Arkansas Symphony to Unveil Its New HQ: Stella Boyle Smith Music Center
The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is set to unveil its new headquarters, the Stella Boyle Smith Music Center, with a three-day celebration on September 13-15, 2024. This state-of-the-art, .75 million facility marks the ASO’s first permanent home in its 59-year history.
Located in the East Village neighborhood of Little Rock, the 20,000-square-foot music center boasts cutting-edge features, including music classrooms, practice spaces, recording studios, and administrative offices. The center aims to be a radically welcoming hub of musical activity for all Arkansans, providing access to music education, performances, and music-making opportunities for residents of all ages.
The grand opening festivities will begin with a private event for donors on Friday, September 13. The next day, the ASO will open its doors to the public with a colorful parade from the First Security Amphitheater to the music center, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music, tours of the new space, and food trucks. Sunday will see more tours and performances, including the first rehearsals of the ASO Youth Orchestra in the facility. The center’s Morgan Hall, named in honor of long-time ASO supporters Susie and Charles Morgan, will serve as a versatile space for rehearsals and concerts.
With its new headquarters, the ASO hopes to amplify its ability to bring world-class performances and educational opportunities to the community. The center will also feature the E. Lee Ronnel Music Academy, which includes various programs such as youth ensembles, string academies, and summer camps.
The ASO has made significant efforts to acknowledge the ancestral lands of the Opaxpa (Quapaw) and Osage peoples on which the music center sits by paying their respect and inviting visitors to learn about the indigenous history and culture of the area.
The Stella Boyle Smith Music Center promises to be a transformative space that brings people together through the power of music. With its grand opening, the ASO looks forward to creating a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Arkansas.
