The Annapolis Symphony is pleased to announce its 2016-2017 season, entitled “The Triumph of Music.” The season will open on September 30 and October 1 with a celebration before and after the pair of concerts featuring superstar violinist MIDORI.
The core of the season comprises five “Masterworks” concerts, each performed twice. This season, Symphony’s 55th, is inspired by the art of Marc Chagall, in celebration of the 130th anniversary of his birth. Two of his works in particular inspired the choice of pieces: the ceiling Chagall painted at the Paris Opéra Garnier, and his murals at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, called “The Triumph of Music,” the source of the season’s title.
The Symphony is honored and delighted to welcome Midori as our opening night soloist. A brilliant virtuoso and a passionate music educator, Midori has founded several internationally-recognized programs which bring classical music education to children and youth, especially from communities with little or no access to the arts.
“This season is particularly exciting to me,” says Music Director José-Luis Novo, “not only for the outstanding level of guest artists we are bringing, but also for the fascinating creative process I have experienced by immersing myself in the inspiring artwork of Marc Chagall and his vibrant world of colors.”
“Midori exemplifies two things the Annapolis Symphony cares deeply about,” reflects Executive Director Dr. Patrick J. Nugent. “One is world-class musical excellence. The other is a commitment to enriching the lives of children and youth with the rich heritage of classical music–especially children who have little access to it. We are deeply honored that she has chosen to play with our orchestra.”
Other soloists include James Ehnes, violin, Noah Bendix-Balgley, violin, concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, our own Fatma Daglar, principal oboist of the ASO, and pianist Christopher Janwong McKiggan.
The season will feature the American premiere of a new work by Chinese composer Zhou Long, a result of José-Luis Novo’s guest conducting in Asia.
Before the opening of our Masterworks season, the public is invited to join us for the annual Pops in the Park concert at Quiet Waters Park, Sunday, September 4, 2016, at 5:30pm.
December brings the much loved Holiday Pops concert on December 16 at 8:00pm, featuring the Sultans of String, providing “Energetic and exciting music from a band with talent to burn!” (Maverick Magazine, UK). Thrilling audiences with their genre-hopping passport of Celtic reels, flamenco, Gypsy-jazz, Arabic, Cuban, and South Asian rhythms, fiery violin dances with kinetic guitar, while bass and percussion lay down unstoppable grooves.
The Symphony’s annual Family Concert takes place on May 13 at 2:00pm, featuring the internationally-renowned Classical Kids program Beethoven Lives Upstairs.
Regular ticket prices for Masterworks range from $20-75. Student tickets are $10 in advance, $5 for student rush (1 hour before concerts begin). Prices for the Symphony’s least expensive seats have either been reduced or held steady, in order to make concerts more accessible to wider audiences.
All Masterworks concerts and Holiday Pops take place at 8:00pm at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts.
Subscribers get the best seats at the most affordable prices. Subscriptions to the five concert Masterworks Series range in price from $100 to $325 and are available by calling the Box Office at 410-263-0907 or in person at Maryland Hall Room 204. Single tickets go on-sale August 1, 2016 with prices ranging from $20 to $75 and student tickets available for $10.
Season support for the ASO is generously provided by Elizabeth Richebourg Rea, Maryland State Arts Council, Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, the Friends of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, and a host of other corporate, foundation and individual donors.
