Who/What?

Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) are collaborating to present a music and spoken word event focused on themes of joy, unity and hope.

Where/When?

A preliminary performance to select finalists is set for 7 p.m. January 11, 2019 at the Ron Robinson Theater (Library Square, 100 River Market Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201). Finalists will perform with the ASO at Ode to Joy, February 23 & 24 at the Robinson Center (426 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201). Please note these are two different venues!

Why?

"Whether lyrics in a popular song, libretto for an opera, or a symphonic setting of a poem, music and writing go hand-in-hand," said Christina Littlejohn, CEO of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. "We are excited to join with another fundamental Little Rock institution to enrich our community with the power of orchestral music and language in our first spoken word collaboration."

“Engaging people with words, music, and creativity lies at the center of our broad library mission,” said Nate Coulter, CALS Executive Director. “This collaborative performance with ASO musicians and library patrons speaking poetry will be an opportunity to express shared hopes and joys through two of our oldest and most emotionally evocative art forms. Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’ is a great choice by the orchestra to inspire and embrace our library community’s aspiring poets.”

How?

Spoken word artists ages 18 and younger should submit their work, either in writing or by video, at a CALS branch or via email at teenpoetry@cals.org.

Adults should submit via odetojoy@arkansassymphony.org.

Submissions should be limited to no more three minutes long. Artists may perform original works for works for which they have secured performance rights.