I HEAR A SYMPHONY

Music fills the air

Opus XXXI fundraiser hits high notes for Arkansas Symphony Orchestra

The annual Opus Ball benefiting the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra could be compared to the general definition of a symphony: a well crafted composition in several distinct movements. The black-tie event -- the 31st Opus -- took place Nov. 14, at Little Rock's Capital Hotel.

Prior to moving to several dining rooms on the first two floors of the hotel, guests gathered in the lobby to enjoy passed morsels, libations and the evening's short program. Silent auction items awaited in a separate area.

KTHV's Craig O'Neill, master of ceremonies, introduced co-chairmen Jan and Dr. Randal Hundley. Jan offered tidbits about Opus XXXII, which she said will be the inaugural event of the newly renovated and reopened Robinson Center Music Hall. Kate Lange, a junior at Conway High School, was introduced as the recipient of the 2015 Karen and John Flake Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Outstanding Member Scholarship Award. Later, guests were treated to a short violin interlude by Youth Orchestra member Caleb Yu.

Highlighting the evening was the live auction, which offered such delights as a Capital Hotel stay, a nine-day tour of China, a Napa Valley "epicurean adventure," an original composition written for the buyer -- "The rap is optional, if you'd like a rap to go with it," O'Neill joked -- and, separately -- famously -- the chance to conduct the symphony.

Dinner, prepared by the hotel, included braised short ribs with Brussels sprouts, king trumpet mushrooms and red wine sauce. The evening ended with dancing to the symphony Big Band.

Proceeds from the ball, which amounted to roughly $400,000, are the main funding source for Arkansas Symphony Orchestra's Youth Orchestras and its Arts Partners program. Proceeds also help with the organization's production costs.

-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams

High Profile on 11/22/2015

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