2016-2017 MASTERWORKS SERIES
OPENING NIGHT! September 30 & October 1, 2016 at 8:00pm
José-Luis Novo, conductor Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
Midori, violin
Beethoven Concerto for Violin
Berlioz Romeo and Juliet: Love Scene
Kodály Háry János
Dance Mix November 18 & 19, 2016 at 8:00pm
José-Luis Novo, conductor Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
Christopher Janwong McKiggen, piano
Dvořák Scherzo Capriccioso
Zhou Long Postures for Piano and Orchestra, American Premiere
Adam Giselle: Grand Pas de Deux from Act II
Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Suite
Prague, Paris, and Cologne March 3 & 4, 2017 at 8:00pm
José-Luis Novo, conductor Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
Fatma Daglar, oboe
Mozart Symphony No. 38 “Prague”
Martinů Concerto for Oboe
Mozart Magic Flute Overture
Schumann Symphony No. 3 “Rhenish”
A Symphony of Colors March 24 & 25, 2017 at 8:00pm
José-Luis Novo, conductor Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
James Ehnes, violin
March 26, 2017 at 3:00pm
The Music Center at Strathmore
Beethoven Fidelio Overture
Barber Concerto for Violin
Wagner Prelude and Liebestod (Tristen & Isolde)
Stravinsky Firebird Suite
Myths, Tzars, and Musical Giants May 5 & 6, 2017 at 8:00pm
José-Luis Novo, conductor Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
Noah Bendix-Bagley, Violin
Gluck Orpheus and Euridice: Dance of the Furies
Brahms Concerto for Violin in D Major
Mussorgsky Boris Godunov: Introduction and Polonaise
Prokofiev Symphony No. 7
POPS IN THE PARK September 4, 2016 at 5:30pm
José-Luis Novo, conductor Quiet Waters Park
The annual Pops in the Park concert is one of the Symphony’s most popular programs. Presented free of charge on Sunday, September 4, 2016 at 5:30pm at Anne Arundel County’s Quiet Waters Park amphitheater, it is a highlight of Labor Day Weekend. This family-friendly concert is perfect for all ages and features pops favorites and light classics performed by the entire orchestra. Food concessions will be available at the park. Concertgoers are welcome to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and a picnic meal or snacks. In case of rain the concert will be rescheduled on Monday September 5, 2016 at 5:30pm.
HOLIDAY POPS
Sultans of String – Christmas Fiesta December 16, 2016 at 8:00pm
José-Luis Novo, conductor Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
Celebrate the season with an adventurous musical trip around the world!
2015 JUNO Award nominees Sultans of String deliver an exuberant performance featuring originals, world-music inspired classics, and seasonal favorites to warm your heart on a cold winter’s night. From fiery fiddle tunes to a Caribbean sleigh ride, this surprising and delightful holiday fiesta heats up when Sultans of String bring their signature sound to well-known gems such as a Gypsy-jazz inspired Django Christmas, a Rumba-Flamenca fueled Jingles Bells, and a Turkish twist on Greensleeves.
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ASO FAMILY CONCERT May 13, 2017 at 2:00 pm
Classical Kids – Beethoven Lives Upstairs Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
José-Luis Novo, conductor
The critically acclaimed Classical Kids presents the world famous production of Beethoven Lives Upstairs featuring a lively exchange of letters between young Christoph and his uncle. Their subject is the “madman” who has moved into the upstairs apartment of Christoph’s Vienna home. Through a touching correspondence dramatically underscored with the composer’s most beautiful excerpts, Christoph comes to understand the genius of Beethoven, the beauty of his music, and the torment of his deafness.
Audiences are captivated by more than twenty-five excerpts of the master’s music, including the Moonlight Sonata, Fur Elise, and the great Fifth and Ninth Symphonies. The music is magically woven into the drama as two actors share their anecdotes and observations based on true incidents from the composer’s life.
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
The Symphony will again offer free Pre-Concert Lectures by Dr. Rachel Franklin at 6:45pm prior to each Classic Series concert. The talks feature a unique look at the repertoire to be performed at that evening’s concert. ASO education and outreach programs also include Educational Concerts, Music Van, Adopt-A-School, Symphony Study, and Ticket to Health.
JOSÉ-LUIS NOVO, MUSIC DIRECTOR
José-Luis Novo continues to instill a new artistic vision and leaves his personal imprint with the ASO and its growing audience. His continuous drive for excellence, innovative programming, and collaborations with some of today’s most respected guest artists have resulted in unprecedented artistic growth, enthusiastic reviews and a palpable sense of excitement. Highlights of Maestro Novo’s tenure include a 2006 debut concert appearance at Strathmore Hall, a performance with the world-renowned mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, a 2008 ASCAP Adventurous Programming Award, and the launching of the ASO’s first professionally produced CD commemorating the 300th anniversary of the signing of Annapolis’ Royal Charter.