Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Announces 2026–27 Season: In Nature’s Realm

News

ASO’s 65th Anniversary Season explores music, nature, and connection at Maryland Hall in Annapolis, The Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, and in parks and other public spaces across Anne Arundel County

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) announces its 2026–27 season, marking the Orchestra’s 65th anniversary with a thoughtfully curated lineup that pairs artistic ambition with a unifying vision. Guided by the theme In Nature’s Realm, the season explores the relationship between music and the natural world,  inviting audiences to engage with live symphonic music as connection, reflection and renewal. The season brochure can be viewed by clicking here.

“Look closely at the titles of this year’s concerts, and you will see how composers across centuries have drawn from elemental forces to craft works that are emotional, powerful, and deeply moving—capturing both the heartbeat of the earth and the depths of our shared human experience,” said Music Director José-Luis Novo.

At a time when modern life is increasingly shaped by digital noise and disconnection, the ASO’s 65th season offers a powerful counterpoint. Drawing artistic inspiration from iconic classical music and the bold works of emerging composers, the ASO will present programs that reflect the grandeur of the natural world and the complexity of the human experience.

“Live symphonic music reconnects us to the rhythms that sustain us,” said Novo. “It reminds us that we are not separate—from nature or from each other—but deeply intertwined. This season is an invitation to listen more closely, to feel more deeply, and to rediscover what it means to gather and share something meaningful.”

Season 65 Guest Artists

Julian Schwarz, cello

Vadim Repin, violin

Esther Yoo, violin

Stewart Goodyear, piano

Season 65 Living Composers

Jennifer Higdon Cello Concerto, commissioned in 2026 for cellist Julian Schwarz

Luke Soneral An Overture: The Mouse and its Shadow, commissioned in 2026 for National Youth Orchestra

Tan Dun Passacaglia: Secret of Wind and Birds, commissioned by Carnegie Hall for the National Youth Orchestra

Season 65 Iconic Classics

Max Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26  with Esther Yoo, violin

Antonín Dvořák In Nature’s Realm, Op. 91

Sergei Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3 in C major, Op. 26 with Stewart Goodyear, piano

Dmitri Shostakovich Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 77 (99),  with Vadim Repin, violin

Jean Sibelius Tapiola, Op. 112

Richard Strauss Eine Alpensinfonie (An Alpine Symphony), Op. 64

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky The Tempest, Op. 18

Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92

Season 65 More Classical Favorites

Benjamin Britten Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, Op. 33a

Claude Debussy “Fêtes” from Nocturnes

Manuel de Falla El sombrero de tres picos (The Three-Cornered Hat)

Ferde Grofé Grand Canyon Suite

Maurice Ravel Alborada del gracioso (“Morning Song of the Jester”)

A Season Inspired by the Natural World

Across 5 Signature Series programs, the 2026–27 season draws on elemental pieces to shape a cohesive artistic journey.

“Our Signature Series reflects Maestro Novo’s artistic vision and showcases what the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra does best—bringing to life the brilliance of live orchestral music with passion and precision,” said ASO Executive Director Erica Bondarev Rapach. “This series is the hallmark of who we are and the unforgettable experiences we create for our audiences.”

Highlights include:

  • Jennifer Higdon’s Cello Concerto, performed by cellist Julian Schwarz, a rising star known for his “intense sincerity and refined virtuosity” (The New York Times), opening the season with Echoes of the Earth (October 2–3, 2026)
  • A high-energy program featuring works by Dmitri Shostakovich, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Igor Stravinsky, with violinist Vadim Repin, one of the world’s most celebrated violinists, renowned for his technical brilliance and interpretive depth, in Forces of Nature (November 6–7, 2026)
  • Tan Dun’s Passaglia: Secret of Wind and Birds uses ancient Chinese instrumentation and modern audience interaction, and Richard Strauss’monumental An Alpine Symphony depicts daybreak in the mountains and a momentous climb to an alpine peak, in The Call of the Wild (March 5–7, 2027)
  • Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, featuring violinist Esther Yoo, acclaimed for her lyrical sensitivity and commanding stage presence, in Myths & Mountains (April 9–11, 2027)
  • Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3, performed by pianist Stewart Goodyear, celebrated for his virtuosity, expressive range, and innovative programming, closing the season with Shaped by Nature (May 7–9, 2027)

FREE PRE CONCERT LECTURE

The ASO will continue to offer FREE pre-concert lectures at Maryland Hall Signature Series concerts with WBJC’s Jonathan Palevsky. These lectures include insightful and enlightening lectures about each piece, taking listeners inside the scores. Palevsky’s lectures famously reveal the social, cultural, historical and even scientific stories and behind-the-scenes tidbits that turn a musical score into a true work of art.

New This Season: Sunday Matinee Series

New this year, the ASO introduces Sunday matinee performances at 3 PM at Maryland Hall, offering a flexible and accessible way to experience live orchestral music.

These one-hour concerts—including highlights from Richard Strauss’ An Alpine Symphony and Ferde Grofé’s Grand Canyon Suite—are designed for audiences seeking a shorter program without an intermission, a lower ticket price, and an afternoon concert experience.

Matinee performances offer:

  • A welcoming entry point for new audiences discovering orchestral music
  • A convenient option for those with busy mornings filled with sports, classes, or family commitments
  • The opportunity to explore Annapolis before the concert and enjoy dinner afterward

All matinee performances take place at Maryland Hall, offering free parking, easy access, and proximity to the U.S. Naval Academy, the Annapolis Arts District, West Street, and historic downtown Annapolis.

Tickets start at $25, making these concerts an accessible way to experience the ASO.

