Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Unveils State-of-the-Art Facility
The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is on the brink of a historic milestone as it prepares to unveil its new, cutting-edge headquarters, the Stella Boyle Smith Music Center, in September 2024. After nearly a year of construction, this .75 million, 20,000-square-foot facility marks a significant step forward for the orchestra, establishing its first permanent home in its 58-year history.
As the doors open to the public, the orchestra will celebrate with a three-day grand opening event from September 13 to 15. Leading up to the celebration, a private event will be held on September 13 to honor the donors who have made this new home possible. On Saturday, September 14, the festivities will kick off with a morning parade starting at the Riverfront Amphitheater, winding through downtown Little Rock, and concluding at the music center in the East Village neighborhood.
This new music hub promises to be a beacon for musical activity in the state. With an array of modern features, it will cater to both youth and adults, offering music education, performances, and recording capabilities. The E. Lee Ronnel Music Academy will occupy a significant portion of the space, housing music classrooms, practice rooms, and a rehearsal hall. In addition, Morgan Hall will serve as a versatile space for rehearsals and concerts, fostering an immersive musical experience.
- The facility includes:
- • Spacious lobby
- • Music academy
- • Recording studio
- • Practice spaces
- • Instrument storage
- • Rehearsal/performance hall
- • Administrative offices
The Stella Boyle Smith Music Center is not only a hub of musical activity but also an acknowledgment of the cultural heritage of the region. The orchestra recognizes that the center is located on the ancestral lands of the Opaxpa (Quapaw) and Osage peoples and commits to honoring this legacy.
The orchestra invites the public to participate in this momentous occasion, marking a new chapter in its history. With its state-of-the-art facilities and innovative programs, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra embarks on a journey to inspire and engage Arkansans of all ages and backgrounds in the world of music.
