Art

Last night's dress rehearsal for the final Masterwork's concerts of the season was a true dress rehearsal. We donned our concert black or tuxedos a day early for the benefit of around 40 visual artists who attended the rehearsal. As we played they took pictures, sketched, and listened to the rehearsal. All this was in preparation for the orchestra's 75th season. Area artists have been invited to submit works of art depicting the orchestra. Artwork that is chosen will be displayed at a special exhibit beginning in October.

Fans of fine art won't have to wait until October, though, because tonight and tomorrow at the KSO's final concerts of the season local artist Mike C. Berry will be unveiling his depiction of the symphony - a work that was commissioned by the KSO to kick off the 75th anniversary season. Mike Berry has made his career depicting local landscape and life. He was voted "Best Visual Artist of East Tennessee" in a 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel reader's poll. Recently he was hired by ABC news to be a courtroom artist during the US vs Kernell federal trial here in Knoxville. He also has a blog, Postcards from Knoxville, where he posts a new postcard sized painting daily. Mike's paintings are stunning. I can't wait to see his painting of the orchestra.

A limited edition of 500 giclée prints of the work will be on sale during the concerts’ intermission and throughout the season. Print prices range from $100 to $250.