Week-long events honor the legacy of a groundbreaking Black composer born in Arkansas

By Arkansas Black Vitality Staff

Little Rock, Ark. — March 256, 2026 – The 5th Annual Florence Price Birthday Celebration returns to Little Rock April 6–11, 2026, bringing a week of music, art, and community events to the Dunbar Historic District in honor of one of Arkansas’ most influential cultural figures.

Hosted by the Dunbar Historic Neighborhood Association (DHNA), the annual celebration highlights the life and legacy of Florence Beatrice Price, a Little Rock native whose achievements reshaped the history of American classical music.

Born in Little Rock, Price was a musical prodigy from an early age, with compositions published at 11 and a valedictorian graduation by 14. After studying at the New England Conservatory of Music, she went on to make history in 1933 as the first Black woman to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra. Her Symphony in E minor, winner of the 1932 Wanamaker Prize, was performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra — a milestone that opened doors for generations of composers of color.

The week-long celebration invites residents and visitors alike to experience Price’s lasting impact through education, performance, and community gathering — all centered in the historic neighborhood where her story started.

“This is a sacred and special time for our community,” said DHNA Executive Director Angel Townsend Burt. “Each year, we honor Florence Price’s genius while inspiring a new generation to see themselves reflected in her excellence and courage.”

In 2021, the State of Arkansas formally recognized Price’s impact by proclaiming Florence Price Day, cementing her place as a cornerstone of Arkansas and American cultural history.

This year’s celebration is supported by the City of Little Rock, Little Rock School District, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, and Entergy Arkansas, with media partnerships from KUAR Public Radio and KABF 88.3 FM.

Key Events Highlight Student Achievement and Community Arts

On April 9, the Florence Price Student Awards Assembly will take place at Florence Price Auditorium at Dunbar Middle Magnet School, recognizing student winners of the Florence Price essay and portrait competitions.  That event will begin at 1 p.m.

On April 11, the annual celebration culminates with the signature event, the “Fifth Annual Music in the Garden: A Celebration of Florence B. Price,” held at Dunbar Gardens. The outdoor event will feature live jazz, Florence Price art song selections, dance performances, poetry readings, and local vendors.

General admission is $35 and VIP admission is $50, available via Eventbrite.  Proceeds support ongoing community and historic preservation efforts led by DHNA.