Big Ears 2016

Declared “one of the country’s most audacious musical experiments” by Vice and “the classiest, most diverse festival in the country” by Rolling Stone, the Big Ears Festival is a dynamic, interactive experience that explores connections between musicians and artists, crossing all musical genres while interfacing with film, performance and the visual arts.

Named for someone who is capable of discerning and perceptive listening, who has the ability to use the ears as a creative tool or who hears things many may miss, the Big Ears Festival is a weekend of world-class musical performances in beautiful historic theaters, clubs, galleries, and museums, combined with talks and discussions, interactive workshops, installations, exhibitions, film screenings, surprise collaborations and unexpected connections. It celebrates the never-ending adventure of artistic creation and exploration.

Each year features an Composer-In-Residence. 2014 featured Kronos Quartet and 2013 had Steve Reich at the helm.

Winner of the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Music, composer John Luther Adams will serve as Composer-in-Residence for the 2016 edition. Adams won the Grammy Award for “Best Classical Composition” for his powerful, sweeping orchestral work, ‘Become Ocean.’ The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of guest conductor Steven Schick, will perform ‘Become Ocean,’ along with other works, on the opening night of the #BigEarsKnox 2016 weekend.

In addition to the Orchestra’s performance of ‘Become Ocean,’ the Big Ears weekend will feature several of Adams’ definitive compositions, culminating in an unforgettable outdoor performance.