SoNA and Van Cliburn Concert Series co-present The Dirty South at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Co-presented through SoNA Beyond and the Van Cliburn Concert Series, the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, Crystal Bridges, and curator Rod Vester collaborate to create a musical program inspired by The Dirty South temporary exhibition currently on display at the museum.
Representing SoNA Beyond's most ambitious concert to-date, the program will include a mixture of chamber orchestra, vocal music, and chamber music. Guest artists include Dr. Amanda Lenora Green-Turner and De'Von Smith singing He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, Deep River, and Stand the Storm. Conducted by SoNA Music Director Paul Haas, the concert will take place at Crystal Bridges on Friday, June 24 at 7pm.
Curator Rod Vester, SoNA, and Crystal Bridges will connect the various musical pieces with specific artwork in The Dirty South exhibition. Mirroring and amplifying themes in the visual exhibition, music has the ability to explore space between the physical and spiritual worlds, as well as offer reflection on deep cultural and psychological truths.
Complete the experience by hearing and seeing The Dirty South! Ticket reservations include free admission to The Dirty South between Friday, June 17 and Friday, June 24. Check-in with Guest Services when you arrive to receive your complimentary exhibition ticket.
About the Artist
Recently named as one of the top 30 professionals by Musical America, Rod Vester is an educator, researcher, entrepreneur, pianist, organist, composer, conductor, and producer who excels in gospel, jazz, classical and contemporary music. He has performed with numerous artists, across genres, including Grammy Award winners CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin and the late Aretha Franklin. As an arts consultant, Dr. Vester has helped expand the educational and artistic programming for many organizations and remains an active performer, clinician and speaker who has presented at Chamber Music America, Sphinx, and at state and national music education conferences. Vester is committed to creating spaces where all artists feel valued, voiced, and visble.