The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Hires New Music Director

After a four-year national search, Geoffrey Robson will assume the role with a five-year contract

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (ASO) selected Geoffrey Robson, 41, as its eighth music director. He joined ASO in the Fall of 2008 as an associate conductor and a full-time violinist and will begin his new appointment on a five-year contract.

Additionally, he has been serving as interim music director following the departure of ASO music director and conductor Philip Mann at the end of the 2018-19 season.

As a unanimous choice of the orchestra’s search committee — comprising ASO musicians, and board staff — Robson was selected from six guest conductor finalists, who were primarily judged on their ability to perform a diverse program.

The initial search to fill the music director role was interrupted for over 18 months, as concerts became suspended or canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, Robson helped create alternative programming to support musicians and later programmed ASO’s 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons.

“We [wanted] an inspiring conductor who could communicate with the musicians and the audience, and one who believes in Arkansas and who believes in our vision,” explained ASO’s CEO Christina Littlejohn.

Head of the search committee, Denise Compton, explained that nominations for the role came from members of ASO, culminating in a list of hundreds of applicants, who were then issued invitations to audition. The committee dedicated its search for the right fit by a thorough process, where there was no pressure of a set deadline. 

“Geoff gave a lot of energy and creativity,” Compton said. “We could see a lot of things about him that were positive….We really do have great confidence in our decision.”

“It was a committed, nationwide, fair search,” Robson reflected. “I think they did a great job…I fully recognize the unique path that I’ve been on…It’s very unusual for an associate to be named conductor [of an orchestra] after a nationwide search.”

Robson has served as ASO’s interim music director in the past — before Mann was appointed to the role in the Fall of 2010. He has since conducted many of the orchestra’s pops concerts and collaborated with other community organizations, including Ballet Arkansas, the Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theater, Opera in the Rock and the Chamber Music Society of Little Rock.

From 2013 to 2014, he served on the faculties of the University of Central Arkansas and of Hendrix College from 2018 to 2021. For many years, he has been the conductor of the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra.

In his new role, he will aim to create new concert formats combining works of the orchestral canon with lesser-known works, build greater community networks, and have ASO return to performing large-scale choral works using area choirs.

“[Robson] is someone who is creative, who is respected and respectful, and is a team player... a fundraiser and one who understands the current arts landscape, who shows a love for music and teaching, who loves Arkansas and who loves the Arkansas Symphony,” said ASO board member Jan Hundley.

“He has been so disciplined and so focused on the music and love of music, and the love of bringing it to others,” added Littlejohn. “Geoff just stood out. And there’s his collaborative, flexible style. I think that's what orchestras need: Love, curiosity, joy, seeing what is possible.”

“I’m absolutely thrilled,” Robson said. “The ASO is inseparable from the community it serves. This gives us our purpose, relevance and visibility.”