After a four-year nationwide search, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (ASO) has appointed Jeffrey Robson as musical director to lead the performing arts organization into its 58th season.
Robson is the artistic director of the symphony orchestra.
“Jeff has become a great conductor and leader. Through his concerts with Midori, Gil Shaham and most recently Zuill Bailey, Jeff has been an artist, musician and leader that this orchestra wants to build into its future success. ,” said ASO CEO Christina Littlejohn. “His deep love for music and people sets him apart. It gives you a feeling.”
ASO’s search for the next music director has begun in earnest after a year’s delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, Robson has played a key role as Artistic Director in designing innovative programs, ensuring that the Symphony continues to adapt as it moves from public performances to online and live-streaming performances, and at a critical time, over 100 audiences around the world. Reached over 10,000 music fans. time.
“It is a once-in-a-lifetime honor to be chosen as the next music director of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, who will chart the course for the future, and it is special to be chosen by a group of musicians, most of whom I have known for many years. Over the last few years, the passion that the players have shown for the music, the presence of wonderful creative partners within the orchestra and community, and the shared desire to grow as an artist have grounded me here and provided me with the greatest positive experience. It inspired me to want to make an impact, and you can do it,” Robson said. “ASO is an amazing organization made possible by the Arkansas community. Everyone I work with is determined to make beautiful music accessible to all. ASO is therefore inseparable from the communities it serves, which gives us purpose, relevance and visibility.”
Robson’s work with ASO includes conducting critically acclaimed and sold-out masterpieces, pop, chamber music, and educational concerts throughout Arkansas. He has also appeared frequently as a guest conductor in symphonies around the United States, and in 2017 was awarded the Respighi Award for Best Conductor by the New York Chamber Orchestra.
“The symphony’s incoming Music Director will play a key role in the future success of the organisation. It’s a leader we want to lead into the next chapter,” said Jan Handley, chairman. Member of the ASO Board of Directors. “Many of us have had the opportunity to watch him grow as a musician, conductor and leader over the years, but he has been a force to be reckoned with in this national quest and with the professionalism, creativity, vision and And in passion, he clearly stood out among the candidates” for this job. “
Robson studied orchestral conducting at the Manns College of Music in New York City under the tutelage of David Hayes, and has degrees in violin performance from Yale University and Michigan State University Honors College. He studied conducting at Yale University with Lawrence Leighton Smith, Edward Cumming, and Cynic Harm. His other notable teachers include Leon Gregorian, John Farrar, Neil Thomson and Larry Racref.
Robson’s appointment as music director comes as ASO prepares to ground the ASO Stella Boyle Smith Music Center, a planned development in the heart of Little Rock’s East Village. The new, state-of-the-art, 18,500-square-foot music center will significantly expand ASO’s ability to serve Arkansas children and adults through music production opportunities, concert programs, and extensive musical education offerings.
