Check Out the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Outreach/Education Programs In Action

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Gabriela Lena Frank at Key School in Annapolis

Gabriela Lena Frank at Key School in Annapolis

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Grammy Award-Winning Composer-In-Residence Gabriela Lena Frank visited with students at Key School in Annapolis, MD in November. See pictures of her in action at the school here. Frank’s visit to the school is part of the ASO’s educational and community outreach efforts. For more information on these efforts click here.

Frank comes to the ASO courtesy of a grant from Music Alive, the partnership program of the League of American Orchestras and Meet the Composer. The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra is just one of five orchestras nationwide selected to receive a Music Alive composer-in- residence grant.

 

 

Great News: ASO CD Recording Engineer Receives A Grammy Nod

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Good luck to Bruce Egre, head of the Cleveland Institute of Music Audio Recording Department.  He received a Grammy nomination for the Brentano Quartet’s recording of the Beethoven String Quartets, Op. 127 and Op. 131. The category is “Best engineered album, classical.” Bruce was the recording engineer for the ASO’s recent CD, “Three Symphonic Centuries.” For information on this CD, contact the ASO at 410-269-1132.

ASO Announces 2013 Ball Presenting Sponsor and Unique Theme

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ASO's 2013 Ball

Paul LaRochelle, Sheehy Lexus of Annapolis, Jib Edwards, The Severn Companies, Maestro José-Luis Novo, Katie Edwards, Annapolis Pediatrics, Katharene Snavely, ASO Executive Director

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is thrilled to announce the Baltimore-Annapolis Lexus Dealers as presenting sponsor for the ASO’s 2013 Symphony Ball. This special event will feature a playful theme with a unique twist and is the ASO’s largest annual fundraiser.

“The Symphony Ball is one of the events we look forward to being part of each year,” states Paul LaRochelle, Lexus of Annapolis. “It’s a tremendous way for Lexus to be involved in the local community and to be associated with one of the most respected organizations in Anne Arundel County. Additionally, many of the ASO’s constituents are loyal Lexus customers. Supporting an organization that has special meaning to our clients is a great way for us to show our appreciation for their business!”

Serving as co-chairs of this year’s ASO Ball are Jib Edwards, President at The Severn Companies, and Katie Edwards, pediatrician at Annapolis Pediatrics. The Edwards are devoted supporters of the ASO. Jib’s parents, Patricia and Arthur Edwards, have been involved with the ASO for over 40 years. Last May, Arthur Edwards passed away so this year’s Ball will include a special tribute to him. Says Katharene Snavely, Executive Director of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, “Arthur absolutely loved attending this event and dancing the night away. It is hard to imagine him not being there. We are happy to have his son and daughter-in-law co-chairing the event and doing so in his honor.”

The tribute to Mr. Edwards has been incorporated into the event theme. “My dad’s trademark was wearing a bow tie, so we’ve designated ‘Bow Tie Under the Big Top’ as this year’s Ball theme,“ states Jib Edwards. “It’s going to be quite a festive celebration, and we’ll be encouraging guests to wear their favorite – and perhaps most fun – bow tie. I can’t wait to see a room full of bow ties. Dad would have loved that!”

Additional support for the 2013 “Bow Tie Under the Big Top” event has also been pledged from the following sponsors: ARINC, BB&T, Lockheed Martin and The Severn Companies. The event which features a cocktail hour, silent and live auctions, a gourmet dinner, live music and dancing will take place on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the Loews Hotel in Annapolis. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and live and silent auction item donations are welcome. All proceeds support the artistic programming for the ASO.

Tickets are $225 pp and will be available for purchase after January 1, 2013. For more information, contact Katharene Snavely at the ASO at 410-269-1132.

ASO Presents Swingin’ Season’s Greetings with Tony DeSare

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Tony DeSare, guest artist for the ASO’s Holiday Pops concert

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra continues its 2012-2013 season at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis, MD on Friday December 14, 2012, at 8 PM with its holiday pops concert. Under the musical direction of Maestro José-Luis Novo, the ASO will be accompanied by acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter, Tony DeSare.  This show is a wonderful blend of festive holiday favorites and original music by Mr. DeSare that will get you in the mood for the holiday season.

Check out an entertaining version of Jingle Bells by Mr. DeSare here: Tony DeSare Jingle Bells

Tony DeSare performs with infectious joy, wry playfulness, and robust musicality. His takes on classic standards and sophisticated original compositions have earned him a reputation as one of country’s hottest young singer/pianists. His sound is romantic, swinging and sensual, but what sets Tony apart is his ability to write original material that sounds fresh and at the same time blends seamlessly with the great American songbook. Tony has the capability to glide from a standard by George Gershwin to a contemporary classic by Bob Dylan or Phil Collins to one of his inventive original songs with ease.