Performance At Music Center At Strathmore

The ASO will perform Myths & Mountains, including Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, featuring violinist Esther Yoo on April 11, 2027 at 3 PM at Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda, Maryland, The acoustics at Strathmore are outstanding, and allow the audience to experience the magic and power of the symphony orchestra. Parking at Strathmore is free.

“We are delighted to perform for our patrons at the Music Center at Strathmore,” said Maestro Novo. “The hall’s exceptional acoustics inspire the ASO to reach new artistic heights, revealing the full depth and nuance of our orchestra’s capabilities. Strathmore’s expansive and accessible space welcomes a diverse audience, and its location in a vibrant cultural hub just outside the nation’s capital introduces new listeners to the Annapolis Symphony experience. It is always a thrill to perform in such an inspiring venue.”

A Chesapeake Collaboration

New this season, the ASO partners with Annapolis-area photographerswhose work brings the season’s themes vividly to life.

In Nature’s Realm unites music and photography inspired by the Chesapeake Bay, creating a rich, multisensory experience throughout the season. These artists help shape a visual landscape that complements the music—inviting audiences to pause, reflect, and experience the natural world alongside the orchestra.

Featured photographers include:

  • Emily Carter
  • Pam Ehrenfried
  • Jennifer Casey
  • Jay Fleming
  • Alison Harbaugh
  • Arden Haley

Audiences are invited to explore their work and discover the artists behind the images as part of the season experience.

Extending the ASO Experience

The season begins with Pops in the Park at Downs Park and Quiet Waters Park over Labor Day Weekend. The Annapolis Symphony will perform highlights from Season 65, light classics, and danceable tunes for the entire family at this annual event. This year we join in the Annapolis250 fun, celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday! The concerts are completely free, including parking.

Grab your picnic and a blanket and prepare for the perfect outing to a park near you!

Additional offerings include:

  • Holiday Pops, a festive annual tradition held at Maryland Hall and Severna Park Elementary School
  • Family and education programs, including a Spanish bilingual version of Peter and the Wolf presented with vaudeville performers Really Inventive Stuff.
  • A collaboration with Maryland Hall and the Isidore String Quartet performing Felix Mendelssohn’s Octet alongside ASO principal musicians.
  • Chamber concertsfeaturing ASO musicians.

The Annapolis Symphony Academy will complement the season with performances that are free and open to the public, including seasonal recitals, the Orion Youth Orchestra and Aries Youth Chamber Orchestra Winter Concert, and the Cecilia Wyatt Honors Recital.

Artistic Vision and Institutional Momentum

A Living Ecosystem of Music and Community

Central to the season is the idea that an orchestra is not just an ensemble, but an ecosystem. Musicians, audiences, students, and supporters come together to create something dynamic and evolving—an artistic experience shaped as much by community as by repertoire.

The Annapolis Symphony Academy continues to play a vital role in that ecosystem, offering expanding opportunities for young musicians and presenting free performances that invite the public to witness the next generation of artists.

“Next season’s programming captures the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra in motion,” said Rapach. “We continue to expand our artistic ambition, deepen our connection to the community, and grow the impact of the Annapolis Symphony Academy — all while reimagining the role a symphony orchestra can play today, on stage and off. Each concert reflects a commitment to curiosity, collaboration, and meaningful musical experiences that resonate far beyond the stage.”

The 2026–27 season reflects a period of continued growth for the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, marked by rising attendance, expanded programming, and deepening community engagement. Now in its 65th season, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra continues to grow in artistic ambition and community impact, building on a legacy of excellence in Maryland’s capital city. Recent seasons have seen increasing attendance and expanded programming, reflecting a deepening connection with audiences across the region.

“This season represents both reflection and momentum,”said the ASO’s Board Chair, Katie Edwards, MD. “We are honoring a 65-year legacy while continuing to evolve—artistically, institutionally, and in our role within the community.”

The ASO performs as much off stage as on it. Join us at free events that support the community, including at hospitals, museums, wellness centers, and for nonprofit organizations.

Subscriptions and Ticket Information

Subscriptions for the 2026–27 season are available now, including flexible package options and full Signature Series subscriptions. Single tickets will be released later in 2026.

For more information, visit AnnapoliSymphonyOrchestra.com/events.

About the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra is the largest and oldest performing arts organization in Anne Arundel County and the première professional orchestra in Maryland’s capital, Annapolis. Led by Music Director José-Luis Novo, the ASO’s 70 professional musicians are recognized for their exceptional artistry and uncompromising excellence. The Symphony’s mission is to inspire, educate, and enrich lives near and far by creating extraordinary musical experiences. A cultural anchor in Anne Arundel County for over six decades, the ASO contributes to a vibrant arts community and generates economic impact across the region. With concerts at Maryland Hall, the Music Center at Strathmore, and throughout Anne Arundel County—including hospitals, schools, museums, and public events—the ASO is deeply woven into the community it serves.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit AnnapolisSymphony.org or call 410-263-0907.

About the Annapolis Symphony Academy

The Annapolis Symphony Academy (ASA) is the largest educational initiative of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO). Now in its ninth year, ASA provides students with unique opportunities to study and perform classical music, regardless of financial barriers. Need-based scholarships are available for private and group lessons.  Membership in ASA ensembles is tuition-free. The Orion Youth Orchestra, ASA’s most advanced  ensemble, is directed by Maestro José-Luis Novo, the ASO’s artistic director and conductor. Orion Youth Orchestra members play side-by-side with professional musician mentors.

ASA partners with local non-profits and social service agencies to provide lessons at locations across Anne Arundel County and offers free concert tickets to students for performances by their ASO mentors and provides pre-college advising and audition preparation for students pursuing music degrees. Regular workshops cover topics such as practice techniques, instrument care, goal-setting, and musician wellness. Visit tunedtoyouth.org for more information.