30 Oct 2023 Arkansas Symphony Orchestra hosts singing competition

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (ASO) will kick off its first Arkansas Talent singing competition at Little Rock’s River Market Pavilions Saturday, Nov. 18. On-site registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., with auditions beginning at 10 a.m. Arkansas Talent is a free event, open to the public and available to the first 200 applicants. Audition details may be found here.

Arkansas Talent is a contest seeking the best vocal talent in the state who will go on to collaborate with ASO in a variety of ways, including two winners’ opportunity to headline ASO’s popular Home for the Holidays concerts in December 2024. Special judges include American Idol’s Season Eight Winner Kris Allen, fan favorites Bonnie Montgomery and Rodney Block, and ASO Music Director Geoffrey Robson. ASO’s goal is to use Arkansas Talent as a way to uncover hidden musical gems locally in Central Arkansas and throughout the state.

“We are thrilled to host our first-ever singing competition,” said ASO Music Director Geoffrey Robson. “This is something that is pretty unique for a symphony orchestra, but we are always looking for ways to broaden our reach into the community and champion music in fun and different ways. We’re looking forward to hosting Arkansas Talent and hearing the many applicants as we continue our work to harmonize and thrive in our communities.”

Arkansas Talent will consist of three rounds of auditions, and contestants will go head-to-head alongside the orchestra to win votes. The two overall winners will be named May 11-12, 2024, and will serve as the headlining guest artists for ASO’s Home for the Holidays in December 2024.

“Our mission at ASO is to support our community in its love for music, and Arkansas Talent is just another way to bring that alive in an interactive way for Arkansans,” said Christina Littlejohn, ASO executive director. “This contest will be a yearlong journey into finding Arkansas’ finest singing talents. I can’t wait to see who we uncover!”

The Arkansas Talent schedule is:

Nov. 18, 2023 First Round Auditions

Jan. 18, 2024 Semi-Finalist Auditions

May 11, 2024 Finalist Auditions and Winner Selection

May 12, 2024 Finalist Auditions and Winner Selection

Dec. 2024 Home for the Holidays Performances

For Arkansas Talent updates and information, visit the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Facebook event page.