News

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to announce the return of Symphony Saturdays! This FREE four-week program is designed to introduce children in Grades 1-3 to the magical world of orchestral music through performances, interactive activities, and hands-on exploration with our instrument petting zoo.

Each week, participants will learn about a different family of instruments, including strings, percussion, brass, and woodwinds. This engaging and educational program is a perfect opportunity for young learners to experience the joy of music and develop an appreciation for the arts.

Program Details

We’re excited to offer Symphony Saturdays in two locations this year!

Hagerstown

First Christian Church (1345 Potomac Ave, Hagerstown, MD)
Session Times: 9:30 AM or 10:45 AM
Dates:

• Strings: February 1, 2025
• Percussion: February 8, 2025
• Brass: February 15, 2025
• Woodwinds: February 22, 2025

Register online: https://www.cognitoforms.com/MarylandSymphonyOrchestra1/_2025SymphonySaturdays

Frederick

C. Burr Artz Public Library (110 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD)
Session Time: 2:00 PM
Dates:

• Strings: February 1, 2025
• Percussion: February 8, 2025
• Brass: February 15, 2025
• Woodwinds: February 22, 2025

📞 Register by phone: Call 301-600-1630

Special Bonus

As a thank-you for attending all four sessions, participating families will receive complimentary tickets to the Maryland Symphony Orchestra’s Bernstein & Mozart concert in March! Choose from the following performance dates:

• Saturday, March 15, 2025
• Sunday, March 16, 2025

Why Symphony Saturdays?

Symphony Saturdays is more than just a program; it’s a journey into the heart of music. Through live performances, hands-on exploration, and fun activities, children will connect with music in a way that inspires curiosity and creativity. By fostering a love for music at a young age, we aim to build a foundation that lasts a lifetime.

Don’t Miss Out!

Space is limited, so be sure to register today for the location that works best for your family. Whether in Hagerstown or Frederick, Symphony Saturdays promises to be a fun and enriching experience for all who attend.

We look forward to seeing you and your young music lovers at Symphony Saturdays!

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is thrilled to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, crafted by the talented team at DatAchieve Digital, based in Hagerstown, Maryland. This exciting development comes just in time for the MSO’s highly anticipated 2024-2025 concert season and coincides with the celebration of Music Director & Conductor Elizabeth Schulze’s 25th anniversary with the orchestra.

This launch marks the culmination of nearly a year’s worth of dedicated effort. From initial storyboards and preliminary patron feedback to detailed web design, development, and seamless integrations with our ticketing vendor, the new site has been meticulously crafted to enhance user experience. The modernized website features a more intuitive organization of content, allowing the MSO to effectively showcase the vital work we are doing within the community.

The redesigned website is not just a digital facelift; it represents a significant step forward in the MSO’s mission to connect with our audience and community. The site will serve as a comprehensive hub for information on upcoming concerts, events, and educational programs, reflecting our commitment to accessibility and engagement.

Elizabeth Schulze, who has led the MSO with inspiring vision and dedication for the past 25 years, expressed her excitement about the new site: “This new website is a testament to our ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence. It will greatly enhance our ability to share our passion for music with a broader audience.”

We invite you to explore our new website at www.marylandsymphony.org and discover all that the Maryland Symphony Orchestra has to offer. As we look ahead to an exciting new season, we are confident that this modernized web presence will help us grow and thrive in the years to come.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming performances.

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will present the annual “Salute to Independence” concert, an iconic event celebrating the spirit of American independence on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 8:00 PM, at the Hagerstown Community College (HCC) Alumni Amphitheater. This concert kicks off the 25th anniversary season of Music Director and Conductor Elizabeth Schulze.

Since its inception in 1986, the “Salute to Independence” concert has been a highlight of the summer season, attracting thousands of attendees from across the region. Recognized as “Maryland’s Most Patriotic Event” and listed among the American Bus Association’s “Top 100 Events in North America,” this free community event offers a unique blend of music, patriotism, and camaraderie.

