The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (ASO) announced its 2019-2020 Masterworks and Pops Live! lineup, and we’re a little giddy. The schedule includes performances led by five guest conductors and a concert from the newly named interim artistic director, Geoffrey Robson.
The upcoming season coincides with the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment and the ASO is celebrating by featuring two outstanding women conductors, two women soloists and by performing works from four women composers: Pulitzer Prize-winner and former ASO Composer in Residence Jennifer Higdon, Little Rock native Florence Price, Lili Boulanger and Fanny Mendelssohn.
The season’s Pops Live! series opens and closes with the ASO’s popular “Film with Orchestra” concerts, featuring the movies “Home Alone” and “Jurassic Park.” Both films feature soundtracks written by John Williams, with the orchestra performing the music live along with the film. The series also features “A Sondheim and Webber Celebration,” and a “Tribute to the Queen of Soul: Aretha Franklin.”
“I’ve had the privilege of working with deeply knowledgeable and passionate stakeholders who shared many powerful ideas that helped to shape this season’s programs,” said Robson, who will conduct all concerts in the Pops Live! series.
The full Masterworks series includes:
- “JoAnn Falletta and Time for Three” – Sept. 28-29
- “Beethoven & Blue Jeans” – Nov. 9-10
- “Copland’s Rodeo” – Jan. 25-26
- “Sibelius & Debussy” – Feb. 29 – March 1
- “Symphonie Fantastique” – April 18-19
- “Zuill Bailey Plays Dvorak” – May 2-3
The full Pops Live! series includes:
- “Home Alone: Film with Orchestra” – Dec. 20-22
- “A Sondheim & Webber Celebration” – Feb. 8-9
- “Tribute to the Queen of Soul: Aretha Franklin” – March 14-15
- “Jurassic Park: Film with Orchestra” – May 9-10
Subscriptions and single concert tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online, at the concert venues beginning 60 minutes prior to a concert or by phone at (501) 666-1761.