SoNA Beyond & Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation – Rhythms & Reading

Join us for a youth-centered Indian story, performance, and drum demo - try them yourself at the end!

SoNA, the Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation, and the Fayetteville Public Library co-present a youth-centered interactive and educational experience – part book reading, part performance, and part demonstration. The event will feature a classic Indian story alongside a presentation between SoNA Principal Violist Jesse Collett and Ra-Ve  Carnatic Vocalist Vijayashri Vittal, traversing the boundaries between western and Indian musical styles. This event is free and open to the public. Join us to gain hands-on experience with both classical Indian music and classical western music!

After reading the classic story The Jackal and the Drum, Jesse Collett will demonstrate how to play the viola, Vijayashri will demonstrate the oral tradition of "singing" the drums, and the entire group will be led through the experience of creating their own songs and beats. The event will wrap up with an instrument "petting zoo" allowing children to try out the drums themselves.

About SoNA Beyond: 

SoNA Beyond showcases the vast spectrum of possibilities for classical music to reach audiences in new and innovative ways. SoNA Beyond presents a variety of concerts, programs, and other creative arts experiences that go beyond the symphony’s annual mainstage season of concerts. The new series features symphony musicians in creative ways, including chamber music performances, outdoor educational concerts, community partnerships, groundbreaking contemporary experiences, and more.  SoNA Beyond rethinks the boundaries of what a symphony can do to innovate the artform, include new voices, and immerse SoNA in the Northwest Arkansas community – to give audiences an expansive view of what classical music is and who it serves.

SoNA Beyond is sponsored by the Walmart Foundation.

Upcoming events