The HCC Alumni Amphitheater, which accommodates 400 “stadium style” seats and additional lawn seating for approximately 2,000 guests, will open its gates at 6:00 PM. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spots for this highly anticipated event. The concert will begin at 8:00 PM and will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 10:00 PM, one of the largest in the region, rain or shine.

This year’s concert will be emceed by Ryan Smetzer, a well-known local personality. As the morning show host on Mix 95.1, a local DJ, and an entertainment personality, Smetzer brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the event. Having previously emceed this event, he is thrilled to be returning, adding his dynamic presence to the evening’s festivities.

The program for the evening features a stellar lineup of patriotic and classical favorites. Highlights include Aaron Copland’s “Hoedown” and the stirring “Fanfare for the Common Man.” John Williams’ “Liberty Fanfare” is set to inspire, while John Philip Sousa’s iconic “Stars and Stripes Forever” will bring a patriotic flair to the evening. The concert will also include the exhilarating “1812 Overture” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, setting the stage for the grand fireworks finale. In addition to these, there will be other great patriotic works performed, making the evening a musical tribute to American pride and resilience.

Join the Maryland Symphony Orchestra for an evening of unforgettable music and celebration. Bring your family, friends, and a sense of patriotism to the HCC Alumni Amphitheater on July 3rd, and be part of a tradition that honors the independence of our great nation. Remember, tickets are not required for this free event, so come early, enjoy the music, and stay for the fireworks!

For more information about the “Salute to Independence” concert and other upcoming events, visit the Maryland Symphony Orchestra’s website at www.marylandsymphony.org.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2024
• Time: 8:00 PM (HCC Campus Opens at 6:00 PM)
• Location: Hagerstown Community College Alumni Amphitheater
• Admission: Free
• Fireworks: 10:00 PM (Rain or Shine)

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate America’s independence with a night of music, community, and spectacular fireworks!

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The Maryland Symphony Orchestra thanks our generous supporters

EVENT PARTNERS

Hagerstown Community College

CONCERT SPONSORS

Middletown Valley Bank
John & Anna Hershey Foundation
Blue Ridge Risk Partners
Jim & Georgia Pierné
Washington County Arts Council
Washington County Government
CNB Bank
Anonymous

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is thrilled to announce the renewal of Elizabeth Schulze’s contract as Music Director and Conductor for another four-year term. This exciting news coincides with the launch of a year-long celebration of her 25th anniversary with the symphony, beginning in July.

“We are so lucky to have Elizabeth here with us,” said Kim Bowen, Executive Director of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. “The continuity that she continues to provide the MSO is a tremendous asset. I look forward to working with her to build upon the foundation she has created to ensure the MSO will serve our community well into the future.”

Jason Call, President of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, shared his enthusiasm as well. “We are so excited to have Elizabeth continue as our music director. For nearly 25 years, her musical talents have inspired audiences young and old through educational activities and concerts. We are thrilled to commit to another four years of magical music under her direction.”

Elizabeth Schulze expressed her gratitude and excitement for the future. “It is a joy and a privilege to continue my work with the brilliant musicians of the MSO. Along with my talented and dedicated colleagues on the staff and with the vision and direction of our board, I look forward to serving our community with great music for years to come.”

The 25th anniversary season promises to be a spectacular tribute to Schulze’s enduring legacy, featuring a selection of composers and works that hold significant personal and professional meaning to her.

Highlights of the season include:

• October: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 and Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
• November: Brahms’ Symphony No. 3 and Dvorak’s Cello Concerto
• February: Florence Price’s Symphony No. 3
• March: Bernstein’s Serenade after Plato’s Symposium and Mozart’s Symphony No. 40
• May: The season’s grand finale with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra invites the community to join in celebrating this milestone year. Schulze’s visionary leadership and dedication to musical excellence continue to elevate the MSO, making it a cultural cornerstone in the region.

