East Tennessee’s arts scene is hitting all the right notes this week, with a celebrated symphony, imaginative theater, gallery exhibitions and creative experiences for all ages. Whether your interests lean toward classical music, a good stage production or discovering local artists, there is plenty to enjoy.

Symphony brings Tchaikovsky to the Tennessee Theatre

The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra presents Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 15-16, at 7:30 p.m. at the Tennessee Theatre. Music Director Aram Demirjian leads a program that also includes compositions by Julia Perry and Leonard Bernstein, connecting American experiences through music and poetry. Tchaikovsky’s Fifth, with its sweeping melodies and powerful emotional contrasts, promises an evening of memorable orchestral music. Learn more through the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.

Theater offers imagination, laughter and a little suspense

  • The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane continues at the Clarence Brown Theatre through Sunday, Oct. 18. Based on Kate DiCamillo’s beloved children’s novel, the story follows a porcelain rabbit on a journey of loss, love and discovery. The production offers a thoughtful theatrical experience for families and adults alike. Visit Clarence Brown Theatre.
  • Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors opens Friday, Oct. 16, at Theatre Knoxville Downtown and continues through Nov. 1. This comic take on the famous vampire story brings a lighter touch to Halloween-season entertainment. Details are available at Theatre Knoxville Downtown.
  • Detroit, by Lisa D’Amour, is presented by the Maryville College Theatre Department Oct. 15-18 at the Clayton Center for the Arts. The contemporary play examines suburban life, relationships and unexpected connections. Visit the Clayton Center for the Arts.

Galleries showcase diverse artistic voices

  • Gallery 1010 opens Inherited Imagery, featuring Alimohammad Parvaresh and Noushin Mousavi, on Thursday, Oct. 15. The exhibition explores storytelling through Persian miniature painting. A reception is scheduled Friday, Oct. 16, from 5-7 p.m. Gallery 1010 is located in the Emporium Center at 100 S. Gay St. Visit Gallery 1010.
  • Art Market Gallery continues its October exhibition featuring Claire J. Bodnaruk and Ron Williams. The downtown gallery offers an opportunity to explore work by regional artists throughout the month. Visit Art Market Gallery.
  • The Emporium Center features several exhibitions through Oct. 30, including Cuba: A Pesar de Todo by Kyle Hislip and John Mitchell, Alcoa Airport Motor Mile Miniatures by Carmen Alcocer, “Fall” in Love with Glass by Susan Watson and Memento Vivere by Anna Lawrence. Visit the Arts & Culture Alliance.

Music, stories and family adventures

  • In the Cumberland: Ballad Singing comes to the Laurel Theater on Friday, Oct. 16, offering an opportunity to experience traditional music and the storytelling heritage of the region. Visit Jubilee Community Arts.
  • The Snowy Day and Other Stories arrives at the Bijou Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 2:30 p.m. Inspired by Ezra Jack Keats’ children’s books, the performance introduces young audiences to the magic of live theater. Visit the Bijou Theatre.
  • Roots of Appalachia with Daniel Kimbro takes place Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Knoxville Museum of Art, connecting regional musical traditions with the museum’s cultural programming. Visit the Knoxville Museum of Art.

Coming soon to the arts calendar

  • Knoxville Opera presents Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus on Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 25 at 2:30 p.m. at the Tennessee Theatre. The comic operetta features disguises, mistaken identities and memorable waltzes. Visit Knoxville Opera.
  • Knoxville Children’s Theatre presents Julius Caesar Oct. 23-Nov. 8, introducing young performers and audiences to Shakespeare’s drama of ambition, loyalty and power. Visit Knoxville Children’s Theatre.
  • The Knoxville Horror Film Fest returns Oct. 21-25 at Central Cinema, while Theatre 23 presents George Orwell’s Animal Farm Oct. 23-25 at the Historic Grove Theater.

ArtBeat reminder

Many arts organizations offer student discounts, special admission programs or free events. Families should also explore Penny4Arts, which makes selected arts experiences available to children for a penny or free when accompanied by a paying adult. East Tennessee’s arts community thrives when audiences participate. Visit a gallery, attend a performance, encourage a young artist or introduce someone to a creative experience they have never tried before.

OUR TOWN. YOUR NEWS.
Stories that connect our community. Read. Respond. Share.

Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and TikTok.

Get all KnoxTNToday articles in one place with our free newsletter. Comments may be sent to news@knoxtntoday.com.