February 25 , 2009
PenMar Development Corporation Partners with Maryland Symphony Orchestra to Present Annual Family Concert

Hagerstown, MD—The Maryland Symphony Orchestra has announced a partnership with PenMar Development Corporation for the annual Family Concert to be held on Sunday, March 1 at the historic Maryland Theatre in downtown Hagerstown.  This year’s concert is “Mozart’s Magnificent Voyage” and will be held in collaboration with the renowned theatrical touring company, Classical Kids Live! 

“The annual Family Concert is one of the most visible examples of the MSO’s commitment to music education and we were very excited to learn about PenMar’s desire to support this event,” says Vicki Willman, director of development for the MSO.  “This donation is especially important at a time when many corporate sponsors are reducing or cutting their funding to arts organizations.  PenMar recognizes that this concert is one of the few opportunities in the region for parents to introduce their young children to orchestral music and without adequate sponsorship or underwriting, there would be no Family Concert.” 

“We are pleased to partner with the MSO for its annual concert for families with young children,” said George Griffin, chairman of the PenMar Development Corporation.  “Those of us who live and work in Western Maryland and Southern Pennsylvania are fortunate to have a symphony orchestra in Washington County, as it adds so much to our quality of life.  The presence of a professional performing arts organization nearby helps attract employers and job seekers to the Fort Ritchie area.” 

The PenMar Development Corporation was established as a public instrumentality of the State of Maryland in May 1997.  Its purpose is to oversee the development of Fort Ritchie from a U.S. Army base to civilian uses. 

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra is 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 MSO is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.  An agency of the Department of Business and Economic Development, the MSAC provides financial support and technical assistance to non-profit organizations, units of government, colleges and universities for arts activities. 

For more information about the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, go to www.marylandsymphony.org