For more information on the upcoming season and to purchase tickets, visit tickets.marylandsymphony.org.

ABOUT MARYLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Founded in 1982, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 43rd season as the area’s premier professional orchestra.  Under the musical direction of Maestra Elizabeth Schulze, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to providing musical performances that educate and entertain, while enhancing the cultural environment of Western Maryland and the surrounding region. Learn more: www.marylandsymphony.org

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is thrilled to announce the upcoming installment of our lecture series, titled Tracing the Musical Journey of Women Through History. This engaging event will take place on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 6:00 PM at Bulls & Bears Restaurant & Pub in downtown Hagerstown. Sponsored by Carl & Louise Galligan, the program will feature Dr. Laurie McManus from Shenandoah University.

During this free program, attendees will explore the challenges faced by women composers in Western male-dominated societies from the Baroque era to the present day. Guided by the insights of esteemed music historian and Associate Professor Laurie McManus, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how women were viewed as composers, the strategies they employed to promote themselves and their works, and the diverse genres and styles they crafted. Through insightful case studies and vibrant musical examples, Dr. McManus will bring to life the narratives of these pioneering women, offering a unique perspective on their resilience and creative prowess.

Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the dynamic roles women have played in shaping the classical music landscape. This lecture promises to be an engaging and enlightening experience, celebrating the often-overlooked voices that have enriched the tapestry of musical history.

Please note that dinner is not included with this lecture; however, a limited dinner and drinks menu will be available for attendees who wish to dine during the event.

To secure your seats, please RSVP through Eventbrite. Seating is limited, so early booking is recommended.

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About Maryland Symphony Orchestra: Founded in 1982, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 42nd season as the area’s premier professional orchestra. Under the musical direction of Maestra Elizabeth Schulze, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to providing musical performances that educate and entertain, while enhancing the cultural environment of Western Maryland and the surrounding region. Learn more: www.marylandsymphony.org.

Hagerstown, MD – February 29, 2024 – The Maryland Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is thrilled to announce its upcoming concert series, “Drum Roll, Please!” at The Maryland Theatre on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 7:30 PM, and Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 3:00 PM. The concert, led by Maestra Elizabeth Schulze, will feature MSO Concertmaster Robert Martin.

The program includes a captivating repertoire featuring works by notable composers such as Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga, Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Christoph Willibald Gluck, and Franz Joseph Haydn. The concert will showcase Arriaga’s dynamic “Overture in D major, Op. 20,” the dramatic intensity of Gluck’s “Overture to Orpheus and Eurydice,” and the thrilling percussion of Haydn’s iconic “Symphony No. 103 in E-flat ‘Drumroll.'” Audiences will also be treated to the lyrical beauty of Chevalier de Saint-Georges’ “Violin Concerto in A, Op. 7 No. 1,” featuring the virtuosic talents of MSO Concertmaster Robert Martin.

Robert Martin currently serves as Concertmaster of the MSO and is a member of the U.S. Army Strings, an ensemble of the United States Army Band, also known as “Pershing’s Own” in Washington, DC. His extensive and diverse musical background includes performances with the Philadelphia, Richmond, Delaware, Lancaster, and Princeton Symphony Orchestras, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, and Symphony in C. He has collaborated with touring artists such as Julie Andrews, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Bernadette Peters, Barry Manilow, Elvis Costello, Patti LaBelle, Luciano Pavarotti, Josh Groban, and K.D. Lang.

A native of the Philadelphia area, Robert Martin began his violin studies at age three with Rochelle Walton, a former teaching assistant to famed pedagogue Ivan Galamian. He later studied with Julian Meyer and Sylvia Ahramjian at Temple University’s Center for Gifted Young Musicians. At age 13, Martin made his solo debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra as the winner of the Albert M. Greenfield competition. He continued his studies with Zvi Zeitlin at the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music, where he served as Concertmaster of the Eastman Philharmonia and regularly performed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

Martin’s extensive and diverse experience includes performances with the Opera Company of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Ballet, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, Orchestra 2001, and the Baltimore and Richmond Symphony Orchestras. He has been a resident artist at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, California, and at the Bravo! Vail Valley, Skaneateles, and Vermont Mozart festivals. A member of The U.S. Army Strings since 2011, Martin has performed at numerous high-level diplomatic, political, and military events in Washington, D.C. He served as Concertmaster of the U.S. Army Orchestra from 2015 to 2021. Previously, he served as Principal Second Violin of the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia.

