Hagerstown, MD—Music Director Elizabeth Schulze will lead members of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra in performing the works of six composers from the Baroque Period during its Masterworks 2 concerts, “Masters of Baroque,” on Saturday, November 12 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 13 at 3:00 p.m. at the historic Maryland Theatre in downtown Hagerstown. 

 The compositions being performed are Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major; Johann Sebastian Bach’s Suite No 1, C Major; Arcangelo Corelli’s Concerto grosso op.6, No. 11 in B-flat; Giovanni Battista Pergolesi’s Sinfonia in F Major; Antonio Vivaldi’s Concerto for Violin, 2 Horns, 2 Oboes and Bassoon in F Major; and, George Frideric Handel’s Royal Fireworks Suite. 

 This concert will showcase the artistry and superb virtuosity of the MSO’s musician’s and will feature Heather Austin Stone, Marissa Murphy and Joanna Owen (violins); Jessica Sammis (cello); Joseph Lovinsky and Sean Hagen (horns); Fatma Daglar and David James (oboes); Karen Smith Manar (bassoon) and Wayne Wold (harpsichord) as soloists. 

 Although the baroque period ended over 250 years ago, vestiges of the era can be heard everywhere.  Some of the most influential and beloved compositions are regularly performed in concert halls and a wealth of recordings make the baroque available on demand.  Many of the musical genres still in use today like the oratorio, concerto and opera originated in this period. 

Twentieth century composers such as Ralph Vaughan Williams, Igor Stravinsky and Benjamin Britton paid homage to the baroque in their works.  Its influence can even be heard outside the realm of classical music.  The free movement between solo and group in jazz is sometimes compared to baroque music and snippets of Bach and Vivaldi frequently appear in the solos of heavy metal guitarists.  Baroque music changed music history forever. 

All ticket holders are welcome to attend Prelude which takes place one hour before each concert.  Schulze will 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. 

 Concert 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.  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 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 performances.

 Conductor’s Circle Sponsors are Tony & Maria Dahbura, Jeanne & Mack Davis and Marshfield Associates.  Silver Baton Sponsors are Barbara & Tom Henderson. 

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

 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. 

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