ARTS & CULTURE
Text and photos courtesy of the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas
A Very SoNA Christmas
Symphony of Northwest Arkansas celebrates the holidays at Walton Arts Center
Audiences are invited to celebrate the most magical time of the year as the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas continues its 2025-26 season with two holiday concert programs in December: its annual Christmas performances, and the return of The Snowman, a beloved classic for children and families.
Performing under the guest baton of SoNA friend Jack Cleghorn, the symphony will present A Very SoNA Christmas on Dec. 6 with two performances: a 2 p.m. matinee and a 7:30 p.m. concert. Then, on Dec. 7, SoNA and Walton Arts Center present The Snowman: A Family Concert at 2 p.m., led by SoNA Assistant Conductor Sarah Pearson. All performances will take place in Fayetteville at Walton Arts Center.
A Very SoNA Christmas will celebrate the beauty and magic of the season with a mix of holiday favorites, featuring the SoNA Singers chorus under the direction of Terry Hicks, who will be joined onstage by the Bentonville High School Chamber Choir and other guests: vocalist Caroline Spurlin, student violin soloist Nathan Ma and special guest narrator Fayetteville Mayor Molly Rawn for The Night Before Christmas.
“The SoNA Christmas concert has become a cherished holiday tradition in Northwest Arkansas,” said Ben Harris, SoNA executive director. “As we gather together to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, we’re thrilled to showcase our outstanding SoNA Singers as well as some stellar local soloists and, of course, our amazing orchestra.”
The Snowman: A Family Concert will feature holiday music for children of all ages and a special screening of the award-winning film, The Snowman, with live orchestral soundtrack.
“Over the last several years, The Snowman concert has also become a beloved holiday experience for families with young children,” Harris said. “This program is the perfect introduction to orchestral music for young listeners — the pairing of beautiful music with a moving animated film can spark a lifelong appreciation for classical music.”
Single ticket prices for SoNA’s mainstage performances, including A Very SoNA Christmas, range from $40 to $65 based on seating preferences. Discount student tickets are available with a student ID, and children under 18 are free with the purchase of an adult ticket (limited quantities). Single tickets to The Snowman: A Family Concert are $10.
To purchase tickets, visit the SoNA website or call the Walton Arts Center box office at (479) 443-5600.
