May 12, 2009
Maryland Symphony Orchestra Announces Schedule for 28th Season; Season Subscriptions on Sale Now!

Hagerstown, MD—The Maryland Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Elizabeth Schulze have announced the programming for the 2009-2010 Season, Life Takes Music. 

The 28th Season officially gets underway on Saturday, September 26 when veteran Broadway stars Debbie Gravitte, Jan Horvath and Christiane Noll join the MSO for a unique and exciting evening of musical theatre favorites during the annual Pops! Concert, “Three Broadway Divas.”

The Masterworks Series begins on Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11 and will feature guest artist Elena Urioste performing Barber’s Violin Concerto.  Also on the program will be Svoboda’s Overture of the Season and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 6 in D. 

On Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15 the MSO’s principal cellist, Lukasz Szyrner, will be featured in the second Masterworks concert performing Shostakovich’s poignant Violincello Concerto No 1.  Other selections performed will be Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E-flat and Coriolan Overture. 

“Home for the Holidays,” the region’s favorite holiday tradition, will be held on Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20.  This joyful celebration will feature Christmas classics that audience members of all ages will enjoy.  Special guest artists will be announced at a later date. 

The Masterworks Series will continue on Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14 when the MSO offers a Valentine’s gift of romantic, love-themed music. Prokofiev, Grieg, Bizet, Strauss and Verdi are just some of the composers whose works will put audience members in the mood for romance. 

A season highlight is always the “Family Concert” which features the renowned touring company, Classical Kids Live!  On Sunday, March 7 professional actors will be paired up with the MSO to present Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery, a compelling story about an orphan girl searching for her roots in 18th Century Venice. 

Guest artist Thomas Pandolfi, one of the finest pianists of his generation, will perform Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 during the fourth Masterworks concert on Saturday March 20 and Sunday, March 21.  Chabrier’s Fete Polonaise and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 3 in D will also be performed by the MSO. 

The Season will come to a magnificent climax on Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25 with Mahler’s Symphony No. 5.  This will be the MSO’s first performance of this masterpiece.  Concertmaster Robert Martin will be the featured soloist in one of the most celestial pieces ever written for the violin, Beethoven’s Romance No. 2 in F.  Weber’s Overture to Euryanthe will also be played. 

All performances are held at the Maryland Theatre in downtown Hagerstown.  The Masterworks Series is on Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 3:00 p.m.  The Pops! Concert begins at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday evening and the “Home for the Holidays” Concert begins at 7:00 p.m. Saturday evening and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.  The Family Concert will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.

Music Director Elizabeth Schulze will, once again, provide insights into the music, musicians and composers during “Prelude” which is held one hour prior to every Masterworks performance.  The half-hour talk is free to all ticket holders. 

Season subscriptions are on sale now and may be purchased by calling 301-797-4000 or in person at 30 West Washington Street, Hagerstown.  Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Season subscribers enjoy such benefits as priority seating, free ticket replacement and flexible ticket exchanges while receiving significant savings off regular single ticket prices.  Visit www.marylandsymphony.org for more information on The Maryland Symphony Orchestra. 

First time subscribers save 50% off the regular price on the Masterworks Series of five concerts.  Group discounts and student tickets are also available. 

Single tickets for all concerts will be available online beginning August 15 or they may be purchased by phone or in person beginning Monday, August 17. 

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