The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is spreading seasonal cheer with its Holiday Joy Concerts this December. The concerts will feature festive favorites and special guest soloist Jonathan Pierce Rhodes, the celebrated young tenor known for his resounding voice and captivating performances.

The Holiday Joy Concerts will take place on Thursday, December 5 at 7:30 PM at Todd Hall Performing Arts Center in Wye Mills, MD, Saturday, December 7 at 7:00 PM at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, DE and Sunday, December 8 at 3:00 PM at the Performing Arts Center in Salisbury, MD

Led by Grammy Award winning Music Director Michael Repper, the concert program will feature a blend of orchestral holiday favorites and stunning vocal solos by Jonathan Pierce Rhodes. Audiences can expect a festive mix of timeless classics such as It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Winter Wonderland, and Sleigh Ride, as well as beloved carols like Silent Night and O Holy Night, performed by Rhodes. Also included in the program are the popular White Christmas, In the Bleak Midwinter, and a special rendition of T’was the Night Before Christmas, with a narrator.

Rhodes, a recent graduate of the Washington National Opera’s prestigious Cafritz Young Artist Program, is quickly becoming one of the most exciting voices in opera today. Known for his powerful stage presence and rich tenor voice, he has performed with top-tier companies such as The Lyric Opera Chicago, Opera Parallele, and The Glimmerglass Festival. This season, Rhodes will also make his Carnegie Hall debut and appear in several high-profile opera productions, continuing to earn rave reviews for his expressive voice and artistry.

The Holiday Joy Concerts will be a perfect way to celebrate the season with loved ones. With a blend of orchestral warmth, spirited holiday music, and world-class solo performances, this concert is sure to create lasting memories for audiences of all ages.

For tickets and more information, visit the Mid-Atlantic Symphony’s website at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

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ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, Delaware Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2024-2025 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, venues, times, and other information is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony is excited to announce its upcoming Woodwind Quintet concerts, part of the highly anticipated 2024-2025 “Ensembles Series.” These special performances promise to deliver a musical experience that celebrates the artistry and versatility of woodwind instruments. Concerts will take place on Sunday, October 20, at 4 PM at the Academy Art Museum in Easton, MD, and on Saturday, October 26, at 3 PM at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, DE.

This concert series is particularly noteworthy, as most of the repertoire is composed by women, and the performances will be delivered by an all-women woodwind quintet. The carefully curated program features a vibrant selection of works, including Barthe’s Passacaille, which showcases intricate variations on a repeating bass line, a form rooted in the Baroque tradition that highlights the lyrical expressiveness of woodwinds.

The program also includes Eyes by Jennifer Cafolla, a contemporary composer whose work often blends personal reflection with inventive soundscapes. In contrast, Claude Arrieu (Louise Simon)’s Quintette en Ut exemplifies early 20th-century French charm, balancing playful melodies with rich harmonies, making it a favorite among woodwind ensembles.

Kaoru Kawai’s Yukimushi evokes the delicate beauty of nature, drawing on traditional Japanese aesthetics, while Cécile Chaminade’s Four Encore Pieces presents Romantic melodies that have captivated audiences since their composition in the late 19th century.

Amy Beach’s Pastorale, one of the first successful female composers in America, is a poignant work reflecting her mastery of lyrical expression, reminiscent of the natural landscapes she cherished. Boris Agay’s Five Easy Dances adds a lively spirit to the program, providing engaging rhythmic patterns and a sense of joy.

Finally, Lina Mathon Blanchet’s Haitian Folk Tale celebrates the rich storytelling traditions of Haiti, offering a vibrant cultural representation through music that invites listeners into a world of narrative and emotion.

“We are thrilled to present this concert series, which not only showcases the exceptional talents of our musicians but also highlights the contributions of women composers” said Jeffrey Parker, Chairman of the MSO’s Board of Directors. “This program is designed to captivate both seasoned classical music lovers and those new to the genre. We invite everyone to join us and enjoy the allure and creativity of these remarkable compositions.”

