MEET THE CONDUCTOR: Aram Demirjian

Aram Demirjian conducts RHAPSODY IN BLUE

March 14 at 6:30PM & March 15 at 7:30PM

Background: Winner of the 2020 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award from The Solti Foundation U.S., conductor Aram Demirjian has built a reputation as an insightful interpreter of the symphonic repertoire and drawn praise for his “rejuvenating” (Washington Post) leadership as Music Director of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO). Widely considered an engaging, “even electric” (San Francisco Classical Voice) presence on the podium, he is sought after for his “graceful, energetic direction” (Sarasota Herald Tribune), dynamic programs that broaden the idea of what one can expect to see on the symphonic stage, and distinctive ability to speak to, cultivate, and connect with audiences.

As the eighth Music Director of the KSO, Aram has led the orchestra to new artistic heights and national distinction for its achievements. A devoted champion of American music, Aram has grown the ensemble’s repertoire through bold programming with broad audience appeal, particularly emphasizing music by living composers, artists from underrepresented groups, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Notable upcoming projects in the 2024/25 season and beyond include a KSO-commissioned concerto for West African drums and orchestra by Derrick Skye, featuring the Knoxville-based drum ensemble Indigenous Vibes, Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream featuring Appalachian Ballet Company, participation in the League of American Orchestra’s Toulmin Orchestral Commissions Program for the second time, and large-scale works including Mahler's Fifth and Carmina burana.

With his notable passion for oratorio repertoire, Aram is increasingly in demand for his interpretation of Handel's Messiah, which he has led in recent years in Knoxville and as guest conductor with the Kansas City Symphony, Nashville Symphony, and Seattle Symphony, where he recently made his debut. Further guest conducting engagements in the 24/25 calendar include a debut with the Utah Symphony on the Deer Valley Music Festival, and subscription debuts with the Florida Orchestra, Rhode Island Philharmonic, and Billings Symphony.

In addition to being honored with the 2020 Solti Award, Aram also received the 2017 and 2019 Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Awards, a 2018 Solti Foundation U.S. Buccheri Opera Residency with Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the 2011 Robert J. Harth Conducting Prize from the Aspen Music Festival, where he was a three-time Conducting Fellow in the Aspen Conducting Academy. From 2012 to 2016, he served as Associate Conductor of the Kansas City Symphony.

The proud child of an immigrant family, Aram is American-born and of Armenian descent. He holds a joint Bachelor of Arts in Music and Government from Harvard University, and a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from New England Conservatory. A native of the Boston area, he currently resides in Knoxville with his wife, Caraline, their baby daughter, Ani, and their goldendoodle, Kermit.

Tickets start at $20! Click HERE or call 401-248-7000 to purchase today!