November 7, 2020 | Streaming 6:00 - 7:30 PM
featuring
American Idol Winner Kris Allen
Since its founding in 1984, the Symphony's Opus Ball has been steered by dozens of Little Rock's most illustrious leaders and philanthropists. Together they have raised more than $10 million for children's music education. This year we look back and celebrate those who've made Opus Ball the most elegant fundraising gala in central Arkansas. Please join us for Rhapsody in Blue, an exceptional evening recognizing these great patrons of the arts.
Opus Ball XXXVI Education Challenge
The ASO is also the only orchestra in Arkansas with full-time musicians-educators who travel extensively across the state to provide interactive music education programs in schools. ASO's Bucket Band uses 5-gallon buckets and inexpensive drumsticks, allowing students from all demographics to experience rhythm and music while building life skills for the future. These programs have also shifted to a virtual platform to allow children to receive these quality music programs without disruption despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funds raised through the Opus Ball Education Challenge are crucial for the ongoing growth and success of ASO's education programs. Never has that been so crucial as this year. Not only are all of ASO's education offerings still operating full force, but they have all been reimagined this year so we can continue to serve Arkansas children during this pandemic. Your pledge to the Opus Education Challenge will ensure these programs can continue to serve children this year and beyond.
Opus XXXVI Co-chairs Melissa and Martin Thoma
are honored to pay tribute to the dedicated past chairs who have provided foundational support to the education programs of the ASO. They have planned an unforgettable evening of celebration and appreciation - and encourage you to join them for this remarkable event.
Special Guest Artist, Kris Allen
Arkansas native and Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra alumnus
On New Year’s Day in 2013, Kris Allen and his then-pregnant wife Katy were in a head-on collision that left the singer/songwriter/guitarist with a career-threatening shattered wrist. He underwent three surgeries, relearned how to play guitar, recorded his third album, and toured relentlessly. The American Idol season 8 winner ultimately retreated from the whirlwind and immersed himself in a songwriting spell that yielded more than 70 new tracks.
Traci Bair, guest artist and virtual host
Traci Bair recently completed a two-year run Off-Broadway in New York City in the new musical This One's for the Girls. Before that, she starred as Grace Farrell in the Broadway National Tour of Annie, a performance which BroadwayWorld praised as having "an air of grace, class and smarts all her own." READ MORE
Elisa Belknap, mixologist
Elisa Belknap is a native of Little Rock. She is the brand manager of Lost Forty Brewing at Golden Eagle of Arkansas. READ MORE
Jonathan Looney, sommelier
Jonathan Looney was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. Jonathan is a Catholic High School & University of Arkansas at Little Rock alum and is proud to call Little Rock home. Johnathan has earned accreditations from the International Sommelier Guild, The Society of Wine Educators, as well as the Wine and Spirits Education Trust of London. He is a Certified Specialist of Wine, a Certified Sommelier and possesses the Advanced Certificate from WSET. READ MORE
Sponsorships
View or download the Opus XXXVI Sponsorship Benefits Sheet
Education Challenge Sponsor
Simmons Bank
Exclusive Jewelry Sponsor
Sissy's Log Cabin
Print and Media Sponsors
Soiree
Allegra Little Rock
Alto sponsors
Bank OZK
Metal Recycling
Cindy and Charles H. Murphy III
Lisenne Rockefeller
Schickel Development
Martha and Robert Snider
Opus Chair Sponsors
Susan and Nick Brown
Terri and Chuck Erwin III
Karen Flake
Jan and Dr. Randal Hundley
Eileen and Dr. Ricardo Sotomora
Elizabeth and Dr. Chris Stinnett
Patron Tables
Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
Arvest
BKD, LLP
Susan and Nick Brown
Terri and Chuck Erwin III
McIlroy. Keen.Goodman, LLP
Nabholz
Southwest Power Pool
Stephens Inc.
Gus Vratsinas
