Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Sets Opening for New Music Center

A rendering of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra's Stella Boyle Smith Music Center (ASO)

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra announced it will celebrate the grand opening of the Stella Boyle Smith Music Center with a three-day celebration beginning Sept. 13.

Festivities will include a private event honoring donors who made the $11.75 million center possible, a public celebration with a parade beginning at the First Security Amphitheater in the River Market, a dance party, building tours and the symphony’s first performance at the new space.

“This grand opening weekend will be a one-of-a-kind event that celebrates every type of music — a perfect way to debut this radically welcoming hub of musical activity for all Arkansans,” Christina Littlejohn, CEO of the symphony, said in a news release. “We’re thrilled to invite the entire community to experience the transformative power of music in our new home.”

The facility in downtown Little Rock’s East Village will be the first permanent home for the ASO in its 59-year history.

“The Stella Boyle Smith Music Center is not just the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s new home, but a place where music of all kinds and for all Arkansans will live, grow and thrive,” Geoffrey Robson, director of the symphony, said in the release. “This space will amplify our ability to bring world-class performances and educational opportunities to our community, and we want to celebrate that with music lovers of all ages.”

ASO broke ground on the music center in August 2023 following years of efforts by community supporters to privately fundraise and identify a suitable location. More than 200 donors contributed to the project, including 48 musicians.

Major donors include the Stella Boyle Smith Trust, Gus Vratsinas, Chuck and Terri Erwin, the Windgate Foundation, E. Lee Ronnel, Pat Becker and Jim Wallis, and Simmons Bank.

The center will have state-of-the-art features for youth and adults who participate in the E. Lee Ronnel Music Academy, including music classrooms and practice spaces. Morgan Hall, named for longtime ASO supporters Charles and Susie Morgan, will provide space for rehearsals and concerts, along with a broadcast and recording studio.

The music center was designed by WER Architects of Little Rock. Bailey Construction & Consulting LLC of Little Rock is the general contractor.

ASO performances will still be held at Robinson Center, but the Stella Boyle Smith Music Center will allow for additional community gatherings and allow ASO to grow its programs.