HISTORY

It’s hard to believe that nearly seven decades ago a group of local visionaries gathered to form a symphony orchestra to enhance the cultural lives of residents in our area. The first concert was performed in 1957 by a 30 piece orchestra to an audience of approximately the same size. John Shenaut, violinist and conductor of the Shreveport Symphony, was that night’s guest artist.

During the 1960’s The Symphony faced the challenge of finding the right Concertmaster, with Eloy Fominaya, then Dr. Joe Barry Mullins, and Jimmie Reynolds. Then in 1967, Gerald Kiger came to El Dorado with assistance from the Arkansas Arts and Humanities Council. The Symphony has worked with several other conductors including Richard Oliver, Dr. Richard Worthington, and Alan Burdick. All have played an integral part in providing South Arkansas access to high quality artistic music through extensive touring, recording, community, and education concerts. All activity has benefited the South Arkansas region, both in terms of economic and cultural impact.