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra expresses deep gratitude to concert sponsor Deborah Bockrath, whose dedication helps make these performances possible.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the Maryland Symphony Orchestra’s “Drum Roll, Please!” concert. Tickets are available now and can be purchased online at www.marylandsymphony.org or by calling the box office at (301) 797-4000.
 

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About Maryland Symphony Orchestra: Founded in 1982, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 42nd season as the area’s premier professional orchestra.  Under the musical direction of Maestra Elizabeth Schulze, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to providing musical performances that educate and entertain, while enhancing the cultural environment of Western Maryland and the surrounding region. Learn more: www.marylandsymphony.org.

HAGERSTOWN, Md. – January 18, 2023 – The Maryland Symphony Orchestra (MSO) invites music enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the sheer beauty and diversity of orchestral music with the upcoming concert, “Romantic Serenades.” This captivating performance, presented by the MSO and conducted by Elizabeth Schulze, promises a rich and rewarding journey through the art of symphonic music.

Concert Highlights:

The program opens with Carolyn Shaw’s Entr’acte, a contemporary work that explores a wide range of textures and timbres, setting the stage for a dynamic and energetic experience. The concert seamlessly transitions into Bartok’s Divertimento for Strings, showcasing the intricate interplay of instrumental sections.

Next on the program is Strauss’ Serenade for 13 Winds, a piece that highlights the grace and charm of the wind section, creating a delightful auditory tapestry. The concert reaches its romantic and lush conclusion with Brahms’ Serenade No. 2, featuring soaring melodies and powerful brass and percussion.

Event Details:

• Event Name: Romantic Serenades
• Presented by: Maryland Symphony Orchestra
• Location: The Maryland Theatre
• Dates and Times:
  • Saturday, February 10, 2024 | 7:30 PM
  • Sunday, February 11, 2024 | 3:00 PM
     
• Featured Artist:
  • Elizabeth Schulze, conductor

Concert Program:

• Carolyn Shaw | Entr’acte
• Bartok | Divertimento for Strings
• Strauss | Serenade for 13 Winds
• Brahms | Serenade No. 2

Concert Sponsors: This concert is made possible through the continued generosity of an alliance of Medical Professionals in Washington County.

Dr. Robert & Mrs. Janice Cirincione
Dr. Jay and Roberta Greenberg
Dr. Rick & Mrs. Susanne Kass
Dr. George & Mrs. Connie Manger
Drs. James Schiro & Tara Rumbarger 
Dr. David & Mrs. Suzanne Solberg
Dr. William & Mrs. Kathleen Su
Dr. Hugh & Mrs. Martha Talton
Dr. Matthew & Mrs. Bernadette Wagner
Drs. Paul Waldman & Mary Money-Waldman

Ticket Information: Tickets for “Romantic Serenades” are available for purchase online at tickets.marylandsymphony.org or at the Maryland Symphony Box Office. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of symphonic beauty and reserve your seats today.

Join the Maryland Symphony Orchestra for “Romantic Serenades” and experience the depth and emotion of orchestral masterpieces in a concert that promises to captivate and inspire.

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About Maryland Symphony Orchestra: Founded in 1982, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 42nd season as the area’s premier professional orchestra.  Under the musical direction of Maestra Elizabeth Schulze, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to providing musical performances that educate and entertain, while enhancing the cultural environment of Western Maryland and the surrounding region. Learn more: www.marylandsymphony.org.