LR Winds Founded

Wendell O. Evanson was the founding music director of the Little Rock Wind Symphony and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2005.  His leadership enabled the group to mature into the excellent ensemble that it is today

First Concert

“A Cold and Windy Night” was the title of the first LR Winds public concert. It was, however, anything but cold at Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall at UA-Little Rock on February 8, 1994, when the symphony performed during a record-setting heatwave in the dead of winter.  However, the house was packed and the concert was a resounding success.

Musical Maturation

In 2006, Dr. Karen Fanninwas appointed as Music Director and served in that position until the end of the 2014 season. During her 8-year tenure with LR Winds, the band grew and matured musically and she established the Diversions chamber music concert series.

25th Anniversary