29 Apr 2024 Arkansas Symphony Orchestra to host singing competition finale
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (ASO) will host the final round of its first-ever singing competition, Arkansas Talent, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11, and 3 p.m. Sunday, May 12, at the Robinson Center. Finalists will perform individually alongside the ASO while vying for the audience and judges’ votes during the two-night event, which will bring the ASO’s 2023–2024 First Orion Pops season to a close.
“Our final concert of the season will be a first-of-its-kind experience — a vocal competition to discover great new talent to feature onstage with the orchestra,” said Music Director Geoffrey Robson. “Arkansas Talent is the culmination of a year-long project. Six incredible singers will perform with the orchestra and our three celebrity judges in styles ranging from pop ballads to R&B, to jazz, to musical theater and even opera! This will be a uniquely thrilling concert experience.”
Arkansas Talent began in November with nearly 100 auditioners. Twelve Arkansans moved to the competition’s semifinals in January, and six finalists emerged. They range in age and represent all walks of life. Two winners, one announced at the end of each night’s concert, will collaborate with ASO in multiple ways, including starring in its popular “Home for the Holidays” concerts in December. Robson joins three well-known Arkansas musicians as Arkansas Talent judges: “American Idol” Season Eight Winner Kris Allen, recording artist Bonnie Montgomery, and local jazz musician Rodney Block.
“Our mission at ASO is to support our community in its love for music, and Arkansas Talent is a great opportunity to keep that going,” ASO CEO Christina Littlejohn said. “We’re uncovering some of Arkansas’ finest musical talents, and I am looking forward to seeing the winners emerge in May’s final round.”
The Pops series is sponsored by First Orion. Arkansas Talent is sponsored by Simmons Bank. Tickets are $19, $30, $50, $77 or $92 (pricing subject to change), and active-duty military or college student tickets are $15. Tickets can be purchased online at ArkansasSymphony.org, the Robinson Center street-level box office beginning 90 minutes before the concert or by phone at 501-666-1761, ext. 1. Currently, all Arkansas students are admitted free of charge with the purchase of an adult ticket using the Entergy Kids Ticket. Learn more at arkansassymphony.org/freekids.
Artists
Geoffrey Robson, conductor
(bio: arkansassymphony.org/geoffrey-robson)
Valery Saul, conductor
(bio: arkansassymphony.org/about-aso/associate-conductor/ )
Kris Allen
(bio: arkansassymphony.org/kris-allen/ )
Bonnie Montgomery
(bio: arkansassymphony.org/bonnie-montgomery/ )
Rodney Block
(bio: arkansassymphony.org/rodney-block/ )
Saturday, May 11 – Finalist Performances
Rachel Kamphausen, 32, vocalist: UA Little Rock Graduate, Vocal Performance Degree (Sherwood)
(bio: Rachel Kamphausen – Arkansas Symphony Orchestra)
Marcus Murphy, 52, vocalist: UAMS Biomedical Engineer (Little Rock)
(bio: Marcus Murphy – Arkansas Symphony Orchestra)
Mya Little, 23, vocalist: UA Little Rock Music Student (Little Rock)
(bio: Mya Little – Arkansas Symphony Orchestra)
Sunday, May 12 – Finalist Performances
Yni Bernalte, 13, vocalist: Lisa Academy West Middle School Student (Little Rock)
(bio: Yni Bernalte – Arkansas Symphony Orchestra)
Kyndal Collins, 21, vocalist: UA Little Rock Vocal Performance Student (Little Rock)
(bio: Kyndal Collins – Arkansas Symphony Orchestra)
Kim Qualls, 39, vocalist: South City Church Worship Leader (Maumelle)
(bio: Kim Qualls – Arkansas Symphony Orchestra)
Program
Dua Lipa/arr. Foster – “Dance the Night” (Orchestral)
Rodney Block/arr. Crosmer – “Who Do U Luv” feat. The Rodney Block Collective
featuring vocalists Deshawn Harris and Bijoux
Kris Allen/arr. Crosmer – “Live Like We’re Dying” feat. vocalist Kris Allen
Finalist 1 (Saturday):
Celine Dion/arr. Xenophanes – “It’s All Coming Back to Me” feat. vocalist Rachel Kamphausen
Finalist 1 (Sunday):
Persson & Svensson/arr. Wendelbloe – “ Lovefool” feat. vocalist Yni Bernhalte
Henry Mancini – “Strings On Fire” (Orchestral)
Finalist 2 (Saturday):
Harold Arlen/arr. Holcombe – “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” feat. vocalist Marcus Murphy
Finalist 2 (Sunday):
Giacomo Puccini – “O Mio Babbino Caro” feat. vocalist Kyndal Collins
INTERMISSION
Bonnie Montgomery/arr. Abraham – “River” feat. vocalist Bonnie Montgomery
Eric Clapton/arr. Babyface – “Change the World” feat. vocalists Kris Allen and Bonnie Montgomery, The Rodney Block Collective, and violinist Geoffrey Robson
Finalist 3 (Saturday):
Whitney Houston/arr. Mahler – “I Have Nothing” feat. vocalist Mya Little
Finalist 3 (Sunday):
Sam Smith/arr. Podd – “The Writing’s On The Wall” feat. vocalist Kim Qualls
Beyoncé/arr. Wendelbloe – “Crazy in Love” (Orchestral)
Paul Simon/arr. Holcombe – “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (Orchestral)
WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT
Marvin Gaye – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” feat. all finalists and judges
