Commissioned Works

World-renowned composers have written pieces for William Shaub, commissioned by the Knoxville Symphony for the Merchant and Gould Concertmaster Series.

Discover more about these wonderful composers and their pieces below.

Alexandra T. Bryant

The dictionary definition of Petrichor: The scent of the earth after rainfall.

Note from William Shaub:

'Petrichor' explores the rediscovery of joy after suffering, beginning with a slow emergence that reaches the peak of a storm, and finally closing with a peaceful return that serves as a reawakening.

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“Petrichor” for solo violin (2021)

Saad Haddad

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Note from Saad Haddad:

Violin Sonata is written in three movements and dedicated to the violinist William Shaub, whom I have known for over a decade, dating back to our student days at Juilliard. In addition to being an extraordinary musician, Will and I share a strand of Arabic ancestry, and for many years we had talked about creating a work together that could meaningfully explore that part of our heritage.

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Violin Sonata (2026)
"What a Time" for Violin and Piano (2021)

Paul Frucht

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Violin Sonata (upcoming: April 2028 Premiere)

Dan Perttu