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National Symphony Orchestra to be in state next year Thursday, Jul 3, 2008 By Rob Moritz Arkansas News Bureau CONWAY - Arkansas will host the National Symphony Orchestra for a week next year as part of a program designed to bring the orchestra of the nation's capital to all 50 states. Arkansas will be the 19th state to host the orchestra since the program began in 1992, state leaders and representatives of the orchestra said Wednesday. Along with six concerts from March 24-31, including two in Helena-West Helena, members of the orchestra also will participate in about 150 workshops, coaching sessions, lectures, in-school ensembles and other performance activities at schools and other venues across the state, officials said. "Music transcends every artificial distinction that exists in the human existence, and the full power and majesty of an orchestra, not to mention a beautiful orchestra ... is a treat for all of us," Gov. Mike Beebe said during a news conference at the University of Central Arkansas. UCA President Lu Hardin described the event as a "coup for the state of Arkansas" and said Rollin Potter, dean of the university's College of Fine Arts and Communication, was the person who first approached the orchestra about coming to Arkansas about two years ago. Also speaking at the news conference were U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder, D-Little Rock, and Emil de Cou, associate conductor for the orchestra. "We have performed all over the world ... and this is one of the most important things the NSO does throughout the year," de Cou said, adding that performing and teaching to young people were important. The orchestra's performance schedule includes concerts in Conway, Fayetteville, Jonesboro and Little Rock. In Helena-West Helena, the orchestra will perform one evening concert, along with a day concert for youths and school-age children. This year, the orchestra, which is based in Washington at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center, chose South Carolina for its residency program. De Cou said because of support of the Kennedy Center and the U.S. Department of Education, proceeds from all ticket sales for the events in Arkansas will support the local arts organizations hosting the concerts. Hardin said UCA is coordinating the various educational events and any school or group that wants to participate can apply on-line. Susan Jarvis, a UCA employee who is state coordinator for the orchestra, said the deadline to apply is Sept. 19. Schools and other organizations will be notified Dec. 19. --------- On the Net: www.uca.org www.kennedy-center.org/nso |