Join us for an afternoon of exquisite music, where you can experience the vibrant world of woodwind artistry in a warm and inviting atmosphere. We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a memorable musical journey!

For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.midatlanticsymphony.org, by calling 1-888-846-8600, or at the door.

ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, Delaware Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2024-2025 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, venues, times, and other information is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra proudly opens its 27th season as the Delmarva Peninsula’s only professional symphony orchestra with a concert series titled “Violin Virtuoso.” This series will be held from September 26 to 29 across three venues: Easton, Maryland; Lewes, Delaware; and Ocean Pines, Maryland.

Maestro Repper describes the upcoming season as one filled with “energy, passion, and excitement,” highlighting the inclusion of world-class soloists, timeless favorites, and rare opportunities to experience works by under-performed composers. “There is something for everyone at the Mid-Atlantic Symphony, and we look forward to performing for you,” Repper says.

The “Violin Virtuoso” concerts will kick off with three performances, showcasing a blend of dramatic and triumphant music. The concerts will feature Johannes Brahms’ Tragic Overture, Alice Mary Smith’s Symphony in A Minor, and Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, performed by Grace Park, the celebrated winner of the Naumburg International Violin Competition.

Repper envisions the season-opening concerts as a journey from tragedy to triumph, starting with Brahms’ emotionally charged Tragic Overture and concluding with Mendelssohn’s exuberant Violin Concerto. Park, acclaimed for her artistry, passion, and virtuosity, will perform on a rare 1717 Guarneri violin. The San Francisco Chronicle has praised her as “fresh, different, and exhilarating,” making her performance of Mendelssohn’s concerto, known for its triumphant ending, a highly anticipated highlight of the series.

The concert series will also feature the rarely heard Symphony in A Minor by Alice Mary Smith (1839-1884), the first British woman to compose a symphony. Smith’s music, described by her contemporaries as “marked by elegance and grace … power and energy,” adds a distinctive and historically significant element to the program.

The “Violin Virtuoso” concert series will take place on:

Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 7:30 PM at Easton Church of God, 1009 N. Washington St, Easton, MD 21601

Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 3:00 PM at Cape Henlopen High School, 1250 Kings Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958

Sunday, September 29, 2024, at 3:00 PM at Community Church, 11227 Racetrack Rd, Ocean Pines, MD 21811

Tickets are available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org, by calling 1-888-846-8600, or at the door. For more information, please visit www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

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ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, Delaware Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2024-2025 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, venues, times, and other information is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra’s 27th season, entitled “Adventures in Classical Music,” celebrates its status as the Delmarva Peninsula’s only professional symphony orchestra. This season will include six Masterworks Series programs, consisting of 17 full orchestra performances, conducted by Grammy-winning Music Director Michael Repper, who is beginning his third season with the orchestra. Additionally, there will be four Ensembles Series Concert programs, consisting of eight performances, played by quintets and quartets from the orchestra’s woodwind, brass, and string sections.

The season’s first concert cycle, “Violin Virtuoso,” will be performed on Thursday, September 26 at 7:30 PM at the Church of God in Easton; Saturday, September 28 at 3 PM at the Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes; and Sunday, September 29 at 3 PM at the Community Church in Ocean Pines.

Maestro Repper envisioned the September concert as one of “Tragedy to Triumph.” It begins with Johannes Brahms’ Tragic Overture and ends with Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, performed by Grace Park, winner of the Naumberg International Violin Competition. Repper lauds Park as “one of the best violinists anywhere” and describes the Mendelssohn concerto as having “one of the most triumphant endings of all violin concertos.” Park will perform on a rare 1717 Guarneri violin. Renowned for captivating her audience with her artistry, passion, and virtuosity, the violinist has been praised by the San Francisco Chronicle as “fresh, different, and exhilarating” and by Strings Magazine as “intensely wrought and burnished.”

