Oak Ridge Civic Music Association announces 80th season: 'Ode to Oak Ridge'

Embarking on its 80 ^th season, the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association will present an innovative and exciting lineup, ORCMA announced in a news release.

The 2024-25 season , themed “Ode to Oak Ridge,” celebrates Beethoven and Beyond, reflecting ORCMA’s dedication to serving the community with the highest artistic commitment.

Maestro Régulo Stabilito will direct the concerts.

Opening Night: Musical Kaleidoscope

7 p.m. Aug. 24 at the ORHS Performing Arts Center

Masterpieces by Bach, Shaw, Enesco, Higdon, and Haydn will explore the brilliance of both historical and contemporary compositions.

Mozart and Friends

7 p.m. Nov. 1 at the ORHS Performing Arts Center

The ORSO wind ensemble plays Mozart’s Serenade No.10, K.361 (Gran Partita), renowned for its structural complexity and lyrical grace across seven movements. The program also includes Charles Gounod’s charming “Petite Symphonie” and a premiere of a contemporary piece specially composed for the wind section.

Water Chants & Love

7 p.m. Feb. 15 at the ORHS Performing Arts Center

Music exploring profound connections between nature and emotions will feature works by John Luther Adams, Thomas Adès, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Inocente Carreño. The journey begins as chants and water “Become River,” then sails “Over the Sea,” falling in love with the Second Piano Concerto, and docking on the Margarita island in Venezuela with its vibrant “Glosa Sinfónica Margariteña.”

Ode to Oak Ridge: Beethoven’s 9th Symphony

6 p.m. April 6 at Oak Ridge Performing Arts Center

The Symphony, Chorus, and Knoxville Opera will join for a dynamic concert featuring Gabriela Lena Frank’s “Pachamama Meets an Ode,” blending the earth goddess Pachamama with Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” The evening continues with Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 9, Op.125, the “Choral” Symphony, renowned for its profound message of universal harmony and brotherhood.

Special Performances by the Oak Ridge Chorus Sing & Swing

4 p.m. Sept. 28 at the A.K. Bissell Park Pavilion (with a rain backup plan at the Oak Ridge Performing Arts Center)

Choral Director Sarah Henrich will also be performing jazz, swing, Broadway, and an original composition by local musician Wendel Werner. With the Oak Ridge Chorus, Swing Time Big Band, and special guests from Oak Ridge High School.

In Terra Pax

3 p.m. Dec. 15 at First United Methodist of Oak Ridge

The Oak Ridge Chorus and First United Methodist Christmas Choir present a concert featuring nostalgic carols, wintry songs, and pieces that evoke wonder and hope, including Gerald Finzi's miniature masterpiece “In Terra Pax.”

Chamber Music Series

Four concerts will feature world-class ensembles:

● Akropolis Reed Quintet: 3 p.m. Sept. 21 at First United Methodist of Oak Ridge. Founded in 2009, this contemporary ensemble of five reed instruments delivers captivating performances with a diverse repertoire.

● Mirari Brass Quintet: 3 p.m. Oct. 20 at First United Methodist of Oak Ridge. Renowned for their dynamic concerts and wide-ranging repertoire from classical to contemporary, they also excel in educational outreach.

● Cavatina Duo: 3 p.m. Jan. 12, 2025 at First United Methodist of Oak Ridge. This flutist and guitarist duo is celebrated for their exceptional artistry and dynamic performances, presenting a rich blend of classical and contemporary music.

● Dali String Quartet: 3 p.m. Feb. 28, 2025, at First United Methodist of Oak Ridge. Known for their vibrant and passionate performances, they fuse classical string quartet repertoire with Latin American flavors, offering a unique musical experience.

ORCMA's 2023-2024 season also includes numerous music education and community events: the Free Family Concerts, Free Coffee Concerts, the annual Rock 2 Bach event, the Adolf King Free Summer Strings Camp, 5K Race in the Spring and more. Information will be announced at later dates.

All ticket and subscription prices are available for purchase online at https://www.orcma.org , by phone at (865) 483-5569, by email at office@orcma.org , or at the door.

Visit https://www.orcma.org/subscriptions to subscribe and learn more.

All subscription concerts are free for youths 18 and younger.

For more information, visit ORCMA’s website or contact Joy Bonamarte at joy@orcma.org or (865) 483-5569.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Oak Ridge Civic Music Association announces 80th season: 'Ode to Oak Ridge'