Never miss a surprise or a concert!

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. See below. 

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

Jason Miller, APO Executive DirectorJason Miller
Executive Director
Steven Byess, APO Music/Artistic Director/ConductorSteven Byess
Music/Artistic Director/Conductor
Christy Paxton, Education Director, APYO Chamber COnductorChristy Paxton
Education Director
APYO Chamber Conductor
Anne Paqueno, APYO Sinfonia ConductorAnne PEQUEÑO
APYO Sinfonia Conductor
Robin Sumpter, APYO Philharmonica ConductorRobin Sumpter
APYO Philharmonica Conductor
Kristen Young, APYO Winds Conductor and Charter School Band DirectorKristen Young
APYO Winds Conductor Charter School Band Director
Peter Hamby, APO Orchestra/Program ManagerPeter Hamby
Orchestra/Program Manager
Richard Bobo, APO Orchestra LibrarianRichard Bobo
Orchestra Librarian

CHAIR


Kim Strickland

Thaden School

SECRETARY


Michael Parks
Retail Reclamation

FINANCE

CHAIR

Navin Chander

Walmart

TREASURER


Terri Osborne
Walmart (Retired)

BRAND

CHAIR

Michael Pedler

VMLY&R

Marketing

Director

Taina Suomela

Leslieville Digital

BOARD MEMBERS

Members At Large

Juan Segura

Walmart

Jenn Couzens
ClaraLeone

Cynthia Cochran
SMT Grants

Gabriel Camargo
Frontinus Consulting

Er-Gene Kahng

University of Arkansas