Annapolis Symphony Orchestra

09/02/2024

09/02/2024

Thank you Senator Sarah Elfreth for joining us for the kick off to our 63rd sea*on at Pops in the Park at Quiet Waters Park. What a performance!!! Without the support of our legislators at the city, county, and state, a FREE concert in our beautiful outdoor space would not be possible. You are *oawesome ! Thank you to A*O Board Chair Shelley Row for opening both of our concerts this weekend!

09/02/2024

Tell us the truth: did you dance, or did you DANCE? 💃🕺

Annapolis Symphony Academy Strings Director Heather Haughn directing ASA students and The Talent Machine Company leading the audience in the "Thriller" dance was epic.

Thank you to County Executive Steuart Pittman for supporting Pops in the Park, Sarah Elfreth for Congress for supporting our outdoor spaces, Lisa D. B. Rodvien - District 6 Councilwoman for always supporting the music, and Shaneka Henson for attending and sharing. Thank you The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County for supporting us in all we do, and to helping us bring two amazing non profit, community based organizations together in a way that touched thousands of people. Anne Arundel County sure is an amazing place to live, work, and play because of you!

Pops in the Park *oawesome

09/02/2024

20 years with this Maestro 😍😍. José-Luis Novo, you are *oawesome! What did you think of that harmonica at Pops in the Park?? WOW!

Pops in the Park The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks Annapolis Symphony Academy

09/02/2024

What a time we had today at Pops in the Park at Quiet Waters Park! So many memories to share- be sure to check back here for videos and stills of the toe tapping, clapping, and Thriller dancing! Oh! and *O.

We want to see your pics too, so share away and be sure to tag us and use *oawesome.

Thank you to The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County and Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks, Sarah Elfreth, Lisa D. B. Rodvien - District 6 Councilwoman and County Executive Steuart Pittman

📸 Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, copyright. All rights reserved.

09/01/2024

The sky might be a little grey but the breeze is lovely- Pops in the Park is ON! Come dance, picnic, and enjoy the music tonight at 5:30pm at Quiet Waters Park! See you at the show!

08/31/2024

A wonderful time was had by our musicians, the audience, and curious young children at Pops in the Park this morning at Downs Park! We can’t wait to see you tomorrow at Pops in the Park at Quiet Waters Park. Get ready for a THRILLING good time with Annapolis Symphony Academy and The Talent Machine Company as they lead Annapolis in an unforgettable performance of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”. See you at the show!

Be sure to check back here for weather updates.
*O *OAwesome

08/31/2024

What a stunningly beautiful and cool morning- perfect for Pops in the Park! Take a peek at our concert program booklet online: https://issuu.com/annapolissymphonyorchestra/docs/a*o2024-25_popsinthepark_program_1_?fr=sNmM1NTYzNDIwMDc

08/30/2024

Last year it was the Chicken Dance, this year its Michael Jackson’s 1983 hit ”THRILLER"! Be sure to arrive to Pops in the Park at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis a few minutes early so you can join students from the Annapolis Symphony Academy and The Talent Machine Company to set the Annapolis record for most people dancing the Thriller dance. This is going to be EPIC! 🕺 💃

Want to learn the choreography in advance? Check out a short version of the original Thriller video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4V90AmXnguw?si=ppP6dFvAF_c8Dnz7

Reminder: Our Pops in the Park concert is completely FREE, including parking. Bring your own picnic, or order in advance from Main&Market and pick up on your way into the park. BYO blankets, chairs, and beverages, claim your spot, and enjoy familiar tunes while surrounded with your family, friends, and neighbors. It's the place to be on Labor Day weekend in Annapolis!

Thank you to Academy Strings Department head Heather Haughn for conceptualizing and organizing this "thrilling" idea!

08/29/2024

Thank you to Rick Hutzell for highlighting news about the premier of Oberlin College and Conservatory student Christopher Won's “iPhone Variations for Orchestra,” this weekend at Pops in the Park at Downs Park in Pasadena, and at Pops in the Park at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis.

Thank you also to Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks and The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County for supporting young, emerging artists like Christopher, and the vision of our Artistic Director, José Luis Novo.

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra will play Christopher Won’s six-minute composition, “iPhone Variations for Orchestra,” this weekend at its annual Pops in the Park concerts. The late summer show is a Labor Day tradition at Quiet Waters Park, now expanded to Downs Park in Pasadena.

