The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra's Opus Ball XXXIV will take on a different look this year, but the goal remains the same.
The Saturday event at the Little Rock Marriott Hotel is called Mystical. Musical. Masqued. Opus!, and will have attendees donning masks in classic masquerade ball fashion.
"It's on Halloween weekend, so we thought it would be fun to be a masked ball," says Debi Barnes, co-chairman of the ball with her friend, Elizabeth Andreoli.
It has also moved up from its usual calendar spot in early November and will be emceed by KTHV anchor Dawn Scott.
As in years past, the Opus Ball, which starts at 6 p.m. and ends at midnight, is a fundraiser for the orchestra's music education efforts.
"We have lots of programs where we take music into the schools and have demonstrations," Andreoli says.
Among the programs offered by the orchestra are the Sturgis Music Academy, where students learn violin and cello in group and private lessons; in-school demonstrations by orchestra musicians; Youth Orchestra; the Summer String Camp and more.
More than 40,000 children are reached annually through education programs offered by ASO, which was incorporated in 1966 and performs more than 60 concerts each year.
"I attended one of the demonstrations with the quartet," Andreoli says. "They perform, and there is a little instruction on the different strings and how they sound. The kids come down afterwards and touch the instruments. I saw second-graders, and it was fascinating to see their enthusiasm."
Barnes adds: "It's neat for kids to be introduced or exposed to music at an early age. Some of the schools have said kids who take violin lessons, their math scores have improved. It's just a really good thing."
Andreoli and Barnes were speaking during an interview at DD&F Consulting Group, Inc., the Quapaw Quarter-based firm where Barnes works as a bank consultant.
Barnes had been an ASO season ticket holder when she lived in Hot Springs and volunteered on the symphony's advisory board when she moved to Little Rock before becoming part of the board of directors.
Fellow board member Andreoli, a semi-retired lawyer, has been involved with Opus for 13 years.
"I'm usually on the auction item committee," she says. "I was asked to chair Opus this year and I said only if my friend Debi will chair it with me."
The two pals would brainstorm Opus ideas after their weekly Saturday morning walks.
"We would walk and then go to Starbucks and we would do our Opus planning. That's how we got a lot accomplished," Barnes says.
Tiffany Mattzel, ASO director of special events and stewardship, says the pair's enthusiasm for the ball is contagious.
"They're bringing a sense of fun and a theme this year, which is exciting for us. Usually, the theme is just the Opus Ball, and it's an elegant, wonderful evening. But because it's Halloween weekend, they added a twist with the masquerade theme and it is so much fun. They bring a ton of energy and they are very passionate about the symphony."
And speaking of masquerades. No mask? No problem. Masks are available at the ball for a donation.
There will be two auctions at the ball, one silent and one live, that include items such as vacation packages to Aspen, Colo., and Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos in Mexico; a cocktail party and fireworks display seen from a boat docked at Rockwater Marina; pieces from local artists; dining experiences; trips to sporting events; a private concert and dinner; symphony box seats; jewelry and much more.
"There are a lot of really fun ideas," Barnes says of the goodies up for bid, and adds a little shopping wisdom. "Items from auctions at this time of year also make great Christmas gifts."
Donors can also contribute to the Simmons Bank Education Challenge before or during the ball, and one doesn't even have to be there to help. Online donations can be made at one.bidpal.net/opusballxxxiv/browse/donation.
"Elizabeth and I recognized that maybe there are people that can't come to Opus or don't want to come to Opus, but they would like to help," Barnes says. "You can help us with the Education Challenge by donating online. They can also bid on the auction items."
Of course, this being an orchestra event, the music will be on point.
The ASO Youth Orchestra, the Rex Bell Trio and Pat Becker will perform. The Rodney Block Band will be featured during the after-dinner party.
"The youth orchestra will perform on three stages during dinner," Andreoli says. "We wanted to put stages among the tables so everyone would have music close to them."
Chef Mario Torres of Heritage Grille Steak & Fin at the Little Rock Marriott will prepare what is being called a "one-of-a-kind dining experience."
After months of planning, re-arranging dates and venues, soliciting auction items and donations, the two chairs are ready for the ball.
"We're excited about it," Barnes says. "We've tried to make it really nice, but also keep it sensible. On one hand, I think we will be relieved to have it done and be successful. On the other hand, it's like, darn, what will we do now on Saturday mornings after our walks?"
For Opus Ball XXXIV ticket information, see arkansassymphony.org/support/opus-ball.
High Profile on 10/21/2018