Arkansas Symphony Orchestra

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 42nd season in 2007-2008, but the presence of an orchestra existed long before the Symphony's incorporation in 1966. In 1821, the first formal concert took place at Arkansas Post. Through the years, many music lovers made several attempts to form a professional orchestra. Establishing the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra was a difficult task. Upon incorporation in 1966, one local bank held the new organization responsible for the debts of past attempts. Ten orchestra members committed to success personally assumed the $6,000 debt so that the incorporation could proceed. Many symphony supporters gave of their time, money, and effort for the incorporation of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra in 1966, and more than 40 years later, many music lovers across the state continue to give of their time, money, and effort in support of the Symphony.

Now entering its 42nd season, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra performs more than thirty concerts at Robinson Center Music Hall each year, including all concerts within the Stella Boyle Smith Masterworks Series, the ACXIOM Pops LIVE! Series, the River Rhapsodies Chamber Series, and numerous special events including The Masters and ACXIOM SuperPops. Intricate to the ASO's activities are its resident ensembles, the Quapaw Quartet, the Rockefeller Quartet, the Sturgis Quartet, the ASO Arts Partners and the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestras.