Western Maryland’s only professional orchestra was founded 26 years ago by a small group of Washington County music lovers, turning the dream of a few into a vibrant reality that has entertained and educated thousands in the quad-state region. The Maryland Symphony Orchestra has grown to provide a dazzling variety of programs, from the grand musical treasures of the MasterWorks Series to the joyful offerings of the MSO Pops! and MSO Home for the Holidays; from the glorious sentimentality of the “Salute to Independence” Concert at Antietam National Battlefield to the exuberance and wonder of the Family Concert, Citi Youth Concerts, and Kinder Konzerts.

Barry Tuckwell, Music Director for the MSO’s first seventeen seasons, provided a solid foundation for the orchestra, bringing musical masterpieces to life for many who were unfamiliar with the beauty of classical music. Under the artistic leadership of current Music Director Elizabeth Schulze, new concerts and programs have been added and the repertoire has both broadened and deepened. By keeping in mind its mission - “to provide musical performances and programs that educate and entertain while enhancing the cultural environment of Western Maryland and the surrounding region” – the Maryland Symphony Orchestra remains one of the area’s greatest treasures.