Celebrating 60 Years with Friends of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra

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Celebrating 60 Years of Camaraderie, Community Service, and Beautiful Music

Tracing its origins back to 1964, Friends of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (FASO) commemorates its 60th anniversary this year—a momentous occasion that offers members an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s rich history and celebrate how much it has grown and evolved throughout the years. In honor of this milestone, FASO has planned several special events and encourages the community to join the festivities.

With the election of a new board of directors last May (of 2023), FASO began plans to celebrate its 60th anniversary under the leadership of a dynamic group of officers. A longtime supporter of FASO, Ann Tran, was elected as president, and originally joined the board of directors in 2019. She previously served as vice president for ways and means from 2022–2023. 

“I am honored to serve as president,” Tran says. “But it’s especially exciting to be at the helm during our 60th anniversary. FASO offers members the opportunity to be part of a like-minded group of people whose common thread is music. It’s also about camaraderie. We make lasting friendships, enjoy beautiful music, and have fun—all while giving back to the community. I am truly humbled to take up the torch and follow in the footsteps of my predecessors.” 

The philanthropic arm of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO), FASO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of “[supporting] the Orchestra and [promoting] interest in classical music among young people, who represent the next generation of musicians and concertgoers.” FASO members act as ambassadors who raise awareness and support the ASO through fundraising events, community outreach, and volunteerism.

From Humble Beginnings

FASO was established in October 1964 during a coffee meeting at the home of Anne Richardson. About 50 people attended the meeting, including Kenneth Page, the first conductor of the orchestra. Page supported the organization, as evidenced by his comment: “Music consists of three elements: the composer, the performer, and the listener, and I am delighted to meet with the listeners and to have them encourage more listeners.” Emily P. Rucker was elected as the first president of FASO and served from 1964–1966. 

Throughout the years, FASO experienced significant growth and currently consists of 193 members, including Anna Greenberg, who is a living legend in Annapolis. An esteemed philanthropist and longtime volunteer, Greenberg has played an active role in FASO since the mid-’80s. She served two terms as president of the ASO and one term as president of FASO. She is also an honorary member of FASO.  

“FASO is a gift to the ASO, a quiet strength that enables it to thrive,” Greenberg says. “The ASO rose from humble beginnings and emerged as the leading performing arts organization in Annapolis. FASO followed a similar path—from a fledgling group of people united by their love of music to a successful organization that offers valuable support to the ASO. It’s wonderful to see how FASO has stood the test of time.”

Jim Cheevers, another longtime FASO member and a living legend in Annapolis, began volunteering for the organization in the early 1980s. Like Greenberg, he served terms as president of the ASO and of FASO. An avid historian, Cheevers has always been active in the community and was senior curator at the Naval Academy Museum for 50 years. 

“Annapolis is a musical hub, and I credit FASO’s growth and longevity, quite simply, to the love of music,” Cheevers says. “Sharing a common interest unites people and inspires them to lend their support. Maestro José-Luis Novo [artistic director and conductor of the ASO] has played a major role in the success of the ASO, which also helps generate support of FASO.”

Looking Back

FASO created a variety of fundraisers to benefit the ASO during the past six decades. Indeed, the “Concert of Tastes” and “Read Between the Wines” are just two of the many popular events that FASO organized and hosted throughout the years. The organization’s major fundraiser for nearly 40 years, the “Concert of Tastes” featured music and delicious samples from the finest restaurants in Annapolis. “Read Between the Wines” celebrated local authors and their works and included book signings and wine and light refreshments. Although most of FASO’s early events have come and gone, others have endured, including “Dine and Donates,” where participating restaurants donate up to 20 percent of the bill to FASO, and Italian Night, which features delicious food and drink. 

In 2017, FASO began a travel program with a portion of the fees donated to the ASO. Previous trips include Austria and Czech Republic (2017), Spain (2018), Italy (2019), and the Canadian Rockies (2023). In 2022, Novo led the ASO on a four-city tour of Spain (Madrid, Zaragoza, Valencia, and Granada). Tran organized a group of FASO members to shadow the ASO on this trip.

“I went on the trip to Italy with my daughter, and it was wonderful,” Greenberg says. “Although I didn’t go on the trip to Spain in which José-Luis led the ASO, I’m sure it was an amazing experience. He is truly an asset to the ASO and the community. His leadership, beginning in 2005, has brought a new energy and artistic vision to the ASO. We’re so fortunate to have someone with his talent and enthusiasm.” 

In addition to fundraising, FASO also supports youth through the Annapolis Symphony Academy (ASA), which was founded in 2018 by Netanel Draiblate, ASO concertmaster and director of the ASA, to provide musical education to students of all cultural and economic backgrounds. FASO’s Board of Directors voted to donate $5,000 towards a one-year scholarship.

“The Annapolis Symphony Academy is a wonderful way to spark students’ interest in music and encourage them to pursue it,” Cheevers notes. “It’s so important to pass on a love of music to the next generation. FASO is pleased to play a role in inspiring young people.” 

Through its efforts during the past 60 years, FASO has raised and donated a large sum of money to the ASO. Its total contribution during fiscal year 2023 was $50,000. During the first half of fiscal year 2024, FASO donated $15,000. However, the ASO’s “Double Your Harmony” campaign in which three donors matched donations (received by December 31, 2023) up to $100,000 brought FASO’s total donation to $30,000. 

60th Anniversary Events

FASO members are definitely in a festive mood as they commemorate the organization’s 60th anniversary. To pay tribute to this milestone, FASO will host a special celebration, “A French Country Evening,” on April 27th at 6 p.m. at the Blue Heron Center at Quiet Waters Park. The event features dinner, live music, and dancing. 

FASO has also organized two special trips. Travelers will experience the music, arts, and heritage of Santa Fe during a tour of this cultural mecca on May 15–21. WBJC’s Jonathan Palevsky will provide commentary. A trip to England is also planned for August with Novo and Palevsky accompanying travelers.

All anniversary events are open to the public. At the time of writing, details are still being finalized. To learn more, visit Annapolissymphony.org/support/faso or follow FASO on Facebook for event updates.

“As FASO looks towards the future, we hope to continue to fulfill our mission, bolster growth, and make new friends,” Tran says. “New members are always welcome. We’re also excited to carry on the work of those who came before us and solidify our legacy.”

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