08/26/2024

ARE YOU READY? 🎶
Pops in the Park is a concert for everyone! Mark your calendar for August 31 and September 1 (NEXT WEEKEND!) Bring your family, friends and neighbors to this FREE event at Quiet Waters Park and Downs Park. Details on our website AnnapolisSymphony.org/events.

*OAwesome *o

08/19/2024

Did you know?

In January of 2011, Brian Ganz - Pianist began a multi-year project in partnership with the National Philharmonic to perform the complete works of Frédéric Chopin at Strathmore. After the inaugural recital of his "Extreme Chopin" project, The Washington Post wrote: "Brian Ganz was masterly in his first installment of the complete works [of Chopin]." Ganz' February 2024 recital, entitled “Chopin the Virtuoso,” marked the 13th of the series. You can take a peek at that performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmaHqRmhc2Y

You don't have to wait to experience the magic of pianist Brian Ganz live and in person!!

Join the A*O at Maryland Hall or Strathmore October 4, 5, and 6 when Mr. Ganz joins the A*O on stage for Masterworks I: Pasajes (Passages). Ganz will perform Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488. Get your tickets now on our website: https://annapolissymphony.org/events/pasajes/

🦉 Don't forget to use code EARLYBIRD at checkout for 15% off up to 4 single tickets! Discount rules: cannot be combined with any other discount, does not apply to Parterre or Orchestra AA seats, discount ends September 15, 2024.

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08/05/2024

We're Hiring a Director of Development!

The Director of Development’s primary responsibility is leading annual operating, special campaigns, and planned giving. This key leadership position is instrumental in achieving the success to make the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra a model of a 21st-century orchestra. The position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and collaborates regularly with the Development Committee of the A*O Board of Trustees.

This salary range for this position is $70,000-$85,000 commensurate with related experience. Potential for bonus pay based on achievement of specified fundraising goals. A*O offers competitive benefits including health insurance, life insurance, PTO, paid holidays, parental leave, and a hybrid work environment.

Visit our website for the full listing and to apply: https://annapolissymphony.org/about-us/jobs-auditions/

08/03/2024

For all you folks who like to plan in advance, we have a great offer for you! 🐦 Use code EARLYBIRD at checkout to get a whopping 15% off tickets to any Sea*on 63 Masterworks performance at Maryland Hall! Deadline: September 30, so get it done!

Purchase tickets only at our website AnnapolisSymphony.org/events or by calling our Box Office at 410-263-0907. Remember to use code EARLYBIRD.

Rules: the 15% discount cannot be combined with any other offer. The discount does not apply to Orchestra AA or Parterre seating. Expires September 30.

See you at the show!

07/30/2024

Sea*on 63 tickets go on sale this Thursday, August 1. We couldn't be more excited!

🏎️ 💥 Subscribers, rev your engines! Use your subscriber benefits to get first access and big discounts on concert tickets, starting Thursday, August 1, only at AnnapolisSymphony.org/events or by calling our Box Office at 410-263-0907.

Here's why we're fit to burst 🤩 :

🎼 5 Masterworks concerts with guest artists like Maryland pianist Brian Ganz - Pianist, our own Alex Kovling📯 and A*O concertmaster, Netanel Draiblate. Plus, the return of Noah Bendix-Balgley to our home stage, Maryland Hall as well as at Strathmore. We can't wait to introduce Annapolis audiences to the incredibly talented Dali String Quartet.

✨ The Sea*on 63 Masterworks Series is made possible by the Brian and Patricia Giese Foundation.

🎁 ☃️ 2 Holiday Pops concerts! This concert is a family tradition and it's always sold out. Get ready to get in line! This year we're excited to announce a special addition - 1 performance at Severna Park Senior High!

🌍 🥁 Family and School concerts - watching the kiddos absorb the wonder and power of music is a goosebumps kind of thing. Teachers, are you ready?? Get ready to plan the perfect field trip to Maryland Hall in May 2025!

🎻 🎶 Exciting and inspirational concerts from Annapolis Symphony Academy's Orion Youth Orchestra and Aries and Aquarius ensembles.

STUDENTS: Remember - we offer $10 student tickets for all students and faculty. Call the Box Office to redeem this ticket discount.

Severna Park Voice What's Up? Media The Capital Naptown Scoop Chesapeake Inspired The Baltimore Sun Washington Post The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County Maryland State Arts Council

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07/26/2024

😍 Our very own musician Susan Dapkunas performed yesterday at the Anne Arundel County Public Library Eastport - Annapolis Neck location Open Mic Night. This event encourages musicians of all sorts to visit the library to perform once a month on Thursdays from 7 to 8 pm.

