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Jennifer Schroeder, Laura Allen, John Lowery, and the SASO orchestra at the 2026 Memorial Day Concert hosted in front of the Union County Court House.

Jennifer Schroeder, SASO president along with Laura Allen, SAAC executive director and John Lowery, SAAC assistant executive director gathered before the orchestra at the Memorial Day Concert to made the public announcement that the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will officially become part of SAAC beginning in July 2026 for orchestra’s 70th season. By bringing the Symphony under the SAAC umbrella, both organizations aim to strengthen artistic collaboration, expand community engagement, and ensure a vibrant future for symphonic music in the region.

EL DORADO, Ark. — The South Arkansas Arts Center and the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra said the symphony will officially become part of the arts center beginning in July, coinciding with the launch of the orchestra’s landmark 70th season.

The transition reflects an alignment between two organizations that have shared a commitment to enrich the cultural life of South Arkansas through the arts. 

“For decades, the symphony and SAAC have served many of the same audiences, supporters, and artistic goals,” said Jennifer Schroeder, SASO president. “This transition allows us to combine resources and vision in a way that honors the Symphony’s remarkable legacy while creating new opportunities for growth and sustainability.”

Founded in 1956, the South Arkansas Symphony has become a cornerstone of the region’s cultural identity, presenting live orchestral performances, educational programming, and special events for generations of audiences. The arts center, established as a regional hub for the visual and performing arts in 1964, has likewise fostered creativity and access to the arts across South Arkansas for decades, supporters said.

“At SAAC, we have enjoyed a long history of happy collaboration with the South Arkansas Symphony,” said Laura Allen, SAAC executive director. “We are thrilled to be able to offer SASO an energized home base and robust administrative support, ensuring many more years of professional orchestral music in South Arkansas.”

Symphony performances, educational initiatives, and community programming will continue uninterrupted, including the upcoming 70th anniversary season under the direction of Maestro Kermit Poling. 

Additional details about the symphony’s 70th season and future collaborative initiatives will be announced in the coming weeks.