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Aram Demirjian

Conductor

Winner of the Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award from The Solti Foundation U.S., conductor Aram Demirjian has built a reputation as an insightful interpreter of the symphonic repertoire and drawn praise for his "rejuvenating" (Washington Post) leadership as Music Director of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. Widely considered an engaging, “even electric” (San Francisco Classical Voice) presence on the podium, he is sought after for his “graceful, energetic direction” (Sarasota Herald Tribune), dynamic programs that broaden the idea of what one can expect to see on the symphonic stage, and distinctive ability to speak to, cultivate, and connect with audiences. 
 
As the eighth Music Director of the KSO, Aram has led the orchestra to new artistic heights and national distinction for its achievements. A devoted champion of American music, Aram has grown the ensemble’s repertoire through bold programming with broad audience appeal, particularly emphasizing music by living composers, artists from underrepresented groups, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Notable upcoming projects in the 2025-26 season include performances of Wynton Marsalis' Swing Symphony with Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, Beethoven's Violin Concerto with Midori, participation in the League of American Orchestra's Toulmin Orchestral Commissions Program for the second time, and 9 for 90, a celebration of the KSO's 90th season comprising nine world premieres across all of the KSO's classical series including works by Jennifer Higdon, Jonathan Leshnoff, and Robert Paterson. As a guest conductor in 2025-26, Aram returns to The Philadelphia Orchestra in its 125th season and debuts with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. 
 
In 2020, the KSO was selected as one of four orchestras to be featured at SHIFT: A Festival of American Orchestras, presented by The Kennedy Center and Washington Performing Arts. Under Aram's leadership, the KSO has executed several ambitious commissions including Michael Schachter’s Violin Concerto: Cycle of Life, a joint commission by the KSO and Knoxville Museum of Art inspired by the work of East Tennessee glass artist Richard Jolley; Derrick Skye's Between Suns: A Concerto for West African Drums and Orchestra in collaboration with Knoxville-based drum ensemble Indigenous Vibes; and #KSO1x1, a set of 24 digitally-premiered micro-commissions for solo KSO musicians. The KSO is also a regular presence in the nationally-renowned Big Ears Festival. 
 
The proud child of an immigrant family, Aram is American-born and of Armenian descent. He holds a joint Bachelor of Arts in Music and Government from Harvard University, and a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from New England Conservatory.

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