A native Annapolitan, Susan began viola lessons in the public schools and private studios of Anne Arundel County. In high school, she attended the Peabody Preparatory and played her first concerts with the young Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. She continued as a member while studying with Karen Tuttle at the Peabody Conservatory.

After graduation, Susan spent four years with the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica and the San José Soloists (a chamber ensemble). She helped start a music school in San José and, later, played in La Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería (a summer orchestra of the University of Mexico).

Upon returning to Annapolis, Susan rejoined the A*O, was a founding member of the Bay Strings, and an early member of the Chamber Orchestra; groups that she still plays with today. She obtained her Masters from Peabody and has since enjoyed freelancing in the Baltimore-Annapolis-Washington area. She has her own private teaching studio and taught Orff-Schulwerk for 21 years at the Key School. Coaching the Lyra Ensembles with the Annapolis Symphony Academy brings her newfound joy.

Susan treasures the warmth of a large extended family. She loves the written word and, over the years, has also found fulfillment through work with environmental groups like the Sierra Club and the Friends of Quiet Waters Park. Susan’s spiritual home is with the Annapolis Friends Meeting (Quakers).

Susan says she has many treasured memories with the A*O, like this one:

"I have many profound memories of making music with my Annapolis Symphony colleagues over the years. My fondest, though, is probably playing with Hilary Hahn in August of 2002. Our older daughter was in labor at AAMC. I knew I would be rushing out after the concert and I asked Marshall [Mentz] if he could get Ms. Hahn to sign my CD. Her father overheard us and took me down to her dressing room. When I explained the situation, she thought it would be more fun to sign the CD to my soon to be born grandson. I wholeheartedly agreed!"

07/24/2024

🍉 Peter Piper Packed the Perfect Picnic for the Park.

Order your picnic for Pops in the Park at Quiet Waters Park from Main&Market by noon on August 28th for quick and easy pick up just in time for the concert by 4:30pm on September 1. Email [email protected] or call 410-626-0388 ext. 5.

The picnic menu is available on our website at https://annapolissymphony.org/events/popsqw/

07/18/2024

“I very much look forward to presenting this fun-filled program to our community on Labor Day weekend in the incomparable scenery and surroundings of Downs Park and Quiet Waters Park.

We have created a program serving as a prelude to our upcoming unique sea*on celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. We will be honoring the achievements of this legal landmark by presenting music from composers of very diverse backgrounds and commending the achievements of role models for African American, Latinx, Asian American, and Women artists.

Complementing this program we will showcase blockbuster soundtracks, purely uplifting selections that will appeal to many different tastes and, why not, some surprises as well. This is truly an event not to be missed!” - Artistic Director and Conductor José-Luis Novo.

Learn more about our FREE Pops in the Park concerts on our website AnnapolisSymphony.org.

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07/17/2024

Mozart was a hot commodity both as a composer and virtuoso performer during his years in Vienna. In the short period between 1782 and 1786, commissions were coming in like a flood, and he was able to live quite high off the hog. In fact, he composed 17 concertos during this time.

In 1786, Mozart wrote two masterpieces in one month: the first was "No. 23 in A major K. 488", one of the most consistently popular of his concertos. At the time, Mozart was also writing the opera "Le nozze di Figaro". K. 488 has all the characteristics of a composer at the height of his powers, although Mozart was only 30 when he wrote it.

Mozart’s piano concertos are structured in three movements, the first usually the most complex and longest, followed by a slower, quieter second movement, and then a rondo or sonata. K. 488 follows this pattern. Slow movements in minor keys are uncommon in works by Mozart. An “adagio” marking is rare, too. Listen for these in the performance, particularly the bassoon’s imitation of the clarinet and violins. The restrained first movement, and slow sad second are followed by a glorious third that will keep our guest pianist Brain Ganz in constant motion.

Want to learn more, experience the music, and enjoy Brian Ganz - Pianist live at Maryland Hall or Strathmore? Purchase a FlexPass to enjoy your choice of 3 or 4 concerts in our 63rd sea*on. A FlexPass offers the most flexibility at the best prices and comes with other great perks. Learn more and purchase your FlexPass today. Single tickets for Masterworks I with guest artist Brian Ganz will be available starting August 1, 2024 on our website.

Learn More: https://annapolissymphony.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/patronticket__publicticketapp #/subscriptions

Photo: Pianist Brian Ganz at Strathmore.

07/08/2024

Our Sea*on 63 opening night is less than 12 weeks away, and we're counting down the moments until we kick the sea*on off with music by composer Tania León. In case you're not familiar with Ms. León's work, we'd like to introduce you.

