Love the symphony, but not into the suit-and-tie routine? You’re not alone. That’s why the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s annual Beethoven & Blue Jeans concert is so popular.
Next month, Nov. 15-16, the ASO will perform Beethoven’s “Piano Concerto No. 4,” plus works by Silvestre Revueltas, Marco-Adrián Ramos and Arturo Márquez. Icing on the cake? Everyone will be in casual attire — even the musicians.
“The Beethoven and Blue Jeans tradition continues with one of my favorite piano concertos, Beethoven’s 4th,” ASO Music Director Geoffrey Robson says. “That program is rounded out with a brand-new commissioned work and two popular works by Mexican composers. I am thrilled that we are going to present a large-scale choral work for the first time since becoming music director — ‘Carmina Burana!’”
Pianist and ASO 2025 artist of distinction Orion Weiss will join the orchestra in performing “Piano Concerto No. 4.” Weiss has awed audiences around the world and is considered one of the most sought-after soloists and chamber music collaborators today. He has performed with many major orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic and New York Philharmonic.
As is tradition, a pre-concert street party will be held on West Markham Street in front of the Robinson Center starting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. There will be food trucks, a cash bar and live music for guests to enjoy, and admission is included with a concert ticket. And of course, blue jeans and casual attire are encouraged.
You have two opportunities to see the show: at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and at 3 p.m. on Sunday. For more information and to get your tickets, visit the ASO website.