The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is set to take the stage with a new local flair, closing out its season with the inaugural Arkansas Talent competition on May 11-12 at the Robinson Center.
Since November, a team of judges has been whittling down singers vying for two winning slots, which come with the opportunity to perform with the ASO, not only in the contest finale, but also in the popular “Home for the Holidays” show in December.
“Our mission at ASO is to support our community in its love for music, and Arkansas Talent is a great opportunity to keep that going,” ASO CEO Christina Littlejohn says. “We’re uncovering some of Arkansas’ finest musical talents, and I am looking forward to seeing the winners emerge in May’s final round.”
The six finalists will perform over two nights, bringing to the stage a variety of ages and backgrounds, and will be judged by four Arkansas celebrity judges: Kris Allen, Bonnie Montgomery, Rodney Block and ASO Music Director Geoffrey Robson.
The Arkansas Talent finalists are:
- Yni Bernalte, 13, Little Rock, performing “Lovefool”
- Kyndal Collins, 21, Little Rock, performing “O Mio Babbino Caro”
- Rachel Kamphausen, 32, Sherwood, performing “It’s All Coming Back to Me”
- Mya Little, 23, Little Rock, performing “I Have Nothing”
- Marcus Murphy, 52, Little Rock, performing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
- Kim Qualls, 39, Maumelle, performing “The Writing’s on the Wall”
The program for both nights also includes pop performances by the ASO and the judges. Saturday’s show begins at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday’s beginning at 3 p.m.
Visit the ASO website for tickets and more information, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
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