JONESBORO, AR — The Delta Symphony Orchestra (DSO), northeast Arkansas’s only professional symphony orchestra and a cultural cornerstone since 1973, is bringing a first-of-its-kind event to Jonesboro: A Candlelight Classic. It’s an immersive concert surrounded entirely by candlelight, set to take place Saturday, February 7, from 7–9 PM at The Forum in downtown Jonesboro.
After seeing the growing popularity of similar events happening in surrounding metro areas, the Delta Symphony Orchestra decided it was time to bring this to Jonesboro.
“We’re always in pursuit of new and interesting ways to entertain, educate and enrich the lives of those in our community,” said Emily Hay, Executive Director of the Delta Symphony Orchestra. “This new event perfectly embodies that mission.”
It’s to be a performance of classical music and classical renditions of many popular and recognizable songs, enhanced by the sole illumination of more than 1,200 LED candles provided by the Ramsons Arts Partnership (of Ramsons Construction).
“Falling so close to Valentine’s Day, this will naturally be a great event for a special date night, but we’re planning an experience that everyone—from one person to a family or group of friends—will find impressive and memorable,” said Lee Kelley, member of the DSO Board of Directors. Kelley is part of the event committee that’s planning and coordinating the Candlelight Classic.
“Candlelight concerts are popular in surrounding cities, with which we compete for tourism, and our board thought it was time Jonesboro had one, too,” Kelley continued. “It will be a first-ever event for Jonesboro, and, to add to the experience of the whole day, we’re also partnering with local restaurants to offer special deals before or after the event with purchase of a ticket. Details to be released closer to time.”
The candlelight concert will be a distinct performance from the DSO, which usually features an awe-inspiring full orchestra of more than 60 professional musicians. The smaller ensemble, however, which will comprise a string quartet with piano accompaniment during parts of the performance, is intended to create a more intimate atmosphere.
“There’s no other organization in the area so well equipped to execute this,” Kelley added. “The musical program will be diverse, with some classical staples, to be sure, but it will actually include a larger number of popular songs by popular artists. There may even be a couple of Taylor Swift tunes, which I know too well my sisters would love—among a few others, I think.”
In its 52nd year, the Delta Symphony Orchestra is eager to build on more than a half-century of performance excellence.
“It’s important to us to not only pay homage to our past, but also to continue bringing new and exciting events like this to engage new audiences and keep a fresh perspective,” Hay added. “There won’t be a bad seat in the house with all these candles. We hope to treat a crowd in February and then head into America 250 celebrations with our patriotic America 250: A Musical Journey performance coming in April!”
Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments are included with tickets and will be available prior to the show, with doors opening at 6:30PM, and during the show’s intermission. Tickets are for sale on the DSO’s website, DeltaSymphonyOrchestra.org, for $30 with reserved seating. You can also contact Emily Hay or Lee Kelley regarding ticket inquiries.
The next DSO event is “Enchanted by the Sound of Christmas” on Sunday, December 14, at 3PM at the Fowler Center.
ABOUT DSO: For more than five decades, the Delta Symphony Orchestra has been northeast Arkansas’s only professional symphony, enriching the Delta Region through performances of artistic excellence. Drawing musicians from across the Southeast and beyond, the DSO also hosts the Annual Young Artist Competition (a nationwide event, 35th anniversary to be held on February 15, 2026), welcoming talented artists up to age 26 from across the nation to compete for awards, cash prizes and the opportunity to perform with the orchestra. Through a full range of concerts and educational programs, the DSO strengthens the cultural and economic vitality of northeast Arkansas.
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