Annapolis Symphony Orchestra

Annapolis Symphony Orchestra is a professional symphony orchestra based in Annapolis, Maryland, founded in 1969 by William Strickland and a group of local musicians, including Leon Fleisher and Isaac Stern. The orchestra has performed with renowned guest artists such as Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, and Renée Fleming. As a member of the League of American Orchestras, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra has collaborated with other prominent orchestras, including the National Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra has also been recognized for its contributions to the local arts scene, receiving awards from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County.

● History

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra was established in 1969, with its first concert taking place at the United States Naval Academy's Dahlgren Hall. The orchestra's early years were marked by performances with notable guest conductors, including Leonard Bernstein and Erich Leinsdorf. In the 1980s, the orchestra began to tour regularly, performing at venues such as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. The orchestra has also participated in festivals, including the Tanglewood Music Festival and the Aspen Music Festival. Throughout its history, the orchestra has been supported by organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the Maryland Arts Council, and has collaborated with other local arts groups, including the Annapolis Opera and the Ballet Theatre of Maryland.

● Music Directors

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra has had several music directors throughout its history, including Gisèle Ben-Dor, Leslie B. Dunner, and José-Luis Novo. Each music director has brought their own unique perspective and style to the orchestra, with Gisèle Ben-Dor introducing the orchestra to the music of Alberto Ginastera and Astor Piazzolla. The orchestra's current music director, José-Luis Novo, has led the orchestra in performances of works by Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The orchestra has also worked with guest conductors, including Marin Alsop, Gustavo Dudamel, and Christoph Eschenbach, and has performed with soloists such as Lang Lang, Joshua Bell, and Anne-Sophie Mutter.

● Performances and Repertoire

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra performs a wide range of repertoire, from classical works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Franz Schubert to contemporary pieces by John Adams and Steve Reich. The orchestra has also premiered works by local composers, including Dominick Argento and Jennifer Higdon. In addition to its classical concerts, the orchestra has performed pops concerts featuring music from Broadway shows and Hollywood films, including The Wizard of Oz and Star Wars. The orchestra has collaborated with other ensembles, such as the United States Naval Academy Glee Club and the Annapolis Chorale, and has performed at events such as the Annapolis Arts Festival and the Maryland Seafood Festival.

● Education and Community Outreach

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra is committed to education and community outreach, offering a range of programs for students and adults. The orchestra's Youth Concerts series introduces young people to classical music, featuring works by George Gershwin and Duke Ellington. The orchestra also offers Masterclasses and Workshops with guest artists, including Midori and James Galway. The orchestra's Community Concerts series brings free concerts to underserved communities, featuring music by Antonio Vivaldi and Felix Mendelssohn. The orchestra has also partnered with local organizations, including the Annapolis Public Library and the Anne Arundel County Public Schools, to provide music education programs and resources.

● Venue and Facilities

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra performs at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, a state-of-the-art concert hall located in Annapolis, Maryland. The hall features excellent acoustics and a intimate seating arrangement, making it an ideal venue for classical music performances. The orchestra has also performed at other venues, including the United States Naval Academy's Dahlgren Hall and the Annapolis City Dock. The orchestra's administrative offices are located in Annapolis, Maryland, and the orchestra rehearses at the Annapolis High School and the Broadneck High School. The orchestra has also used facilities at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and the Towson University for rehearsals and performances. Category:American orchestras