The concert will also feature the rarely heard Symphony in A Minor by Alice Mary Smith (1839-1884). Educated at the Royal Academy of Music, Smith was the first British woman to compose a symphony. At her death, The Atheneum described the Victorian composer and musician’s music as “marked by elegance and grace … power and energy.”

The 2024-2025 season will continue on October 20 and 26 with MSO Woodwind Quintet performances; November 8, 9, and 10 with the full orchestra performing “Fireworks of Fate” featuring Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 and No. 5 and Louise Farrenc’s Overtures No. 1 and No. 2.

The ever-popular “Holiday Joy” concerts are sure to excite and inspire the audience on December 5, 7, and 8, with the orchestra, featuring tenor Jonathan Pierce Rhodes, who is an award winner of the Metropolitan Opera’s Laffont Young Artists Program, performing holiday favorites. December concerts also include the perennial Holiday Brass Quintet ensemble on December 21 and 22, and the Toast to the New Year, New Year’s Eve concert with renowned soprano Kresley Figueroa, who is currently a member of the Kennedy Center’s Cafritz Young Artist Program.

The March 23 Elizabeth Loker International Concerto Competition at the Todd Performing Arts Center in Wye Mills will be a highlight of the season, featuring three young instrumental soloists performing, backed by the entire Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. Rare among global competitions, this past spring’s event attracted 155 instrumental solo musicians competing from 12 countries worldwide and 24 states.

The spring concerts continue with “Mozart’s Jupiter” featuring Mozart’s Symphonies No. 1, 40, and 41 on April 3, 5, and 6. Symphony No. 1 was written by Mozart as a child, and Symphony No. 41 was his final symphony, regarded as one of the most ingenious works of Western music ever written. It will be followed by “Romantic Triumph & Celebration” on May 8, 10, and 11, including brother and sister Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 (Italian) and Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel’s Overture, and Schumann’s Cello Concerto with Sphinx Competition-winning cellist Gabriel Martins. The MSO String Quartet will perform concerts on February 8 and 9. Concluding the season, the MSO’s Woodwind & Strings ensemble will perform on May 17 and 18.

Maestro Repper sums it all up with, “There’s something for everyone at the Mid-Atlantic Symphony, and we look forward to performing for you!”

ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, Delaware Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2024-2025 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, venues, times, and other information is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org

 The Board of Directors of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra extends their heartfelt congratulations to Julien Benichou, former Music Director of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (2004-2021) and Music Director of the Washington Opera Society and the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra, upon his being awarded the prestigious title and medal of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters). This honor was bestowed upon him by His Excellency Ambassador Laurent Bili on Thursday, June 20, during a distinguished ceremony at the residence of the Ambassador of France.

The Order of Arts and Letters, established in 1957 by the French Ministry of Culture, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the enrichment of the arts and literature in France and around the world. Julien Benichou’s knighthood is a testament to his exceptional influence and dedication to the field of music, both as a conductor and educator.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests from the arts and diplomatic communities, including fellow musicians, cultural advocates, and representatives from various artistic institutions. Ambassador Laurent Bili, in his address, praised Benichou’s contributions to the arts and his role in fostering cultural exchange between France and the United States.

As a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, Julien Benichou joins an illustrious group of artists, writers, and musicians who have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the arts. This accolade not only honors his past accomplishments but also anticipates his future endeavors in advancing the world of music.

“During his tenure as music director and conductor of the MSO, Julien Benichou was a spirited and tireless force who not only inspired the orchestra but led it to greater heights. We will always be grateful for Julien’s dedication to the MSO,” said MSO Board President Jeffrey Parker.

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ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, DE Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is delighted to announce the 2024 Legacy Award Recipients, honoring exceptional individuals who have significantly contributed to sustaining the Orchestra and providing resources to support their continued success and growth.

