Arkansas Symphony Orchestra

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (ASO), founded in 1966, is a vital cultural institution in Arkansas, dedicated to connecting, enriching, inspiring, and advancing the state through the power of music. With a commitment to artistic excellence, the ASO performs more than 60 concerts each season, including Masterworks and Pops Concerts. The orchestra's diverse offerings also feature a Chamber Series, River Rhapsodies, at the Clinton Presidential Center, and ASO, I.N.C.: Intimate Neighborhood Concerts, which bring music to various venues across the state. The ASO's educational initiatives are a cornerstone of its mission, reaching over 40,000 children annually through programs such as the E. Lee Ronnel Music Academy, ASO String Academy, and the Arkansas Symphony Youth Ensembles. These ensembles include two full orchestras and a string-only group, fostering the next generation of musicians and music lovers. The orchestra's resident string quartets, the Rockefeller and Quapaw Quartets, along with the ASO Brass Quintet, the ASO Big Band, and other ensembles, play a crucial role in the ASO's community engagement. The ASO's presence is further extended through collaborations with Ballet Arkansas and the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, as well as statewide touring and educational performances. Over the years, the ASO has been graced by performances from distinguished guest artists such as Itzhak Perlman, Yo Yo Ma, Mignon Dunn, Marilyn Horn, Andre Watts, Maureen McGovern, Bernadette Peters, Maya Angelou, and Doc Severinsen, enhancing the cultural landscape of Arkansas. The orchestra is composed of the state's most sought-after professional musicians and is heard by more than 165,000 Arkansans each year. The ASO's commitment to quality is reflected in the high critical praise it consistently receives for its performances. The governance of the ASO is overseen by a Board of Directors, which includes an Executive Committee and various other committee chairs responsible for different aspects of the organization's operations. The Board of Directors, Guild Representatives, Life Members, Honorary Members, and Emeritus Board Members, along with a Board of Advisors, all contribute to the strategic direction and sustainability of the ASO. The ASO is headquartered at 501-666-1761 and can be contacted via email at infoArkansassymphony.org. Supporters are encouraged to become ASO Insiders and contribute to the organization's future through donations, which help put instruments in the hands of children, make live symphonic music accessible to all Arkansans, and support the local community of world-class musicians. The ASO is affiliated with the League of American Orchestras and continues to be a beacon of artistic excellence and community involvement in Arkansas.