King University’s Institute for Faith and Culture Welcomes Grammy-Winning Tenor Aaron Blake and Symphony of the Mountains Music Director Cornelia Laemmli Orth on Dec. 1st
BRISTOL, Tenn., November 25, 2025 – King University’s Institute for Faith & Culture (IFC) 2025-26 speaker series, “Equipped for Every Good Work,” features its final fall event on Dec. 1st with internationally acclaimed tenor Aaron Blake and Symphony of the Mountains Music Director (SoTM) and Conductor Cornelia Laemmli Orth.
Mr. Blake, known for his critically praised performances at The Metropolitan Opera and across the international stage, will join Orth, whose concert lectures, involvement with area schools, and collaboration with civic and arts organizations have made her a vital part of our region. Together, they will present a dynamic exploration of the creative process, musical expression, and the many connections between faith and art. The evening will include live musical selections.
On Monday, Dec. 1st, the community will have two opportunities to hear from the duo as they present “Navigating the World of Sound: The Flexibility of the Musical Mind,” at 9:15 a.m. and again at 6 p.m. in King’s Memorial Chapel. Both events are free and open to the public, and a reception will be offered following the evening event.
“Both Aaron and Cornelia are beloved members of the Bristol community, and they each bring so much joy to students, to the King community, and to civic and arts organizations throughout our region,” said Martin Dotterweich, Ph.D., director of the IFC. “We are excited to bring these two accomplished artists together to consider how music is a source of joy, healing, and nourishment at a personal and a communal level. Watch for some musical surprises during their presentation!”
Since 2007, the King University Institute for Faith & Culture has welcomed widely recognized thinkers, authors, musicians, scholars, and philosophers to interact with students and a regional audience in a welcoming environment that catalyzes growth and understanding. The Institute serves as the standard bearer of the University’s long-time exploration of the liberal arts, in conjunction with King’s mission of equipping students to answer the call of service and character inherent in the Christian faith. The speaker series will resume for its spring semester in January 2026.
For more information, visit www.king.edu/events.