April 5, 2006 --The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra conducted by Israel Getzov will present a concert at Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Drive, on Friday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m., as part of the Riceland Distinguished Performance Series.

The symphony will present a concert of classical and popular music, featuring Beethoven’s famous “Fifth Symphony” and the delightful “Roman Carnival Overture” by Berlioz.

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its rich history this year, as it marks the 40th anniversary. In 1821, the first formal concert took place at Arkansas Post in south Arkansas. Through the years, many music lovers made several attempts to form a professional orchestra. In 1927, Stella Boyle Smith opened her own home for a group of musicians to practice with the hope of creating a symphony for Arkansas.

Many symphony supporters gave of their time, money, and effort for the incorporation of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra in 1966, and now 40 years later, many music lovers across the state continue to give of their time, money, and effort in support of the symphony.

The 1991 -1992 season found the orchestra searching for another music director, ultimately selecting David Itkin, who has remained in the position. In his early years, Itkin established the goal of expanding the symphony's audience by making performances more casual. This was established by creating "Blue Jean Night at the Symphony," where Itkin and guest artist Jeffrey Solow wore jeans during the concert.

The "Happy Hour" concert also contributed to more informal concerts, along with the "Classics Go Pop" concert that added a “name that tune” section to encourage audience participation.

Celebrating its 40th season, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra performs more than 30 concerts at Robinson Center Music Hall each year, including all concerts within the Stella Boyle Smith Masterworks Series, the Pops LIVE! Series, the Art of Music Chamber Series, the Alltel Crayon Concerts Family Series, and numerous special events. A vital part of the symphony’s activities are its resident string quartets, the Quapaw Quartet, the ASO Arts Partners and the Arkansas Youth Orchestras.

With a budget of $3.5 million, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra boasts an impressive list of distinguished guest artists such as The Four Tops, Maya Angelou, Michael Bolton, Van Cliburn, former President Bill Clinton, Alicia DeLarrocha, Mignon Dunn, Danny Glover, Marilyn Horne, Al Jarreau, James Earl Jones, Yo-Yo Ma, Martina McBride, Maureen McGovern, Liza Minnelli, Olivia Newton-John, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, Doc Severinsen, Andre Watts, Mary Wilson, and many others.

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra also has upcoming performances and appearances by Ann Hampton Callaway, José Feliciano, Matt Haimovitz, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Kenny Loggins, Natalie Cole, and LeAnn Rimes. Comprised of the state's most sought after professional musicians, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is heard by more than 250,000 Arkansans each year.

Performance tickets may be purchased by calling 870-972-2781 or 1-888-278-3267, or online at http://tickets.astate.edu.

Prices are $30 and $20 for adults; $23 and $15 for ASU faculty and staff, senior adults, and K-12 students; with a special ASU student rate of $10 and $6.

For more information, please call the Fowler Center at 870-972-3471.

Program:
Roman Carnival Overture, op. 9
Hector Berlioz
(1803-1869)

Symphony No. 5, op. 67
Ludwig van Beethoven
(1770-1827)

Oliver Lionel Bart
(1930-1999)

Harry Potter Symphonic Suite
John Williams, arr. Brubaker
(b. 1948)

The Wild Wild West
Richard Markowitz, arr. Phillippe
(1926-1994)

Skater’s Waltz
Charles-Emile Waldteuffel
(1837-1915)

Blue Tango
Leroy Anderson
(1908-1975)

Wizard of Oz Selections
Harold Arlen
(1905-1986)