History & Mission

SoNA brings great music to life in Northwest Arkansas

Mission

SoNA brings great music to life in Northwest Arkansas.

Vision

SoNA will be recognized as a trailblazing orchestra as it:
• Expands the possibilities of what an orchestra can be.
• Changes lives by increasing interest and equity in the arts through outreach, education, collaboration and performance.
• Creatively honors the past, present and future of our artform, fostering the highest levels of artistic expression.

Organizational Values

Inclusivity and Equity
SoNA centers anti-racism and anti-oppression as essential guiding values which enable the best work from our artists & staff and create a welcoming environment where our entire community can meaningfully engage with music. We aim to celebrate commonality and embrace differences.


Accessibility
By striving for cultural relevance and reducing barriers to access, we are able to reach a wider audience that is truly representative of the Northwest Arkansas community.


History

The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA), previously named the North Arkansas Symphony (NASO), was founded in 1954 and has provided over 60 years of musical performances and educational opportunities. SoNA is a resident company of Walton Arts Center, and presents classical and pops performances across Northwest Arkansas, with an annual combined audience of 25,000.

Presenting partners and selected appearances include Crystal Bridges, the Momentary, 214 CACHE, Art on the Creeks, the Bentonville Film Festival, Butterfield Trail Village, Cross Church, Community Creative Center, Fayetteville Public Library, Fayetteville Roots Festival, John Brown University, the Jones Center, Mercy Health Foundation, Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, Springdale Public Library, TheatreSquared, Trike Theatre, the University of Arkansas, Walton Arts Center, the Walmart AMP, and the Walmart Museum.

SoNA is dedicated to expanding the definition of what an orchestra can be and who it serves. Through SoNA Beyond, the symphony goes beyond the mainstage with creative and inclusive concert experiences that reach the entire region from small pop-up community experiences to large scale collaborations with arts partners like Crystal Bridges. SoNA is also dedicated to inspiring and supporting the next generation of artists, civic-minded leaders, and audiences. Through the SoNA Mentors program, educational concerts throughout the region, the free tickets for youth program, and more, SoNA serves over 1,000 students per year.

A non-profit company, SoNA receives philanthropic support from foundations, businesses and individuals, including a number of donors who have pledged generous multi-year support to establish an endowment for long-term sustainability. SoNA has an active Board of Directors and Advisors composed of community leaders from throughout Northwest Arkansas.


Mailing Address

P.O. Box 1243
Fayetteville, AR  72702

Administrative Offices

217 E. Dickson Street, Suite 106
Fayetteville, AR  72701