About The APO | Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra

The people, the physical beauty, and cultural landmarks … there's no place like Northwest Arkansas. And no arts movement like the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra (APO). Under the direction of Maestro Steven Byess, the APO performs large masterworks and pops concerts with a contemporary twist.

And more. The APO collaborates with many other Arkansas arts organizations to present art in unexpected ways — often to unexpecting audiences. Claiming its name in 2010, the APO has been around since 2008.

The APO has always featured largely local professional musicians, welcomed world-class guest soloists and — a point of pride — provided musical education opportunities for local youth.

ALWAYS SOMETHING DIFFERENT AND NEW

The APO reimagines classical works, often performing in surprising places. Sure, we do full orchestral works, but subsets of APO musicians are likely to pop up anywhere throughout Northwest Arkansas.

Don't be too surprised to find a chamber quartet in a Fayetteville library with a spoken-word poet … some percussionists in a Rogers farmer's market with a troupe from the NWA Ballet Theatre … or a handful of APO woodwinds with beat-boxers and performers from TheatreSquared … in world-class Bentonville arts venues like the Momentary, the Amazeum or Crystal Bridges. Altogether, we present the best of Northwest Arkansas, Set to Music.

Events

Cultivating young minds and training musical muscles

The APO features musicians from around the globe. And we've learned the most efficient way to bring new art to Northwest Arkansas, is to nurture local talent! So, the APO provides free musical education, empowering local youth and building our communal future. Programs like the Arkansas Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, school residencies, virtual learning (even before the pandemic) and Classical Kids Club are as much a part of the APO fabric as our latest performances.

Arts Education

MEET THE PEOPLE SETTING NORTHWEST ARKANSAS TO MUSIC

BOARD MEMBERS

PRESIDENT

Samuel Roberts

Walmart

VICE- president

Natalie Julich

Arvest Bank

SECRETARY

Kara Gainer
Walmart

TREASURER

Sarah Morton
Walmart

Steve Brooks

Jeff Clapper

DeLisa Cooper

Brad Fortenberry

Diana Gartside

Wayne Hamilton

Jaclyn House

Lucia Llobet

Michael Maloy

Michael Parks

Kenneth Pearson

Juan Segura

IMAGINE NORTHWEST ARKANSAS, SET TO MUSIC

The people, the physical beauty, and cultural landmarks … there's no place like Northwest Arkansas. And no arts movement like the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra (APO). Under the direction of Maestro Steven Byess, the APO performs large masterworks and pops concerts with a contemporary twist.

And more. The APO collaborates with many other Arkansas arts organizations to present art in unexpected ways — often to unexpecting audiences. Claiming its name in 2010, the APO has been around since 2008.

The APO has always featured largely local professional musicians, welcomed world-class guest soloists and — a point of pride — provided musical education opportunities for local youth.

ALWAYS SOMETHING DIFFERENT AND NEW

The APO reimagines classical works, often performing in surprising places. Sure, we do full orchestral works, but subsets of APO musicians are likely to pop up anywhere throughout Northwest Arkansas.

Cultivating young minds and training musical muscles

MEET THE PEOPLE SETTING NORTHWEST ARKANSAS TO MUSIC

Executive Director

Music/Artistic Director/Conductor

Music Education Lead

APYO Conductor