is a seat at the KSO table.”
Under his leadership, the KSO has deepened its commitment to living composers through national commissioning projects, consortium partnerships, and recognition from the League of American Orchestras via the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program.
9 for 90 is the next step in that journey, a forward-looking celebration of new music, creative collaboration, and Knoxville’s place in the evolving story of American orchestral life. Join us as we showcase bold, original works written for our city, our musicians, and our audiences while honoring a legacy of live performance in East Tennessee.