The first of the prestigious awards was presented to Mary Lou Tietz during the MSO’s Gala on Saturday, May 4th, at the Restaurant at Lighthouse Sound, just outside of Ocean City, Maryland. Mary Lou Tietz, who has dedicated 15 years to the MSO as a grant writer and fundraiser, was recognized for her unparalleled contributions to securing essential funding and organizing vital fundraising activities for the Orchestra. General Manager Dane Krich presented Mary Lou Tietz with the Legacy Award plaque, highlighting her critical role in sustaining the Orchestra’s mission and ensuring its continued excellence.

“Mary Lou Tietz’s unwavering commitment and expertise in fundraising have been instrumental in the MSO’s success. Her dedication has allowed us to continue bringing world-class music to our community,” said Dane Krich during the award presentation.

Following this, on Sunday, May 19th, after the Ensemble Series concert at the Academy Art Museum in Easton, Maryland, the MSO honored Jocelyn and George Eysymontt with the Legacy Award. The award recognized their generous and ongoing support of the MSO. The celebration included a special dinner in their honor at the Academy Art Museum, where the couple’s contributions to the Orchestra were warmly acknowledged.

“Jocelyn and George Eysymontt’s generosity and support have been and continue to be vital to the MSO. Myself and the entire board of directors, our staff, and the orchestra members are so very grateful for their unwavering commitment to classical music performance in our community,” expressed MSO Board President, Jeffrey Parker, during the event.

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra extends its heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Mary Lou Tietz and Jocelyn and George Eysymontt for their remarkable support and dedication. Their legacy is a testament to the power of community and the enduring impact of the arts.

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ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, DE Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra will present the Maryland and Delaware premiere of Peter Boyer’s “Rhapsody in Red, White and Blue” on Friday, May 3, at 7 PM at the Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, DE, Saturday, May 4, at 7 PM at the Performing Arts Center in Ocean City, MD. and Sunday, May 5, at 3 PM at the Todd Performing Arts Center at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, MD.

The musical composition, commissioned by and featuring world-acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Biegel, celebrates the 100^th anniversary of George Gershwin’s quintessential “Rhapsody in Blue” and will be premiered until 2026 in each of the 50 states to honor the 250th birthday of the United States of America in 2026. “The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, the Delmarva Peninsula’s only professional orchestra, is incredibly honored to premiere the work for both the states of Maryland and Delaware” said MSO Board president Jeffrey Parker.

Michael Repper, the Orchestra’s music director, is teaming with Grammy-nominated composer Peter Boyer for the performance.

The work is cast similarly to Gershwin’s in a single multi-sectional movement that captures propulsive energy, along with allusions to blues influences and lyrical evocations of American vistas. The piano soloist, Jeffrey Biegel, has created a multi-faceted career as a pianist, recording artist, composer and arranger.  His electrifying technique and mesmerizing touch have received critical acclaim and garnered praise worldwide.

The American theme of the concert will be continued with Aaron Copland’s classical composition “Appalachian Spring”.  The much- loved piece was originally composed as a ballet score for choreographer Martha Graham.  The music is imbued with Copland’s characteristic open harmonies, folk melodies, and rhythmic vitality, reflecting his intention to create a distinctly American sound.

The third piece in the concert honors our American Indians. ‘Chokfi”, the Chickasaw word for rabbit, is an important trickster legend within Southeast American Indian culture.  It was composed by Jerod Tate, a Chickasaw classical composer, for the Oklahoma Youth Symphony.   Different string and percussion techniques and colors represent the complicated and diabolical personality of this rabbit person, and incorporate a popular tribal church hymn as the melodic and musical base.

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, now in its 26^th year, will end its 2023-2024 season with  Woodwind & Strings ensemble concerts on Saturday, May 18, at 7 PM at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, DE, and Sunday, May 19, at 4 PM at the Academy Art Museum in Easton, MD

 WHEN and WHERE…

This concert will be performed at three venues on three days on the Delmarva Peninsula.

