The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera will open its 2020-21 season with Percussion & Friends Friday, Sept. 11, 7 p.m., at the Tennessee Riverpark. The free community concert will feature classical works, patriotic favorites and modern percussion pieces.
The concert is the first public performance in the CSO’s First Horizon Foundation Instrumental Series, a new series featuring smaller concerts with fewer musicians and limited audience sizes.
The updated format will introduce audiences to new works and instrumental combinations they would not typically experience in a normal season.
“As I was reprogramming the new season to fit the precautions of COVID-19, I had the opportunity to explore works I have never encountered before,” says Kayoko Dan, CSO music director. “You will see various configurations of musicians throughout the season, including a brass quintet, a percussion trio, a string orchestra, a woodwind octet and a horn and trombone duo.
“This season will highlight all of our wonderful musicians and is a fabulous opportunity for us to be creative.”
The season’s programming will include works ranging from the classics of Beethoven and Mozart to modern pieces by local composers such as Kenyon Wilson and Jonathan McNair.
The CSO will also take the stage for two Christmas-themed programs in December and perform two concerts highlighting romantic works for Valentine’s Day.
The organization will continue its commitment to highlighting both female composers and composers of color with pieces by a diverse group of both classical and modern composers.
The Instrumental Series will also bring the CSO into new indoor and outdoor venues throughout the Chattanooga area.
“We’re going to offer live performances in a variety of locations around our community and in unique venues,” says Samantha Teter, CSO executive director. “We’re working with Hamilton County Parks Department, Red Bank Parks, Collegedale Commons, AT&T Field, local churches and hotels and more.”
The CSO will host several free community concerts throughout the season, including its annual Veteran’s Day performance, and livestreaming and recorded content will be available at various points throughout the season for a small fee.
Current CSO subscribers will receive first access to seating for ticketed concerts, but tickets will be available to the public for any seats still available after subscribers have been allocated performances.
For the latest news on available performances or to learn about becoming a CSO subscriber, visit www.chattanoogasymphony.org or call 423 267-8583 Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Source: Chattanooga Symphony & Opera