What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
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DECEMBER 25-31, 2022 WHAT'S UP! 9 Jason Miller Arkansas Philharmonic "A doubling of the number of students in our Youth Orchestra to over 80 is the most exciting thing to happen to us in 2022," says Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra Executive Director Jason Miller. At least he thinks so. "Kristine Olefsky saving our concert in April was extraordinary as well. When our soloist from Ohio came down with covid on the second night of rehearsal, we weren't sure what to do. Kristine stepped in at the very last minute and performed Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue for Orchestra' like the pro she is. It was amazing and very memorable." And in October, the APO sold out its first concert since before the pandemic. So many last-minute attendees created a traffic jam outside Crystal Bridges. "We had to wait 20 minutes while people parked." But more than 80 students committing to intense weekly rehearsals, autumn through winter, feels especially important because it means, quite literally, growth. "The APYO (Y is for Youth) is probably training future APO players but definitely contains its future audience," observes Miller. Violinist Christy Paxton leads the APYO as both education director and conductor. But with more than 80 students ages 8 to 18, Paxton welcomes help from other conductors. Other leading musicians conduct smaller groups in APYO sectional rehearsals: violinists Robin Sumpter, Jenelle Sisco, cellist Ron Juzeler and flutist Kristen Young. APYO students must study their instrument for at least a year before auditioning, though most have taken lessons much longer. They don't pay for training or rehearsal space, just bring their own instrument. It's special, Miller says. Every week, some parents are driving their kids from over 100 miles away. "You can witness the APYO's progress first on Feb. 11. A complement will join the APO onstage in the Thaden School Great Hall for a world premiere — speaking of firsts," Miller says. "Floridian flutist Brian Dunbar plays composer Carlos Simon's Movements for Flute and Orchestra. Then in March, the APYO plays its own annual concert." Find out more at arphil.org. Jennifer Wilson Walton Arts Center Walmart AMP Walton Arts Center's 30th anniversary season was full of great programming along with a notable first, says WAC spokeswoman Jennifer Wilson. The first full P&G Broadway season after covid included the debut of "Hamilton" in Northwest Arkansas. The tour was here for two weeks and sold out almost all of the 16 performances. "We are used to getting great shows in Northwest Arkansas," Wilson says. "However, it was a coup for Walton Arts Center to get 'Hamilton.' Walton Arts Center was the smallest house that the tour had played to date. The fact that the producers decided to include our venue and market in the tour speaks volumes about how we are perceived in the industry." And, if you ever question whether the arts are an economic driver, Wilson says, just remember that those 18,300 patrons who saw "Hamilton" also bought dinner or drinks on the day of the show, possibly stayed in hotels and supported local businesses. "According to the Broadway League, a touring show contributes an economic impact of 3.27 times the gross ticket sales to the economy of the metropolitan area where it plays." "A doubling of the number of students in our Youth Orchestra to over 80 is the most exciting thing to happen to us in 2022," says Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra Executive Director Jason Miller. (Courtesy Photo/Jason Miller) The Walton Arts Center's first full P&G Broadway season after covid included the debut of "Hamilton" in Northwest Arkansas. The tour was here for two weeks and sold out almost all of the 16 performances. (Courtesy Photo) See Moments Page 40