I Am Northwest Arkansas® From Mozart to Gershwin: A Melodic Journey with SoNA
About the Show:
"We're a traditional symphony orchestra, usually around between 60 and 70 musicians on stage playing classic repertoire like your Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, that type of thing, as well as a lot of music by composers that have been sort of historically overlooked."
- Ben Harris
About the Guest(s):
Cory Mixdorf is the Principal Trombonist for the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA) and a Professor of Music at the University of Arkansas. With 12 years in the region, Cory has made significant contributions to the local music scene, nurturing the next generation of musicians and performing a wide range of classical and contemporary works.
Ben Harris is the Executive Director of the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas. His background as a musician and extensive experience in the performing arts enables him to lead SoNA with a focus on community engagement, education, and cultural enrichment.
Episode Summary:
In this engaging episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas® podcast, host Randy Wilburn brings back key figures from the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas—Cory Mixdorf and Ben Harris—to explore the vibrancy and value of the local music scene. The discussion centers around SoNA's impactful educational programs, significant upcoming performances, and the broader cultural influence the symphony holds within the region.
The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, under the leadership of Ben Harris and the musical expertise of Cory Mixdorf, is a cornerstone of cultural enrichment in the Ozarks. They delve into the symphony's history, its educational outreach through programs like SoNA Mentors, and its vital role in fostering talent within Northwest Arkansas. The episode highlights SoNA's diverse repertoire, including classic and contemporary pieces, and emphasizes its community impact. Ben discusses the orchestra's plans, challenges, and the search for a new music director, all contributing to NWA's exciting and evolving musical future.
Key Takeaways:
- Community Integration: SoNA plays a crucial role in the cultural and educational landscape of Northwest Arkansas, offering significant outreach programs such as SoNA Mentors.
- Diverse Repertoire: The symphony's performances range from classic to modern compositions, providing something for every musical taste.
- Educational Impact: By engaging with young musicians and offering them stage opportunities, SoNA fosters the next generation of musicians and listeners.
- Dynamic Leadership: As SoNA searches for a new music director, the involvement and feedback of its audience are more valued than ever, showing the organization's commitment to its community.
- Local Talent and Heritage: SoNA's programs often highlight composers with Arkansas roots, showcasing the region's rich cultural history.
All this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*
Website Symphony of Northwest Arkansas
Symphony of Northwest Arkansas on Instagram
Symphony of Northwest Arkansas on Facebook
Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I am Northwest Arkansas® podcast on Ozarks at Large every Tuesday at 12 Noon and 7 PM CST. And, check us out on their podcast as well.
This episode is sponsored by*
Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"
Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"
*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.
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