KSO rings in its 90th season with the world premiere from Jennifer Higdon

WUOT | By Matthew Motley

Published September 16, 2025 at 3:10 PM EDT

Matthew Motley speaks with composer Jennifer Higdon and KSO Music Director Aram Demirjian about Higdon's new piece, their long history of collaboration, and the symphony's 9 for 90 commissioning project.

On September 18 and 19th at 7:30 in the Tennessee Theatre the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 2025-2026 series of Masterworks concerts with a program featuring Beethoven’s 9th symphony, Aaron Copland’s Old American songs, and the world premiere of a fanfare from Jennifer Higdon commissioned to celebrate the Symphony’s 90th Season.

More information is available at https://knoxvillesymphony.com/concert/beethovens-9th/

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Matthew Motley

A Kansas native, Matthew began his journey south by attending the University of Georgia. It was here that he got his start in public radio, working on WUGA’s classical program Night Music. After graduating in 2024 with degrees in music and computer science, Matthew joined WUOT as host of the Afternoon Concert.

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