Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: A Night Out With The Region's Finest
The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO) has been entertaining East Tennessee since it was formally established in 1935. Following its establishment, the KSO brought David Van Vactor on as music director in 1947. Van Vactor commenced the work of establishing the orchestra, bringing in talent, and promoting the KSO to the region. Upon his retirement, 26 years later, his work was continued by Maestros Arpad Joo, Zoltan Rozsnyai, and Kirk Trevor. By the time Trevor left in 2003, the KSO had expanded its original orchestra to over 80 paid musicians! The KSO is recognized as "one of the finest regional orchestras in the United States," performs over 200 shows per year, and has a budget exceeding $3 million.
The KSO's status allowed it to launch an international search for a new maestro upon Trevor's retirement. This search brought the acclaimed Lucas Richman to Knoxville in 2003. Since he arrived, Maestro Richman has built on the KSO's 71 years of success by expanding the orchestra's programs and community involvement, and by focusing on the region's children. Richman believes that programs developed especially for children ensure the successful future of the KSO and classical music, while bringing culture and music appreciation to kids. Some of these efforts include the Young Orchestra Association, the Young People's Concerts, and In-School Programs.
The 2007-2008 concert season continues throughout May offering the masterpieces of the Masterworks Series, the SunTrust Chamber Classics, and the exciting Pops Series. Concert-goers will enjoy Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" in January, while February will bring a KSO salute to George Gershwin and Misha Dichter's Tchaikovsky. March offerings include Schubert's "Trout" Quintet, Natalie MacMaster's Celtic Celebration, and more. April and May follow with Mozart, Berlioz, Paganini, the songs of Stephen Foster, and Herb Reed and the Platters. Performances are held at Knoxville's Bijou Theater, the historic Tennessee Theater, and Knoxville's Civic Auditorium. Tickets prices vary, but all are available for purchase through Tickets Unlimited.
