LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--State Treasurer Martha Shoffner announced today that BlackRock’s iShares 529 Plan, an important partner to the State of Arkansas, is sponsoring this Spring’s “Youth Orchestra Concert with Midori,” presented by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. The concert will be held on April 12, 2013.
BlackRock manages the iShares 529 Plan, a 529 college savings plan sponsored by the State of Arkansas. Its support of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s program reflects an ongoing partnership with a focus on educational and cultural commitments in the State for its residents.
The sponsorship supports an extraordinary opportunity for young musicians. Orchestra members range in age from 7 to 18 and include over 230 young Arkansans hailing from 39 communities across the state. This spring, members of the ASYO will learn from and perform with world-renowned violinist, Midori. During her week long residency with the ASYO, Midori will lead classes and master classes, work through rehearsal with the students and lead two quartets on community outreach activities. Her tenure will culminate with the ASYO concert on April 12.
“Whether in a traditional classroom setting, on a college campus, or on stage, education allows our young people to discover and strengthen their own talents and set them up for a bright future,” said Treasurer Shoffner. “The ASYO Spring program with Midori is an incredible opportunity for young musicians to learn alongside a master.”
The iShares 529 Plan is a tax advantaged college savings plan that offers tax benefits to account owners who are Arkansas taxpayers. For example, Arkansas taxpayers can deduct up to $5,000 (up to $10,000 for married couples) of their iShares 529 Plan contributions from their Arkansas adjusted gross income1.
For more information about Arkansas’ iShares 529 Plan, please visit www.ishares529.com or call the Arkansas College Savings Plans at the office of the Arkansas State Treasury toll-free at 1-855-686-2582.
1 Contributions to the Plan in a tax year are deductible from Arkansas state income tax, subject to recapture in subsequent years in which non-qualified withdrawals or a rollover out to another state’s 529 plan is made.