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“From the heart, may it again go to the heart,” an inspired Beethoven wrote above the opening “Kyrie” in the manuscript of his greatest choral work, the Missa Solemnis. The Washington Chorus and remarkable guest soloists Erika Grimaldi, Rihab Chaieb, Saimir Pirgu, and Marko Mimica join the NSO for this infrequently performed epic mass—a vast symphonic statement of mysticism, drama, and sacred intimacy.

“From the heart, may it again go to the heart,” an inspired Beethoven wrote above the opening “Kyrie” in the manuscript of his greatest choral work, the Missa Solemnis. The Washington Chorus and remarkable guest soloists Erika Grimaldi, Rihab Chaieb, Saimir Pirgu, and Marko Mimica join the NSO for this infrequently performed epic mass—a vast symphonic statement of mysticism, drama, and sacred intimacy.

You don’t need sets or costumes (or even live elephants!) to appreciate the magnitude and wonder of Aida, Verdi’s tumultuous tale of love and loyalty set in Ancient Egypt. All you need is a prima donna as spectacular as soprano Angel Blue, whose “voice perforated the hearts of her listeners and miraculously captured the tortured oscillations of Aida’s existence perfectly” (OperaWire), reported after a concert production led by BSO Music Director Jonathon Heyward with the Detroit Opera. This concert adaptation allows the beauty and drama of the original opera to soar on the symphonic stage.

You don’t need sets or costumes (or even live elephants!) to appreciate the magnitude and wonder of Aida, Verdi’s tumultuous tale of love and loyalty set in Ancient Egypt. All you need is a prima donna as spectacular as soprano Angel Blue, whose “voice perforated the hearts of her listeners and miraculously captured the tortured oscillations of Aida’s existence perfectly” (OperaWire), reported after a concert production led by BSO Music Director Jonathon Heyward with the Detroit Opera. This concert adaptation allows the beauty and drama of the original opera to soar on the symphonic stage.

### Event Description: BSO: Heyward Conducts Verdi’s Aida **Event Title:** BSO: Heyward Conducts Verdi’s Aida **Date and Time:** Saturday, June 15, 2025, at 3:00 PM **Location:** The Music Center at Strathmore **Event Overview:** Experience the grandeur and emotional depth of Verdi’s "Aida" as conducted by Jonathon Heyward with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. This concert adaptation of the classic opera brings the timeless tale of love and loyalty set in Ancient Egypt to the symphonic stage, allowing the music and drama to shine without the need for elaborate sets or costumes. **Featured Performers:** - **Jonathon Heyward:** Conductor - **Angel Blue:** Aida - **Melody Moore:** Amneris - **Limmie Pulliam:** Radamès - **Reginald Smith, Jr.:** Amonasro - **Mark S. Doss:** Ramfis - **The Washington Chorus** **Highlights:** - Soprano Angel Blue, renowned for her captivating voice, will perform the role of Aida, bringing the character's emotional turmoil to life. - The concert production has been praised for its ability to convey the opera's beauty and drama, as noted by OperaWire after a previous performance with the Detroit Opera. **Additional Information:** - This event is presented by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and not by Strathmore. - Strathmore is Global Biorisk Advisory Council STAR accredited, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all attendees. **Tickets:** - Tickets can be purchased on the BSO website. **Plan Your Visit:** - For more information on planning your visit, including directions, parking, and dining options, please refer to the Strathmore website. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of music and storytelling as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra brings Verdi’s "Aida" to life under the masterful direction of Jonathon Heyward.

The Washington Chorus joins Gianandrea Noseda and the NSO for three choral masterpieces by Brahms. Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny) and Gesang der Parzen (Song of the Fates) grapple with fate’s inescapable hand—one offering celestial consolation, the other a foreboding omen. Nänie, named for the Roman goddess, is a powerful requiem set to the poem by Friedrich von Schiller. These mesmeric works choral set the stage for a visceral finale: Schumann’s Symphony No. 2.

Experience the thrilling conclusion of the 2025-26 season with a concert performance of Verdi’s Rigoletto, featuring artists famous for bringing their roles to life on international stages. This is the second production of Music Director Jonathon Heyward’s ambitious four-year Verdi Opera Initiative.