Aram Demirjian

Music Director @Knoxville Symphony Orchestra

Knoxville, TN, US

Establishes the artistic standard and crafts the artistic vision for a non-profit orchestra operating on a $5 million annual budget; leads the programming of a 35-week season encompassing classical, pops, and chamber music offeringsSupervises 24 full-time and 46 per service musiciansLed the artistic growth of the orchestra to national distinction; KSO one of four orchestras selected in 2020 for SHIFT: A Festival of American Orchestras at the Kennedy Center and was featured in the League of American Orchestras\' Catalyst Guide: Audience DiversificationInstituted innovative and experimental cross-disciplinary series KSO UnstagedConceived and oversaw the commissioning and world premieres of 38 new works through projects including Sound Investment, KSO1x1, and 9 for 90 Emphasized diversity and inclusion in programming and guest artist engagement, with an emphasis on local collaborations including West African drum ensemble, spoken word artists, gospel singers, and Tennessee School for the DeafInstitute annual Messiah performances, which have consistently sold outOrchestra has operated annually on a balanced budget in every year of tenure, with steady, sustainable growth