BATESVILLE, Arkansas — The Delta Symphony Orchestra will grace the stage of the Sloan Auditorium in Lyon College’s Brown Chapel and Fine Arts Building on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 3 p.m. The concert, themed “Out of This World,” will showcase Gustav Holst’s “The Planets” and a suite from John Williams’ legendary “Star Wars” score.
The performance is generously sponsored by the Batesville Symphony League, an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts in the Batesville area, in addition to the Arkansas Arts Council, First Community Bank, Kent’s Firestone and Lyon College. Media sponsors for the event are ArkansasRadio.com and WhiteRiverNow.
Under the direction of conductor Dr. Neale Bartee, the orchestra will perform Holst’s “The Planets,” a masterpiece from 1916 that captures the emotions and characteristics of various planets. The program will include three movements: “Mars, the Bringer of War,” “Venus, the Bringer of Peace” and “Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity.”
Following an intermission, the orchestra will present John Williams’ “Star Wars Suite for Orchestra,” including five beloved pieces from the legendary film franchise: “Main Title,” “Princess Leia’s Theme,” “Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme),” “Yoda’s Theme” and “Throne Room and End Title.”
Adding to the fun, the event will include an “Out of This World” costume contest. Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite “Star Wars,” celestial or sci-fi characters, with prizes awarded in three categories:
- Children under 11
- Youth 12-17
- Adults 18 and over
The costume contest will take place before the concert, and winners will be announced during the intermission.
The Delta Symphony Orchestra, the only professional symphony orchestra in Northeast Arkansas for over four decades, plays a vital role in the cultural fabric of the Delta Region. Committed to entertaining, educating and enriching lives, the DSO provides orchestral music of exceptional artistic quality. Through a diverse array of concerts and community education initiatives, the Delta Symphony Orchestra believes that strong arts organizations contribute to the economic success of their communities.
The performance promises to be a powerful and memorable musical experience, blending classical and contemporary symphonic compositions with a playful, interactive element for the community.
For more information about the concert at Lyon College, please contact Carol Langston at Carol.Langston@lyon.edu. For information on membership in the Batesville Symphony League, please contact Keith Melson at First Community Bank at kmelson@firstcommunity.net.
–About Lyon College
Lyon College is a private, liberal arts institution founded in 1872. Located in Batesville, Arkansas, Lyon is the oldest college in the state with its original charter. Ranked by US News & World Report as a 2024 “Best College,” Lyon currently enrolls approximately 660 students from more than 30 states and 18 countries. Students can tailor their education, selecting from 25 majors, as well as pre-professional and individualized options. Learn more at lyon.edu.
Karin Huffman is an Independence County native who graduated from Cushman High School in 1996. Traveling throughout the state is one of her passions, along with writing about her adventures.
Taking over as travel writer for the Ozark Gateway Region is a dream come true for Huffman who lives in the region with her two daughters, Grace and Stella.
As a family, they enjoy canoeing the Poke Bayou, Salado Creek and the many waterways along the White River in Independence County. Camping and hiking throughout the region is a must for them in the spring and fall as well.
Huffman is an avid nature photographer who will do just about anything to find the perfect waterfall shot, and has visited many in the great state. From Twin Falls and the Richland Creek area in Northwest Arkansas to little known places off the beaten path, waterfalls will be found.
Huffman has been a travel writer for the Eye on Independence Magazine as well as a staff writer for the Batesville Guard, and is looking forward to devoting her time to traveling throughout the eight county region that the Ozark Gateway offers.
If you would like to contact Huffman about an adventure or would like to know how to get more information out about your area, contact her at 870-307-5473, karinhuffman78@gmail.com or karinozarkgateway@sbcglobal.net.