A native of Fairfax, VA, DuBois is a violinist and a recent graduate of Carnegie Mellon University where she received a Master of Arts Management degree.  She graduated cum laude from Washington and Jefferson College with a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in music.  DuBois has held prestigious internships with the Pittsburgh Opera and Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts. 

 “I’m thrilled to combine my love of live music and passion for ensuring quality arts education in schools in this position,” says Dubois.  “I look forward to getting to know the community of Hagerstown and the surrounding areas to find ways to enhance the wonderful programs already offered by the orchestra.” 

 Under the direction of Music Director Elizabeth Schulze, The Maryland Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 30^th Season as the area’s premier professional orchestra, dedicated to providing musical performances that educate and entertain, while enhancing the cultural environment of Western Maryland and the surrounding region. 

 The Maryland Symphony Orchestra is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. 

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 This award-winning series of educational programs that introduces first, second and third graders to brass, woodwind, string and percussion instruments is held over the course of four Saturdays in February.  Children will have the opportunity to meet MSO musicians and hear them talk about the history of their instruments.  The musicians will also play for the students and allow them to get a feel for what it is like to actually play a clarinet or a trumpet or beat the bass drum.  Participants will learn some basic musical concepts while having fun as they experience the joy of music.

The series begins on February 4 with Strings and followed by Percussion on February 11, Woodwinds on February 18 and Brass on February 22.  Three sessions are held per Saturday:  9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.; 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.; and, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  This year three parent/child sessions have been scheduled. 

All sessions will be held at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 141 S. Potomac Street with the exception of the February 11 Percussion sessions which will be held on the stage of the Maryland Theatre.  Parking is available on the south side of the church property. 

 The fee for the entire series is $25 per child which is payable at time of registration.  All children must be accompanied by a parent.  “Symphony Saturday” t-shirts are available for an additional $8.  Please make checks payable to MSO Guild.  Deadline for registration is January 29.  Registration forms are available online at:  www.marylandsymphony.org/education/symphony-saturdays/  For more information, please call the MSO Office at 301-797-4000. 

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 The compositions being performed are the Overture from Mignon by Ambroise Thomas; Callirhoe Suite, op. 37 by Cecile Chaminade; Overture from Phedre by  Jules Massenet; L’Arlesienne: Suite No. 1 by Georges Bizet; Bacchanale from Samson et Dalila by Camille Saint-Saens.  Gabriel Pierne’s Piano Concerto, op. 12 will be performed by Edward Newman.

Critics have called Newman a musician of virtuosity and versatility, who combines the qualities of brilliant technique and a light touch of dazzling clarity with expressive lyricism.  The New York Times said of his recital debut at Alice Tully Hall:  “Not many pianists make their debuts with such technically demanding programs or dispose of difficulties with such apparent lack of strain. Mr. Newman produced a plush, singing tone, getting deep into the keys, even at brisk tempos.”   The Cleveland Press called him one of the “new breed of soloists…he has a marvelously brilliant way of playing.” 

He has given critically acclaimed performances in Europe, Australia and throughout the United States in solo concerts and with the Baltimore, Cleveland, Utah and National Symphony Orchestras, the Boston Pops and l’Orchestra du Bordeaux, l’Ensemble Instrumental de France and l’Orchestra Filharmonic de Gran Canaria.

 For ten years, Newman was the pianist of the American Chamber Players, an internationally known touring chamber music group, and performed throughout the United States and Canada on the group’s frequent tours.  Recordings of his performances with the American Chamber Players are frequently broadcast on National Public Radio’s “Performance Today.”  He appears often in recital with his wife, violinist Elisabeth Adkins, at such venues as the National Gallery and the Phillips Collection.

All ticket holders are welcome to attend “Prelude” which takes place one hour before each concert.  Schulze and the guest artists share information on featured composers and their works that will enhance concert-goers enjoyment and appreciation of the concert.  Program notes and audio clips of the musical selections being performed are available at www.marylandsymphony.org by clicking on “Listen to Program Notes” on the performance page. 

Tickets ranging from $15 to $49 may be purchased Online; in person at 30 W. Washington Street, Hagerstown (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.); or by calling 301-797-4000 during business hours.  Through a special Angel Ticket Program, students in grades 1 through 12 will be admitted free.  Student Rush Tickets are available for higher education students (no reservations accepted) at the Maryland Theatre Box Office before each performance for $5.00.  Seat selection will be at the discretion of the box office personnel.  The Maryland Theatre Box Office opens 90 minutes prior to MSO concerts. 

 The Gold Baton Sponsors are Hugh & Marty Talton and the Silver Baton Sponsors are Larry & Kelli Guillard and Jim & Georgia Pierne.  Conductor’s Circle Sponsors are Robert & Janice Cirincione; Edward W. Ditto, III, M.D. (In memory of Glenice Ditto); Dr. & Mrs. Edward Drawbaugh; Dr. & Mrs. Jay B. Greenberg; Aryeh L. Herrera, M.D.; Dr. Dona Hobart; Dr. & Mrs. George E. Manger; Dr. & Mrs. Neil O’Malley; Dr. & Mrs. Andrew J. Oh; Dr. Roberta Rothen; Dr. Tara A. Rumbarger & Dr. James A. Schiro; David & Suzanne Solberg; Dr. & Mrs. William T. Su; Dr. Paul C. Waldman & Dr. Mary E. Money and Howard N. Weeks, M.D.  Additional support is offered by Dr. & Mrs. Eldon Hawbaker and the Student Ticket Sponsor is Cape Air.  

 The Maryland Symphony Orchestra is also supported by a grant from the Maryland States Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. 

Under the artistic leadership of Music Director Elizabeth Schulze, The Maryland Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 30^th Season as the area’s premier professional orchestra, dedicated to providing musical performances that educate and entertain, while enhancing the cultural environment of Western Maryland and the surrounding region. 

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