Adult tickets are $45 and student tickets are $10. Tickets can be purchased through the ASO website at www.annapolissymphony.org, by calling 410-263-0907, or by stopping by the ASO Box Office in room 204 at Maryland Hall in Annapolis, Monday through Friday, 9:30am – 5:30pm.

 

Wow! What A Concert!

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Cellist Zuill Bailey (left), ASO Executive Director Katharene Snavely (center), and Maestro José-Luis Novo (right)

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) performed with guest artist – acclaimed cellist Zuill Bailey – on Friday, November 2 and Saturday, November 3 at MD Hall for the Creative Arts. The reviews are still coming in, but by all accounts thus far, this performance – full of energy and drama – was an absolute hit with audiences! The concert – the second in the ASO’s 2012-2013 season – not only delivered an incredible performance by Maestro José-Luis Novo, his musicians and guest artist Bailey, but also featured the premier of Requiem for a Magical America: El Día de los Muertos - a piece created by ASO Composer-in-Residence Gabriela Lena Frank. Commenting on Frank’s composition, The Capital writes, “Her piece for the last weekend’s concert is one of her best efforts to date.” Read the full article here.

The ASO’s next concert is Friday, December 14, 2012. This “Holiday Pops – Swingin’ Seasons Greetings” show will feature singer, pianist, and songwriter Tony DeSare with the ASO. It will be a wonderful blend of holiday cheer and swing standards with an energetic flair that only a big band can provide. One night only! More information can be found at the ASO’s website here.

 

Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Participates in “Arts Against Hunger”

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Musicians come together to form a symphony. Dancers come together to perform a ballet. Voices come together to sing.  Now, all of them are coming together for a worthy cause. Several Anne Arundel County arts organizations – along with Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts and Hard Bean Coffee & Booksellers – are hosting a food drive to benefit Anne Arundel County Food Bank. The “Arts Against Hunger” Campaign runs October 15 through December 17, 2012.

“There are 25,000 adults and children in our community who don’t know where their next meal is coming from. That is unacceptable,” notes Katharene Snavely, Executive Director of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. “Our symphony has over 70 musicians and Continue reading →

The Capital Reviews the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Opening Night and says, “Fantastic Prokofiev – even better Beethoven!”

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British pianist, Michael Roll, with opening night ASO concert-goer Lysa Campo (left), her budding young pianist daughter, Katie, and Michael's wife, Juliana

On Friday, September 28 and Saturday, September 29, 2012, the  Annapolis Symphony Orchestra - under the direction of Maestro José-Luis Novo – kicked off its 51st season with guest artist, British pianist Michael Roll. Near sell-out crowds filled the performance auditorium at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis for musical performances that received rave reviews from Anne Arundel County newspaper – The Capital. Read The Capital’s review of the performances here.

Meet Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Guest Artist: British Pianist Michael Roll

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Michael Roll, British pianist, will perform with the ASO on Sept 28 & 29

Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Katharene Snavely sat down this week with British pianist Michael Roll who will be performing with the ASO at this weekend’s concerts. Check out this casual interview here.  

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Prepares for its Season Opener

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Maestro José-Luis Novo and the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra prepare for this weekend’s concerts

José-Luis Novo and the approximately 70 other musicians from the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra have been diligently practicing this week to perfect their performance for Friday, September 28th/Saturday, September 29th’s 2012-2013 season opening concert. The concert will feature guest artist British Pianist Michael Roll. The concert will be held at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis, Maryland and tickets are as low as $10 for students and $25 for the general public.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR CONCERT-GOERS: Visit PALADAR LATIN KITCHEN AND RUM BAR (located in the Annapolis Towne Centre) within seven days of this weekend’s concert, present your ticket stub, and get $10 OFF YOUR CHECK. (One per table.)

Don’t have a ticket yet? Call the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Box Office today at 410-263-0907 or visit the ASO website here.

Maestro José-Luis Novo Talks About the Upcoming New Season

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Comcast Newsmakers’ Kellye Lynn talks with Maestro Jose-Luis Novo, Music Director and Conductor of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, about the upcoming 2012-2013 Season Opening Concerts, happening September 28th and 29th, at 8pm at the Maryland Hall for Creative Arts. Check out the video here:

http://www.comcastnewsmakers.com/video/annapolis-symphony-orchestra/