UA Little Rock Students Compete as Finalists in Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Singing Competition
Two UA Little Rock students are set to take the stage in Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s inaugural singing competition.
The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will host its first ever singing competition, “Arkansas Talent,” featuring a panel of three renowned Arkansas musicians as judges: Kris Allen, Bonnie Montgomery, and Rodney Block.
From a pool of almost 100 talented auditioners, UA Little Rock’s own Kyndal Collins and Mya Little have made it to the final round, along with four other finalists. The final round will take place May 11-12, and the judges will select two winners from the final contenders.
Collins, a senior vocal performance major at UA Little Rock, boasts a wide array of artistic gifts. Her passions include music composition, playing piano, visual arts, and creative writing. Her stage experience includes solo stage performance, choral performance, and musical theater.
“I am truly honored to have this experience because it is a growth point for me,” stated Collins. “I’ve always been nervous about giving things a go and in the past it has held me back. However, when the opportunity for this competition came around, I was mentally ready to say, ‘Just give it a try!’ This has taught me that when it comes to something you’re truly passionate about, there is no room for doubt, just action. And even if your ‘just doing’ doesn’t work out, there will always be more opportunities to give it a go again.”
Meanwhile, Little, who balances her studies with her career as an after-school coordinator at Jacksonville Lighthouse Charter School, is pursuing a degree in music and is recognized for her versatility as an artist. Her talents have been showcased in the Threepenny Opera and the opera Lo Frate ‘Nnamorato in Urbania, Italy. Her repertoire spans R&B, pop, and classical genres, in addition to her experience in modeling and acting.
“Being in the Arkansas Talent competition has been an absolute honor,” Little remarked. “To be included in the number of talented artists is enough for me.”
Little will sing “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston with ASO on Saturday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Robinson Center, while Collins will perform “O Mio Babbino Caro” from Giacomo Puccini’s opera Gianni Schicchi with ASO on Sunday, May 12, at 3 p.m.
