JACKSON, TN – The Jackson Symphony will launch its milestone 65th season with the highly anticipated inaugural concert of new Music Director Paul Haas.
Titled Virtuoso Unveiled, this opening night celebration will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, featuring internationally acclaimed Canadian violinist Blake Pouliot (pronounced pool-YACHT) as guest soloist.
Haas, known for his bold and imaginative programming, will lead his first concert as The Jackson Symphony’s Music Director, marking a new artistic era for the orchestra.
“It is an honor to begin my journey with The Jackson Symphony at such a pivotal moment,” Haas said. “Opening Night is about unveiling not only the incredible virtuosity of our guest artist, Blake Pouliot, but also the dynamic energy and excellence of our orchestra as we embark on a new chapter together.”
Pouliot, described as “one of those special talents that comes along once in a lifetime” (Toronto Star), has firmly established himself as one of today’s most electrifying young violinists.
He has appeared with major orchestras across North America, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, San Francisco Symphony, Houston Symphony, Philadelphia Symphony, Toronto Symphony, and Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal. Internationally, his performances included collaborations with the London Philharmonic and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe.
In recital, Pouliot debuted at Carnegie Hall and the La Jolla Music Society, and he is a frequent guest at top chamber music festivals. His critically acclaimed debut album of French repertoire, featuring works by Ravel and Debussy, earned a five-star rating from BBC Music Magazine and a Juno Award nomination for Best Classical Album.
Among his many honors, he won the Grand Prize at the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal Manulife Competition and was twice named First Laureate of the Canada Council for the Arts Musical Instrument Bank. He currently performs on the rare 1729 Guarneri del Gesù violin, generously on loan from an anonymous donor.
Opening night will also mark the debut of The Jackson Symphony’s new Concertmaster, Tamás Kocsis (pronounced KO-chihsh,) a violinist of international distinction whose arrival underscores the orchestra’s artistic momentum.
“Welcoming both Paul Haas and Tamás Kocsis alongside a guest artist of Blake Pouliot’s caliber makes this opening night truly historic for The Jackson Symphony,” said Sherry Freeman, CEO of The Jackson Symphony. “It’s a moment that captures the spirit of our 65th season and sets the tone for the extraordinary music to come.”
Tickets for Virtuoso Unveiled are available at thejacksonsymphony.org or by calling (731) 427-6440.
(PHOTO: Internationally acclaimed Canadian violinist Blake Pouliot)
