Great Smoky Mountains National Park has announced the musical selection for the 75th Anniversary outdoor concert performance by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra on June 13 at 3 p.m. in Cades Cove.  Tickets are available until June 3 and can be purchased at the KSO’s Box Office.

The cost of the event is $25 for vehicles with up to a 15-passenger capacity and $50 for vehicles with a capacity greater than 15 passengers.

Among the pop and light classical favorites led by Music Director Lucas Richman, the orchestra will present the world premiere of local composer James Carlson’s Off-trail in the Smokies, commissioned by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra specifically for this concert.  The narrative episodes are preceded and followed by a majestic theme that reflects the awe-inspiring beauty of the Smoky Mountains.  The narrative text is by poet, historian and avid hiker Jenny Bennette.  Composer Carlson said that, “I’ve selected three of her poems that describe her experiences hiking in the Smoky Mountains.  I, too, frequently hike in the Smokies and around East Tennessee and I found it easy to relate to these poems and musically bring them to life.  The first depicts a hike riddled with clouds and fog, the second, a vigorous ascent with a storm approaching and finally, the expansive view from Andrews Bald on a clear winter day.”

Additionally, Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) will appear as a guest pianist and perform three works with the orchestra that include Mozart’s Variations on Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Chopin’s Prelude in C Minor, and a Gospel Medley.  Other favorites that will be performed during the concert include The Star Spangled Banner, Williams’ Overture to The Cowboys , Foster’s Beautiful Dreamer, Ungar’s Ashokan Farewell, America the Beautiful, selections from Rodgers’ Sound of Music and more.  Soprano Katy Wolfe Zahn will also join the orchestra throughout the afternoon.

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