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Verdi's Requiem takes listeners on a thrilling and contemplative journey

Melony Dodson talks with Aram Demirjian and bass-baritone, David Crawford about the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra's concluding Masterworks program, featuring Verdi's Requiem. Joining the KSO for this performance is the Knoxville Choral Society, Knoxville Opera Chorus, and four soloists.

The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra concludes its concert season with a performance of epic proportions. Joined by the Knoxville Choral Society, the Knoxville Opera Chorus, and four soloists, the KSO will present Verdi's Requiem in celebration of the 150th anniversary of its premiere. Performances are May 16th and 17th at 7:30pm and will be given in the magnificent Tennessee Theatre in downtown Knoxville.

In this interview, learn about Maestro Demirjian's preparation for this performance, the style of Verdi's vocal writing for this piece, and hear Demirjian's philosophical interpretation of the Requiem and how it compares to Requiems by other composers.

Tickets and additional information at https://knoxvillesymphony.com/concert/verdi-requiem-at-150-years/

Melony calls the beautiful mountains of Boone, N.C., home, although she was born near Greensboro, N.C. There’s just something about those Blue Ridge Mountains that got in her blood and never left after she moved there to attend Appalachian State University (ASU). While at ASU, she majored in piano performance and music therapy and began to cultivate a love for accompanying and for collaborating with other musicians. This soon led her to earn a master’s degree in collaborative piano at the University of Tennessee, which she attended from 2006-2008.