February 26, 2008
The Maryland Symphony Orchestra presents “Beethoven Lives Upstairs”

HAGERSTOWN, MD - - The Maryland Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Elizabeth Schulze will present the annual MSO Family Concert on Sunday, March 9 at 5:00 PM. This year’s concert, “Beethoven Lives Upstairs” is sure to be a treat for the entire family.

The highly-acclaimed production features a lively exchange of letters between young Christoph and his uncle. Their subject is the "madman" who has moved into the upstairs apartment of their Vienna home. Through a touching correspondence and beautifully performed excerpts, Christoph comes to understand the genius of Beethoven, the beauty of his music and the torment of his deafness. By the end of the recording young listeners have been touched by history, drama, music and fun.

Based on this award-winning recording, the Beethoven Lives Upstairs Symphony Concert is an imaginative way to introduce young audiences and their families to the life and music of Ludwig van Beethoven.

Audiences will enjoy more than twenty-five excerpts of the master's music, including the Moonlight Sonata, Fur Elise, the Fifth and Ninth Symphonies and several pieces Beethoven wrote especially for children. The music is magically woven into drama as two actors share their anecdotes and observations based on true incidents from the composer's life. This delightful concert and story performance is approximately 50 minutes in length and is recommended for audiences age six and up.

A free, pre-concert event sponsored by Washington County Free Library will be held from 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM prior to the performance. This event which will be held at the Washington County Free Library will include various games and activities. Children’s Librarian, Mr. Jeff, will read the “39 Apartments of Ludwig van Beethoven” and children will have the opportunity to make a French horn from a garden hose. Space for this event is limited. Reservations must be made in advance by March 5, 2008. Contact the MSO Box Office at 301-797-4000.

Ticket prices for the March 9 performance are $20 for adults and $12 for children age 12 and younger. For tickets and information contact the MSO Box Office at 30 West Washington Street in downtown Hagerstown, or at 301-797-4000. Information about the concert is available at www.marylandsymphony.org

The Platinum Baton Sponsor for this concert is JLG Industries, Inc. Gold Baton Sponsors are The Maryland Symphony Orchestra Guild and the Washington County Gaming Commission. The Silver Baton Sponsor is First Data.

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. An agency of the Department of Business & Economic Development, the MSAC provides financial support and technical assistance to non profit organizations, units of government, colleges and universities for arts activities.

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra is the area's premiere professional orchestra, dedicated to providing musical performances that educate and entertain, while enhancing the cultural environment of Western Maryland and the surrounding region.