Tania León (1943 – ) is highly regarded as a composer, conductor, educator, and advisor to arts organizations. Just a few of her accomplishments include:

✅ Founding member and first Music Director of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Founder of the Dance Theatre of Harlem's Music Department, Music School and Orchestra
✅ Founder of the Brooklyn Philharmonic Community Concert Series
✅ Founder of the Sampler Concerts series presented by the Whitney Museum of American Art at Atria.
✅ Co-founder of the American Composers Orchestra’s Sonidos de las Américas festivals
✅ New Music Advisor to Kurt Masur and the New York Philharmonic
✅ U.S. Artistic Ambassador of American Culture in Madrid, Spain.

Her awards include:
🏆 Chamber Music America’s 2022 National Service Award
🏆 Harvard University’s 2022 Luise Vosgerchian Teaching Award
🏆 A recipient of the 45th Annual Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime artistic achievements (2022)
🏆 Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations for Best Contemporary Classical Composition
🏆 2021 Pulitzer Prize in Music

We're kicking off Sea*on 63 October 4th and 5th at Maryland Hall and October 6th at Strathmore with León’s composition "Pasajes", written in 2022 in collaboration with New Music USA’s “Amplifying Voices” program. "Pasajes" recalls scenes from León’s early life in Cuba, including reminisces of the melodies of Latin American cultures, rhythms indicating the pulse of Caribbean culture, and the dances of carnival.

Purchase a subscription to 3 or 4 Masterworks performances today to save big and to access your favorite benefits. Explore our subscriptions on our website AnnapolisSymphony.org.

07/04/2024

❤️🤍💙 Happy Independence Day! Celebrate safely, with good friends, and - of course - good music 🎶.

Remember: today marks just about 8 weeks to Labor Day and Pops in the Park! See you there!

📸Inthe Tallgrass copyright

07/02/2024

It was on this day, July 2, 1964, that President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law one of the most significant pieces of civil rights legislation in history — the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

This courageous and necessary act prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, s*x, or national origin. The Civil Rights Act opened a world of possibilities for working artists, especially those inspired to create art that reflected activism against social injustices in society.

Maestro José-Luis Novo will commemorate this important anniversary in his Sea*on 63 artistic programming. He said: "The Civil Rights Act codifies the core humanitarian values that have made our society so much richer. Regardless of how people embrace diversity in their political views, without it, we wouldn’t have the art, music, or culture in our society as we know it now. Art is always leading the way. The music of Sea*on 63 is a good way to make a connection between art and life, so we can see the role art plays in bringing us to where we are.”

Many of the classical composers presented in Sea*on 63 wrote music that foretold diversity, inclusion, and equity in terms of origin, education, social standing, and ethnicity. Theirs were some of the first steps taken to ensure that the world we live in now increasingly makes this diversity a possibility.

Please join us in Sea*on 63 to experience all the rea*ons that Music Matters, especially in the inclusion of important contemporary composers like Leonard Bernstein, Tania León, Adolphus Hailstork, and Sonia Matos-Morales, as well as the classical works of social and cultural vanguards such as Mozart, Beethoven, Shostakovich, Mussorgsky, and Alberto Ginastera. We will be joined this year by guest artists Brian Ganz, Netanel Draiblate, Alex Kovling, Noah Bendix-Balgley, and Dalí Quartet, whose members come from Latin America. Finally, join us to celebrate the World Premier of Canadian composer Dr. Roydon Tse, a co-commission with the Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy of Music.

Learn more about Maestro Novo's artistic vision in our Sea*on 63 booklet. Click here: https://bit.ly/3L8LSBr

07/02/2024

Be sure to check out our friends over at Main & Market for your Pops in the Park picnic! Hey- why wait? They have THE BEST lunch and brunch- stop by today!

Mark your calendars and reserve FREE tickets at Quiet Waters Park for "Pops in the Park" on Sunday, September 1st at 5:30pm 🌳 Our friends at the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra are presenting the perfect end-of-summer concert for everyone in the family. Plan ahead and customize a catered picnic spread through Main & Market or keep things simple by calling ahead and ordering curbside pick-up from the cafe. 🎼🍔🥗🎻🥪🍰

06/29/2024

😍 Maestro José Luis Novo is not only the Conductor and Artistic Director of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. He's also a much-respected icon in our community, a cherished colleague, and a great friend to many!

