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The Maryland Symphony Orchestra opens its 2025/2026 season with a celebration of the great orchestrators. Torke’s Bright Blue Music opens with vibrant, expansive sound, capturing the energy of life itself. Mahler’s Rückert Lieder, sung by bass-baritone Joseph Parrish, brings poetry and music together in a deeply emotional exploration of love and melancholy. The concert culminates with Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben, a dramatic and heroic orchestral journey that will captivate audiences with its sweeping narrative and bold sound. This program showcases the power of music, from vibrant and energetic to deeply reflective, through the works of three of the world’s most renowned composers.

Beethoven’s revolutionary spirit reshaped classical music, leaving an enduring influence on generations of composers. This program explores that legacy, beginning with his Leonore Overture No. 3, a powerful work that embodies his mastery of drama and transformation. Timo Andres’ The Blind Banister, a finalist for the 2016 Pulitzer Prize in Music, draws inspiration from Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto, reimagining its gestures in a strikingly modern voice. The program concludes with Emilie Mayer’s Symphony No. 7 in F Minor, a testament to Beethoven’s influence, echoing his bold harmonies and structural innovations while showcasing Mayer’s own compelling musical vision.

Celebrate the holiday season at the Maryland Theatre in Hagerstown with an evening of festive music and cheer. Home for the Holidays is a beloved tradition that brings families and friends together to enjoy classic holiday songs and the joy of the season.

This program reflects the profound connection between history, culture, and the human experience through music. Dvořák’s Wind Serenade opens the concert with lyrical beauty, capturing the timeless harmony between nature and the human spirit. Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson’s Sinfonietta No. 1 follows with bold, expressive themes that blend classical traditions with vibrant cultural influences. Ballard’s Incident at Wounded Knee offers a moving reflection on Native American culture, exploring themes of resistance, justice, and cultural resilience. The concert concludes with Haydn’s Symphony No. 64 in A Major, a jubilant and uplifting work that reminds us of the power of music to inspire hope and unity. Together, these pieces honor the voices and stories that shape our world, bringing their lessons forward into the present.

Step into the dawn of the 20th century, a time of innovation and artistic exploration. This program brings to life the dynamic sounds of a new era. Claude Debussy’s Fêtes captures the shimmering, inventive spirit of French Impressionism, while Amy Beach’s Piano Concerto, featuring pianist Ying Li, blends classical form with American originality. The concert concludes with Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2, a powerful work filled with grandeur and emotional depth, reflecting the hopes and challenges of a rapidly changing world. This concert celebrates the creative revolution that defined the music of the time.

The music of John Williams has taken us on thrilling adventures, from the vastness of space to the depths of the ocean, and through timeless stories that continue to inspire generations. Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the cinematic genius of John Williams, the maestro behind some of the most iconic film scores in history. This special concert features a selection of his most beloved compositions, including themes from Superman, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, and more. Experience the magic of these timeless melodies performed live by the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, bringing to life the sense of adventure and wonder that have made Williams’ music legendary.

The 2025/2026 concert season draws to a close with an exhilarating musical voyage across continents, cultures, and soundscapes. Join us for a vibrant exploration of the world, beginning with Ibert’s Escales (Ports of Call), which captures the energy of bustling international harbors. Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol and Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italian transport us to Spain and Italy with vivid, lively rhythms. The concert concludes with Respighi’s Pines of Rome, a journey through the eternal city, where the music paints a landscape from tranquil parks to the bustling streets. Through rich orchestral color and diverse influences, this concert invites you to experience the sights and sounds of the world.