South Arkansas Symphony announces season opener

“Nutcracker” returns with Arkansas Festival Ballet

The South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra has announced the cancellation of two performances of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker”. The shows were scheduled for Nov. 28 but were cancelled in light of rising COVID-19 cases around the state. (Contributed)
The South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra has announced the cancellation of two performances of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker”. The shows were scheduled for Nov. 28 but were cancelled in light of rising COVID-19 cases around the state. (Contributed)

The South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will open the 2020-2021 Season of Harmony on Nov. 28 with two performances of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium, 100 W. Eighth.

The holiday show will feature the Arkansas Festival Ballet in matinee and evening performances, according to a press release.

“’The Nutcracker’ is always a favorite and we are delighted to partner with the Arkansas Festival Ballet to bring this holiday tradition back to south Arkansas,” said Kermit Poling, SASO music director.

Heartland, a country music performance by Canadian musicians Jeans ‘n Classics, was to have opened the “Season of Harmony” in October, but due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the event has been rescheduled to March 20, 2021.

The concert features music from country music superstars Johnny Cash, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown and others.

Event organizers said the spring “show promises to be an energetic, fun-filled evening for everyone, (including the) young and young at heart.”

In past seasons, SASO — the oldest and longest-standing professional orchestra in the state — has offered season tickets.

However, this year, SASO tickets will be sold per event only, said Sara Coffman, executive director of the symphony.

“We felt it was not right to ask our patrons to purchase season tickets in an environment that is constantly changing. Once there is a stable process for scheduling, we will return to providing season tickets,” Coffman said.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call the SASO office at (870) 310-2244.

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