The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (ASO) on Tuesday announced a gift from Charles and Susie Morgan of Little Rock to expand the orchestra’s music education programming for young people over the next five years.
Charles Morgan is a data entrepreneur and former CEO of Acxiom.
The Morgans’ gift will launch new programming beginning in October, including a free children’s choir for ages 8-12 with a goal of 50 participants; introductory violin classes to help children discover their musical potential; expanded chamber music coaching; and continued violin instruction in Title I elementary schools at no cost to students, ASO said in a news release.
The gift comes one year after the grand opening of the ASO Stella Boyle Smith Music Center in downtown Little Rock.
The new programs will operate through ASO’s E. Lee Ronnel Music Academy, housed in the music center. The academy serves more than 30,000 students annually through various programs, including youth ensembles, string academy and the annual Children’s Concert.
“This $1 million investment from Susie and Charles Morgan represents more than funding — it’s an investment in the next generation of critical thinkers, community leaders and Arkansas citizens,” ASO CEO Christina Littlejohn said in the release.
The grant also builds on the Morgans’ 23-year commitment to ASO. The couple has consistently supported the organization’s mission and growth, including the development of the ASO Stella Boyle Smith Music Center. The center’s performance hall is named in their honor.
“Susie and I are thrilled to invest $1 million over five years in ASO’s youth programming because we believe deeply in the young people of our state,” Charles Morgan said. “Music education creates disciplined, team-oriented problem solvers and excellent communicators — exactly the kind of well-rounded citizens and future employees Arkansas needs.”
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