Annapolis Symphony Orchestra

Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. Founded in 1962, it is the resident professional orchestra of Annapolis, the capital city of Maryland. The orchestra performs its main concert series at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, presenting a repertoire spanning from the Baroque era to contemporary works. It is recognized as a cornerstone of the cultural landscape in the Chesapeake Bay region, engaging audiences through performances, educational initiatives, and community partnerships.

History

The orchestra was established by a group of local musicians and community leaders, with its inaugural concert performed in 1962 under the baton of its first music director, Leon Fleisher. Early support from civic organizations and the patronage of prominent Annapolis families were instrumental in its formation. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, under subsequent leadership including Peter Bay and Gisele Ben-Dor, the ensemble expanded its season and professionalized its operations. A significant milestone was its move to the newly renovated Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in 1979, providing a permanent home. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw continued artistic growth, collaborations with notable soloists like Marvin Hamlisch and Christopher O'Riley, and a strengthening of its role within the Washington-Baltimore arts corridor.

Music Directors

The artistic vision of the orchestra has been shaped by a succession of music directors. Founding Music Director Leon Fleisher, a renowned pianist and conductor, set the initial artistic standard during his tenure. He was followed by Peter Bay, who later led the Austin Symphony Orchestra, and then Gisele Ben-Dor, who subsequently held posts with the Boston Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra and the Santa Barbara Symphony. Leslie B. Dunner served from 1999 to 2007, bringing expertise from his work with the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Chicago Sinfonietta. The current Music Director, José-Luis Novo, appointed in 2005, has significantly extended his tenure, championing diverse programming that includes works by Jennifer Higdon, Joan Tower, and Aaron Copland.

Performances and Venues

The orchestra's primary performance venue is the historic Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, a former high school transformed into a cultural center. Its flagship Masterworks series features classical symphonic repertoire, while the Pops series offers lighter fare, often featuring guest artists from the worlds of Broadway and jazz. The ensemble also performs in notable community locations such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Merrill Center and the United States Naval Academy Chapel. Special concerts, including holiday programs and film series events accompanying movies like *Harry Potter*, are regularly presented. The orchestra frequently collaborates with regional institutions, including the Annapolis Chorale and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

Education and Outreach

Educational programming is a central pillar of the orchestra's mission. Its flagship initiative, the **ASO Kids** program, introduces thousands of Anne Arundel County Public Schools students to live symphonic music each year through in-school ensembles and youth concerts. The **Side-by-Side** program allows advanced student musicians from local schools and colleges like St. John's College to rehearse and perform alongside professional musicians. The organization also offers pre-concert lectures, open rehearsals, and masterclasses led by visiting artists. Partnerships with organizations such as the Annapolis Opera and the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra further extend its community impact.

Organization and Funding

The orchestra operates as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization governed by a board of directors. Its operations are supported by a combination of earned revenue from ticket sales, generous contributions from individual donors and corporate sponsors like PNC Financial Services, and grants from arts agencies including the Maryland State Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. The volunteer Annapolis Symphony Orchestra League plays a crucial role in fundraising and audience development. The musicians are professionals contracted under agreements with the American Federation of Musicians, representing locals from the Baltimore-Washington region.

Category:Musical groups from Maryland Category:Performing arts in Annapolis, Maryland Category:Symphony orchestras in the United States