11 Mar 2024 Arkansas Symphony Orchestra to perform ‘The Planets’ ahead of eclipse

Posted at 6:10 PMh in News by

LITTLE ROCK —The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (ASO) presents its fifth concert of the 2023–2024 Stella Boyle Smith Masterworks season, The Planets, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6 and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 7, at Robinson Center. A fitting tribute on the eve of the April 8 solar eclipse, Gustav Holst’s The Planets is one of the most recognizable symphonies.

Geoffrey Robson, conductor.

Many film scores set in outer space have been inspired by Holst’s work, including John Williams’ “Star Wars” theme. This seven-movement piece sets the scene for visiting every planet in the solar system. The ASO will also perform Night Ferry, by Anna Clyne, which will take the audience on a chaotic journey of emotions.

“The ASO is joining the eclipse celebrations with a performance of The Planets,” said Geoffrey Robson. “Gustav Holst’s epic set of music evokes each of the planets in the solar system and astrological significance of each of their names. There will be no better occasion to hear this perennial favorite of audiences worldwide!”

The Masterworks Series is sponsored by the Stella Boyle Smith Trust. The concert is sponsored by Saracen Casino Resort. All ticket holders will receive complimentary eclipse glasses, courtesy of Saracen Casino Resort.

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 www.ArkansasSymphony.org or at 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 https://www.arkansassymphony.org/freekids.

Concert Conversations with Geoffrey Robson

All concert ticket holders are invited to a pre-concert lecture an hour before each concert. These talks feature insights from the conductor and guest artists and musical examples to enrich the concert experience.