🏆 This year we're celebrating 20 years of his leadership and impact. We want to hear from you! Please comment here with your favorite story, quotes, thoughts, or memories, or email us at [email protected]. DEADLINE: August 1

📸 Please feel free to post or email us your favorite photos too, as we're collecting them for a very special project. DEADLINE: August 1.

Thank you, and if you see Maestro out and about, be sure to congratulate him on 20 years at the A*O!👏 🎉

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06/26/2024

Our performances at Maryland Hall always begin with a friendly message "please silence your mobile device". Should your mobile device ring during a performance, you may invoke the hard stare 🤨 of Conductor José-Luis Novo, especially if we're recording the performance 😨. His response isn't unusual.

In 2009, Captain David Alpar and the The United States Air Force Band of Liberty commissioned composer James Stephenson to write Concerto for Cell Phone📱. It's a light-hearted commentary on interruptions that take place in a concert hall. The piece is cleverly derived from 6 popular cell phone ringtones, in which the ensemble accompanies the "cell-phonist." Concerto for Cell Phone is always a huge hit for performers and audiences!👏

🌳 Bring your friends, family, and neighbors to enjoy Concerto for Cell Phone - and 12 other pieces! - at Pops in the Park at Quiet Waters Park and Pops in the Park at Downs Park. These events are completely FREE and open to young, old, and everything in between! Please visit our website for more information and to register for raffle prizes: https://annapolissymphony.org/events/pops-in-the-park/

This event is made possible by The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County and Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks

📸 automicphantom7 Reddit

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06/25/2024

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra is Anne Arundel County's oldest and largest performing arts organization. We've been bringing beautiful music to our community since 1962. Join us in Sea*on 63 to celebrate this legacy, and the 20th anniversary of conductor José-Luis Novo's tenure at the A*O.

Subscribe now for a Masterworks, FlexPass, or Strathmore package to get the best seats at the best price, ultimate flexibility, and many other perks! Subscribe on our website.

This year's programming includes Amazing Guest Artists, Contemporary Composers, a World Premier by new composer Roydon Tse, Traditional Classical Music, Revered Favorites, and so much that's new and exciting!

SUBSCRIBE NOW! https://annapolissymphony.org/events-tickets/subscribe/

06/23/2024

🙋‍♂️ 🙋‍♀️ 🐾 Raise your hand if you've purchased your Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Masterworks, FlexPass, or Strathmore subscription for Sea*on 63!

If you're a returning subscriber who hasn't renewed, please remember that the deadline to keep your current seats is June 30 - 1 week from today!!! 📆

❗❗❗ After that date, any seats not locked in go on sale for new subscribers! Single ticket sales open on August 1, 2024.

🤔 What are you missing out on when you don't renew or purchase a new subscription? That's easy to answer: ALL THE PERKS!

Surveys show that our subscribers love ✅ choosing and keeping their seat all sea*on, ✅ locked in pricing, ✅ the ability to exchange tickets at no charge, and their ✅ 20% discount on Holiday Pops tickets. ✅ Plus, they really like being the first to know when we have exclusive drops, like the announcement for the next sea*on.

So hurry up! Get the best seats at the best price today - before it's too late!! Subscribe now on our website, or call the Box Office at 410-263-0907.

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05/29/2024

🌳 The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro José-Luis Novo, is pleased to present the perfect end-of-summer soundtrack for everyone in the family.

Mark your calendar now to attend our Pops in the Park concert, sponsored by Anne Arundel County Arts Council and Anne Arundel County Department Of Recreation and Parks. This concert is for FREE for all.

August 31, 2024 at 11:30am at Downs Park
September 1, 2024 at 5:30pm at Quiet Waters Park Stage
Rain Date: September 2, 2024 at 5:30pm at Quiet Waters Park

BYO blanket, chairs, and a picnic! Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in Anne Arundel County parks. Get all the details on our website at AnnapolisSymphony.org.

A special thanks to Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and Anne Arundel County Council members for your support!

05/23/2024

🎊 Oh what fun they had at Annapolis Symphony Academy Day at Maryland Hall last weekend! Check out their page for this photo dump and one other! Thank you to everyone who supported this great event! See you next year!

05/20/2024

This weekend, the Annapolis Symphony Academy celebrated ASA Day at Maryland Hall. 🌟What. A. Great. Day!🌟 More pictures, stories, and appreciation to come, but we wanted to thank FA*O - Friends of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra for their wonderful donation, presented by former President of the A*O Board of Trustees, Mr. Jim Cheevers to ASA founder Netanel Drailblate, Airline Violinist.

Photo: Richard Brown