Friday, May 3 at 7:00 PM – Cape Henlopen High School, Lewes, DE

Saturday, May 4 at 7 PM – Performing Arts Center, Ocean City, MD

Sunday, May 5 at 3 PM- Todd Performing Arts Center, Wye Mills, MD

TICKETS

Individual tickets for this concert are $55 per person at each venue and are available at midatlanticsymphony.org.  The site also has information on group purchases and free tickets for students 18 years and under.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about the 2023-2024 season, or to order tickets, please visit www.midatlanticsymphony.org. Tickets may be ordered by telephone at 888-846-8600.

ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, DE Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2023-2024 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, venues, times, and other information is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra has elected Hanna Woicke and Bernice Michael to its Board of Directors. The orchestra’s mission is to inspire, enrich, educate, and entertain a diverse audience of all ages through live musical performances and to engage students in the world of music through its Outreach Programs. This mission is only possible with the support and guidance of a strong board of directors.

Hanna Woicke obtained her high school diploma in 1960 in Hamburg, Germany, and went on to pursue her MA in languages (English and Spanish) at the University of Saarbrücken, Germany. She later earned a high school teacher’s certificate for English, Spanish, and Social Studies in 1973.

Her international experiences began in 1973 when she moved to Beirut, Lebanon, to study linguistics at the American University. Unfortunately, her academic pursuits were disrupted by the civil war, preventing her from completing her studies. Undeterred, she moved to London, England, from 1976 to 1982, where she dedicated herself to teaching English to immigrant children.

In 1982, Hanna relocated to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and became a Founding Member of the NGO Rio Health Collective. She worked alongside a Catholic Priest in the slums, advising mothers on establishing pre-schools and contributing to community development.

From 1987 to 1995, she resided in Summit, New Jersey, where she served as a Counselor for the Rape Crisis Center and co-curated at the New Jersey Center for the Arts. Her commitment to community service continued as she co-founded the Friends of the Singapore Symphony during her time in Singapore from 1995 to 1998.

In the following years, Hanna moved to Washington, DC, where she worked as a Counselor at the DC Rape Crisis Center and served as the President of the NGO Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund from 1998 to 2007.

Since 2007, Hanna has been based in St. Michaels, MD, where she has contributed as a past Board Member of Chesapeake Music and the Academy Art Museum. Currently, she remains actively involved as a CASA (Court Appointed Advocate).

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Hanna is married and has two children and five grandchildren. Her life’s work reflects a profound dedication to education, community service, and the well-being of individuals in various parts of the world.

Bernice Michael has worked in Washington, DC, and earlier in New York as a Senior Vice President for the International Human Resources consulting firms of Drake, Beam, Morin, and Manchester Associates, responsible internationally for consultant training. In New York, she spent 15 years in corporate retailing (Bloomingdale’s and Coach), finishing as a Senior Vice President of Human Resources.

Bernice’s earliest career experience was in curriculum development, teaching at a laboratory high school affiliated with Queens College, and on the faculty of the English Language Institute, also at Queens College, where she received her BA and MA in Medieval English, working with international students. She has also served as an adjunct instructor at New York University and Adelphi University.

In 1999, Bernice and her husband, Jerry, moved to St. Michaels, where she established her own consultancy, which included ten years of managing and facilitating Marriott’s senior executive development conference at Aspen Wye River. Also, a board member of Chesapeake Music, she chaired the Chamber Music Festival for five years, overseeing significant growth. She has also served as Co-Chair of the Aspen Wye Fellows, a series drawing distinguished speakers on world affairs to the Eastern Shore. She is currently a docent at the Academy Art Museum in Easton.

Board President Jeffrey Parker said, ‘The addition of both Hanna Woicke and Bernice Michaels will reinforce and strengthen an already motivated and ambitious board of directors. We welcome them and look forward to all that they will bring to our great organization.”