Oak Ridge Symphony and Chorus to end season with historic, celebratory works April 27-28

The Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra & Oak Ridge Chorus will conclude its 79th season April 27 and 28 with "Transformation & Triumph," works that celebrate the ongoing evolution of society.

They will include the "Seven Last Words of the Unarmed" by rising composer Joel Thompson and the poignant "Overture For the Dedication of a Nuclear Reactor" by Arthur Roberts. The concert will conclude with Dmitri Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op. 47, a masterpiece of 20th century classical music.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. April 27 at The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 711 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, and at 3 p.m. April 28 at the Performing Arts Center at Oak Ridge High School, according to a news release.

Crafted specifically for the Oak Ridge Symphony, the Roberts overture will be followed by the Oak Ridge Chorus in Thompson's "Seven Last Words of the Unarmed." Known for his emotionally resonant compositions addressing social issues, Thompson's work pays homage to the lives lost to racial injustice, the release said. Through haunting melodies and stirring harmonies, Thompson confronts societal issues head-on.

Premiering in 1937 amid political scrutiny and artistic censorship in the Soviet Union, Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony stands as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity, the release said. Through its blend of melodies and orchestral colors, the symphony navigates themes of struggle, oppression, and eventual triumph.

There will be a pre-concert talk at 2:30 p.m. April 28 before the Oak Ridge High School performance.

Admission is free for students. Tickets are available online at https://orcma.vbotickets.com/events.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Oak Ridge Symphony, Chorus to perform historic and celebratory works