RIVER VALLEY Between Cool and Classical

FORT SMITH — Some years, the Fort Smith Symphony has presented a season that leans toward the classical side of the spectrum.

Other years, the series has been highlighted by pops concerts.

For the symphony’s recently announced season, which will begin in October and conclude in May 2011, musical director John Jeter believes the organization has found the middle ground.

“We have a pretty even split between classic and pops,” Jeter says. “As the years go by, in the future, this is what our seasons will look like.”

Oftentimes, the difference between a season that’s heavy on pops, heavy on classics or somewhere in between rests upon the Christmastime concert, Jeter says.

The past few years, the symphony has taken the traditional route with productions of Handel’s “Messiah” and similar shows.

This year, the symphony will partner with Five By Design for an event on Dec. 4 at which the vocal quintet will sing Christmas classics backed by the symphony. The show is called “Radio Holly-Days” and simulates an old-time radio show. Because the quintet travels with additional crew members to help stage the event, Jeter says the show will likely be the biggest production the Fort Smith Symphony has ever attempted.

Other pops shows include an evening with noted trumpet player Byron Stripling, who will perform with the symphony at “The Sounds of New Orleans,” a tribute to Louis Armstrong.

The third pops event is a concert featuring classic harmonica player - yes, there is such a thing, Jeter says - Robert Bonfiglio. Bonfiglio will perform songs by Elvis Presley, George Gershwin and Steven Foster.

The classical offerings are perhaps highlighted by a show featuring the music of William Grant Still, who lived in Arkansas for a time and is considered to be one of America’s most important African-American composers.

The group will perform Still’s Symphony No. 2, Symphony No. 3 and the suite “Wood Notes.”

In the past few years, the symphony has taken up the task of recording Still’s work for the Naxos label. Symphony No. 1 was released several years ago, Symphonies No. 4 and 5 were released last year, and Nos. 2 and 3 will be recorded in the days that follow the April 16 concert featuring his music.

Still’s daughter, Judith Anne Still, will be present during the performance of her late father’s work and will conduct educational programs during her stay in Arkansas.

Other shows include upand-coming classic music stars such as Jade Simmons, who will perform Grieg’s Piano Concerto, op. 16, on Oct. 2, and Bulgaria-born violinist Bella Hristova, who will perform Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, op. 46, on Oct. 23.

Season tickets are on sale now, and individual tickets will be offered in September.

Every show on the symphony’s calendar last year either sold out or came within a single ticket or two of doing so. Jeter expects similar crowds this year.