ORCMA announces 2025–26 ‘Tapestry’ season
The Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra will continue celebrating its 80th anniversary with the 2025–26 “Tapestry” season, featuring guest conductors, discounted tickets and free community concerts.
Founded in 1945, the orchestra is Tennessee’s longest continuously operating symphony.
The Oak Ridge Civic Music Association presents the season, which blends symphonic works, choral music and chamber concerts.
Single tickets will cost $20, down from $35, but are just $15 for members and subscribers.
Students 18 and under will be admitted free with ID.
Symphony highlights
• Sept. 27 — “Inspirations” at Oak Ridge High School.
Former conductor Dan Allcott returns with pianist Emi Kagawa performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17, along with works by Beethoven and Mendelssohn.
• Nov. 8 — “Light and Legacy.” Cornelia Laemmli Orth conducts works by John Williams and Dvorák’s “New World Symphony.”
The Oak Ridge Chorus, under Sarah Henrich, performs Lauridsen’s “Lux Aeterna.”
• Feb. 21 — “Simple Gifts” at First United Methodist Church.
Guest conductor Ian Passmore leads a program of serene works.
• April 25 — “Symphonic Postcards” at Oak Ridge High School.
James Fellenbaum conducts music by Shostakovich, Bruch and Respighi.
Concertmaster Rachel Loeske will be the featured soloist in Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1.
Free community concerts
• March 5 — “United in Song,”
a joint performance of the Oak Ridge Chorus and Robertsville Middle School students at Robertsville Middle.
• May 9 — Family Concert. The Oak Ridge Symphony and Oak Ridge High School Orchestra will be performing side by side at Oak Ridge High.
Chamber music series
The series includes five programs: Principals Showcase (Oct. 19), Ragtime Symphony ’Round the Christmas Tree (Nov. 22), pianist Danae Dörken (Feb. 14), For the Living with Oak Ridge Chorus and Youth Choir (March 15), and Trio Ondata (May 16).
Youth programs
ORCMA will also launch the Oak Ridge Youth Arts Collective this fall, offering the Oak Ridge Youth Orchestra for grades 5–12 and the Oak Ridge Youth Choir.
Students will perform in two concerts, including Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living.
Community support
The Tennessee Arts Commission and its Community Arts Grants, supported through the state’s specialty license plate program, help fund the season.
Details and ticket information are available at ORCMA.org/concerts.
