Architect’s rendering of Robinson Center Auditorium ballroom expansion.
The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Opus Ball will be the first event to kick off Robinson Center’s reopening on Nov. 12. The gala event, already sold out, helps raise money for ASO’s music education program, which works to sustain music education opportunities for students in Arkansas through the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestras, the ASO Arts Partners and other training programs.
Those attending the ball will enjoy a cocktail reception in Robinson’s new ballroom, a silent and live auction, as well as dinner and dancing, with music provided by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Big Band. Annual proceeds of the Opus Ball are expected to exceed $475,000.
ASO will also present the first concert in the new performance hall with its debut of “Return to Robinson Center: Pines of Rome” on Nov. 19-20. The concert will be directed by ASO Musical Director Philip Mann and will feature Glinka’s “Ruslan and Ludmilla Overture,” Korngold’s Violin Concerto in D Major featuring Philippe Quint on violin, Mozart’s “Haffner” Symphony and Respighi’s “Pines of Rome.”
“Philip has done a marvelous job of coming in and creating excitement,” said ASO board member T. Martin Davis. “The musicians have really been energized by his enthusiasm and abilities in music.”
“This will be a concert designed for people that have never come to a concert before and for those who have come a million times,” said ASO Executive Director Christina Littlejohn. “It’s designed for everyone.”
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