Growing With Northwest Arkansas

Arkansas Philharmonic announces seventh season

Filip Pogady
Filip Pogady

Ask Jason Miller why fans enjoy the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra, and he rattles off three answers without hesitation.

"I would have to say their No. 1 answer would be Steven Byess," the APO's executive director begins his enumeration. "Our maestro is so charismatic and fun to be around. You can tell right away that he loves music and enjoys even more teaching someone about music. His approachable style is what draws more and more people to the APO."

FYI

Arkansas Philharmonic

Orchestra Season

Sept. 10 — “A Night at the Movies: The Music of John Williams,” 2 p.m. family concert, 7:30 p.m. full concert, Arend Arts Center

Dec. 17 — “Christmas With the APO,” 7:30 p.m., Arend Arts Center

Feb. 18 — Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with Filip Pogady, 7:30 p.m., Arend Arts Center

April 15 — “Carnival of the Animals,” 7:30 p.m., Arend Arts Center

SEASON TICKETS — $120 for adults; individual concert tickets are $35/adult, $10/college student, $5/youth younger than 18. The family concert on Sept. 10 is $10 for adults, $5 for students.

INFO — 422-0578 or arphil.org

"Second," he goes on, "I would say that patrons enjoy the variety and community collaboration we bring to each season. Maestro Byess strives to balance the season with some pop and classical music. Patrons really like seeing people they know on the stage from an APO musician to their child or grandchild singing in the children's choir to their aunt performing in the Ozark Bronze Handbell Choir last Christmas. It is important for us as an arts organization to help support and lift up other arts organizations in the area. It makes all of us stronger.

"Third, fans would say they love the fact we perform in Bentonville. Bentonville has grown so much over the years and is becoming an arts mecca thanks to Crystal Bridges. We can't be happier to call Bentonville our home. Many Bella Vista and Bentonville patrons have a difficult time driving in the evenings and appreciate how close a professional orchestra is in their area. Cultural arts is very important to Bentonville and we fulfill a need."

Founded in 2008, the orchestra recently announced its seventh season, which Byess promises is "diverse and entertaining, including collaborations with the region's finest arts organizations," among them the University of Arkansas Children's Choir, the Singing Men of Arkansas, the Northwest Arkansas Ballet Theatre and its own Arkansas Philharmonic Youth Orchestra."

"The APO continues to grow with Northwest Arkansas," Miller concludes.

-- Becca Martin-Brown

[email protected]

NAN What's Up on 08/05/2016

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