Pictures at an Exhibition

Friends of Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and Art Farm present an extraordinary fusion of art and music “Pictures at an Exhibition” An Art Exhibit Featuring Works From APEX Arts and ArtFarm Studios Students Reflecting Themes from Modest Mussorgsky’s Classical Music Masterpiece, “Pictures at an Exhibition” January 8-February 2, 2025

In an extraordinary fusion of art and music, Friends of Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Anne Arundel County Public Schools APEX Arts and ArtFarm Studios have partnered to create a unique visual experience for the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s (ASO) upcoming performance of Modest Mussorgsky’s celebrated composition, Pictures at an Exhibition.

This creative initiative was inspired by Mussorgsky’s 1874 piano suite. Pictures at an Exhibition begins with a steadily moving Promenade (walking section) in which Mussorgsky depicts himself roving through an exhibition of the recently deceased Viktor Hartmann’s visual artworks in a museum, now leisurely, now briskly, at times sadly, thinking of his departed friend. The varied paintings range from baby chicks to a menacing fairytale witch, the solemness of catacombs, and the great gates of Kiev. Students from APEX Arts and ArtFarm Studios listened to Mussorgsky’s evocative music and translated its emotional and visual energy into stunning original mixed media artworks on wood panels.

The student artworks will be displayed at the Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library at 1410 West Street in Annapolis through January 28, 2025 and at Maryland Hall from January 29-February 8, 2025. The works will also be presented in a program booklet for the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Pictures at an Exhibition concerts at Maryland Hall January 31 and February 1, 2025, and Music Center at Strathmore February 2, 2025. Select artworks for each movement in the Pictures at an Exhibition symphony will be featured on large screens in the Maryland Hall auditorium while the orchestra plays. The project was made possible through a mini grant from Whole Lotta Love, a charitable effort by students for students

“This project showcases the power of creative collaboration,” said Alison Habraugh, ArtFarm Studios project lead. “It’s about bringing two art forms together to spark imagination and create something entirely new.”

“Friends of Annapolis Symphony Orchestra has long been committed to uplifting art and arts education through our work in the community, especially with Annapolis Symphony Academy,” said Ann Tran, FASO Board President. “We found a wonderful collaborative partner with Art Farm and APEX Arts in this exhibition that pairs the vivid mastery of Victor Hartmann’s visual art to Modest Mussorgsky’s timeless classical music, a piece that remains extraordinarily popular today, 150 years after it was composed.”

Exhibit Details

In the weeks leading up to the performance, the artistic exhibition will be on display in public spaces, providing the community with an opportunity to experience the harmonious blend of music and art in an innovative and accessible way and ensuring the community can experience the students’ artistic interpretations before the orchestral performance.

● January 8-28, 2025 Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library at 1410 West Street, Annapolis, Maryland

● January 29-February 8, 2025 Maryland Hall, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis, Maryland

Concert Details

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra will perform Pictures at an Exhibition, with guest artist violinist Netanel Draiblate in their third Masterworks concert of the season:

● January 31-February 1, 2025 at 7:30 PM at Maryland Hall. Tickets available by clicking here.

● February 2, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Music Center at Strathmore. Tickets available by clicking here.