Arkansas Symphony Orchestra: A Season of Timeless Melodies and Cultural Harmonies
Experience the enchantment of music with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra as it presents a season filled with diverse and captivating performances. From the joyful 'Home for the Holidays' concert to the mesmerizing 'Zee Zee Plays Liszt,' each event promises a unique musical journey. Join renowned artists and talented ensembles at the Robinson Center and ASO Stella Boyle Smith Music Center as they bring to life classical masterpieces, cinematic soundtracks, and contemporary compositions. Embark on this melodic adventure and celebrate the timeless beauty of orchestral music in Arkansas.
Ballade in A Minor was one of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s early works following his studies at the Royal College of Music. It premiered in 1898 at the Three Choirs Festival and helped launch his career. He incorporated African folk melodies and rhythms to add a unique and vibrant layer, creating a blend of familiar and refreshingly new sounds.
"Umoja," meaning unity in Swahili and the first principle of Kwanzaa, was originally composed as a simple song for a women's choir. It conveys a sense of tribal unity through a drum circle feel, traditional call-and-response, and a memorable, repetitive melody. It was rearranged into a woodwind quintet (then for orchestra in 2020) for Coleman's GRAMMY-award-winning group, Imani Winds, to serve as an anthem celebrating the ensemble's diverse heritages.
Experience the clash of good versus evil as your Arkansas Symphony Orchestra explores epic blockbuster cinema soundtracks. In this concert, we present a sampling of the world’s great music for films. You will hear selections from superhero movies such as Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, and Batman. The concert will also feature iconic scores from the golden age of cinema, such as King Kong and Godzilla. Join the ASO for breathtaking music that has brought timeless Heroes and Villains to life.
The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra's upcoming season is a testament to the enduring power and beauty of music. With a lineup that spans holiday classics, Broadway hits, and cinematic scores, as well as classical masterpieces and contemporary compositions, the ASO invites audiences to experience the magic of orchestral music. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the symphony, this season offers something for everyone, ensuring that audiences leave each concert with their spirits lifted and their hearts full. Join the ASO in celebrating the universal language of music and the vibrant cultural tapestry it weaves.