On Sunday: Amadeus Concert Ensemble Presents “Organ Spectacular”

Knoxville will witness a musical first this Sunday when Amadeus Concert Ensemble pairs its orchestra with the towering Casavant Frères organ at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Internationally renowned organist Dr. Byongsuk Moon will be featured in the Knoxville premieres of Rheinberger’s Organ Concerto No. 2 and Stamm’s Celtic Pleasure, along with Respighi’s Canticle. 

“Audience members will have a rare opportunity to witness Dr. Moon’s keyboard skills and pedal work at the organ console,” said ACE Artistic Director Brian Salesky, “which will be positioned at the front of the Cathedral in the midst of the orchestra.”

This free concert, under the baton of Maestro Salesky, also features three short works by Händel: the regal March and bombastic Battle Music from Rinaldo, the heavenly “Eternal source of light divine” from Birthday-Ode for Queen Anne, and the vivacious “Iris, hence away” from Semele. Alto Diana Salesky is the vocal soloist.

Completing the program is Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Trumpets featuring trumpeters Sarah Fellenbaum and Dr. Brett Long, and Mouret’s beloved First Suite de Symphonies, which includes the popular “Masterpiece Theatre” trumpet theme.