World renowned pianist Orion Weiss to be guest artist at Knoxville Symphony Orchestra's season kickoff

KNOXVILLE – "Ravishing Rachmaninoff," the first Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Concert of the 2012–2013 season will feature the music of Rachmaninoff, Brahms, Copland and KSO Maestro Lucas Richman on September 20 and 21, 7:30 p.m. at the Tennessee Theatre. This Moxley Carmichael Masterworks Concert will feature the acclaimed pianist, Orion Weiss, playing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2.

Conducted by Maestro Lucas Richman, the full Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will also play Academic Festival Overture by Brahms; Summer Excursions by Lucas Richman and El Salon Mexico by Copland.

The 2012–2013 season marks Maestro Richman's tenth year as Music Director of the KSO.

"Ten years in any capacity always seems to invite some sort of retrospection. I could not resist programming a season of concerts filled with music that has been of special and significant meaning throughout my musical life, while also paying tribute to those computers, conductors and instrumentalists who have influenced by path as mentors and colleagues," said Maestro Richman. "Brahms' Academic Festival Overture has been a steady fixture at pivotal points for me, beginning with my conducting debut at 16 at Tanglewood, a master class with Leonard Bernstein and sharing the podium with him on tour."

"We will perform Copland's El Salon Mexico, one of his many works that has influenced my own composition, Summer Excursions," Richman added.

One of the most sought-after soloists in his generation of young American musicians, pianist Orion Weiss has performed with the major American orchestras including the Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, Los Angles Philharmonic and New York Philharmonic. His deeply felt and exceptionally crafted performances go far beyond his technical mastery and have won him worldwide acclaim. For more detailed information on Mr. Weiss's career click here.

The Knoxville Symphony League again hosts an Opening Night Gala following Friday night's "Ravishing Rachmaninoff" Concert on September 21st. A short walk from the Tennessee Theatre, the Gala will be held at Club LeConte and will include food and drinks. Tickets are $65 each and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 865-291-3310. The Gala offers the chance to meet and greet KSO musicians, the visiting guest artist and Maestro Richman.

Tickets to the concert begin at $22.00 and may be purchased by logging on to the KSO website or by calling the KSO Box Office at 865-291-3310 or Tickets Unlimited at 865-656-4444. Patrons are encouraged to prepare for the concert by reading the program notes available on the KSO website.

Published September 13, 2012