The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, one of the pillars of the state’s art scene, is set to open its milestone 60th season this weekend with Tchaikovsky’s “Piano Concerto No. 1.”
Once again taking its home stage at the Robinson Center, the ASO will kick off a landmark year with two performances at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 4 and at 3 p.m. on Oct. 5, and will feature the talents of internationally renowned pianist Natasha Paremski.
Geoffrey Robson, who is in his third season as ASO’s music director, will conduct the concert, promising “a program that blends fresh discovery with timeless masterpieces.”
“The 60th season of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will kick off with a fun and whimsical piece called ‘Earworms,’ a musical depiction of the sometimes chaotic sounds of the modern world,” Robson explains. “Following are two all-time symphonic favorites that will leave beautiful melodies ringing in the audience’s minds: Strauss’ iconic ‘Don Juan,’ and one of the most beloved piano concertos ever written, the first concerto of Pyotr Tchaikovsky.”
An hour prior to each concert, a lecture will be held with Robson and Paremski to give audiences deeper insight into the program. Lectures are free to all ticket holders.
The season opener is part of the ASO’s Stella Boyle Smith Masterworks Series. Later this month, the River Rhapsodies Series begins on Oct. 7-8 with pieces by Brahms, Poulenc and Prokofiev. Then on Oct. 17-19, the First Orion Pops Series takes off with “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi,” where performers will play along live with the movie.
For ticket information and more details on the 60th anniversary season, visit the ASO website, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for the latest.