This May, the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) concludes its season with Romantic Triumph & Celebration, a program highlighting the expressive beauty and emotional depth of 19th-century Romantic music.

Performances will take place on Thursday, May 8 at 7:30 PM at the Todd Performing Arts Center in Wye Mills, MD; Saturday, May 10 at 3:00 PM at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, DE; and Sunday, May 11 at 3:00 PM at the Performing Arts Center in Ocean City, MD.

The program includes Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel’s Overture in C major, a vivid and lyrical orchestral work; Robert Schumann’s Cello Concerto, known for its warmth and poetic character; and Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, the “Italian,” filled with vibrant rhythms and sunlit melodies inspired by his travels through Italy.

The featured soloist is Gabriel Martins, an award-winning cellist who has appeared with leading orchestras and in major concert halls worldwide, including Carnegie Hall and Wigmore Hall. He is a winner of the Concert Artists Guild/Young Classical Artists Trust Grand Prize and the Sphinx Competition Gold Medal.

In addition to the orchestral performances, the MSO will present its Season Finale Ensemble Series concerts, offering audiences a more intimate chamber music experience featuring members of the orchestra. These performances will take place on Saturday, May 17 at 7:00 PM at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, DE, and Sunday, May 18 at 4:00 PM at the Academy Art Museum in Easton, MD.

The Ensemble Series program includes Phantasy for Oboe, Violin, Viola, & Cello by Benjamin Britten, String Quartet No. 3 “Mishima” by Philip Glass, Langsamer Satz by Anton Webern, and Quartet for English Horn, Violin, Viola, & Cello by Jean Françaix.

Tickets and more information are available 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, including venues, times, and other details, is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is pleased to announce that Music Director Michael Repper has signed a three-year contract extension, securing his leadership through the 2027-2028 season. This agreement underscores Repper’s pivotal role in shaping the Orchestra’s future and maintaining its standard of musical excellence.

The announcement was made at the Elizabeth Loker International Concerto Competition Preview Evening at the Academy Art Museum on Saturday night, where supporters and patrons gathered to celebrate the MSO’s continued growth and impact under Repper’s leadership along with this season’s competition finalists.

As part of the extended contract, the MSO and Repper will embark on a studio recording project, marking a significant milestone for the Orchestra. The album, planned for release during the contract’s term, will highlight the Orchestra’s diverse and innovative repertoire, further expanding its reach and reputation in the classical music world.

Jeffrey Parker, Chairman of the MSO Board of Directors, expressed his enthusiasm for the contract extension, saying, “We are absolutely thrilled to have Michael Repper leading the MSO for another three years. His exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence have been instrumental in the Orchestra’s continued growth and success. Michael’s artistic vision has truly elevated the MSO, and we are excited about what the future holds. This contract extension, along with the upcoming recording project, is a testament to the exciting direction in which Repper and the MSO Board of Directors are taking the Orchestra. We look forward to continuing this incredible journey together.”

Repper has served as the MSO’s Music Director since 2020, leading the Orchestra through a period of artistic innovation, bold programming, and continued community engagement. Under his leadership, the Elizabeth Loker International Concerto Competition has been reimagined, and the Orchestra has expanded its commitment to presenting diverse and dynamic performances. His passion for music has resonated deeply with audiences, fostering strong connections with both musicians and listeners across the region.

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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, including venues, times, and other details, is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra will present an all-Mozart program this April, highlighting three of the composer’s symphonic works. Under the direction of Maestro Michael Repper, the orchestra will perform Symphony No. 1 in E-flat major, K. 16, Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550, and Symphony No. 41 in C major, K. 551, known as the “Jupiter” Symphony. The performances will take place on Thursday, April 3 at 7 PM at the Easton Church of God in Easton, MD, on Saturday, April 5 at 3 PM at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, DE, and on Sunday, April 6 at 3 PM at the Community Church in Ocean Pines, MD.

The concert begins with Symphony No. 1, composed by Mozart at the age of eight while his family was in London. This early work showcases his developing musical style and an emerging sense of melody and structure. The first movement is energetic, followed by a lyrical andante, and a lively presto finale, providing insight into the foundation of Mozart’s later compositions.

Symphony No. 40, known for its recognizable opening theme, is one of Mozart’s most expressive works. Written during a challenging period in the composer’s life, the symphony features emotional intensity and distinctive orchestration. The absence of trumpets and timpani creates a darker, more intimate sound, while the first movement’s urgency, the second movement’s lyricism, and the minuet’s rhythmic character contribute to its lasting impact. The finale, with its contrapuntal complexity, is a notable example of Mozart’s ability to blend structure and emotion.

The program concludes with Symphony No. 41, the “Jupiter” Symphony, which is considered one of Mozart’s most ambitious works. This symphony is characterized by its grand orchestration and sophisticated counterpoint, particularly in the final movement, where five musical themes are interwoven. The “Jupiter” Symphony remains a significant representation of Mozart’s later symphonic style and compositional mastery.

Audiences are invited to attend these performances and experience Mozart’s symphonic repertoire. Tickets are available online and at the door. For more information, visit the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra’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, including venues, times, and other details, is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

Delmarva Peninsula– The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will host a Preview Evening for the Elizabeth Loker International Concerto Competition (ELICC) on Saturday, March 22nd, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Academy Art Museum located at 106 South Street, Easton, MD 21601.

This event will provide an opportunity for the public to meet the three finalists of the 2025 ELICC, a prestigious competition that showcases the talents of emerging classical musicians. Guests will have the chance to interact with the finalists, learn about their musical backgrounds, and hear about their journey in the competition. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served, creating an atmosphere for conversation and engagement.

Each finalist will also perform a brief solo mini-recital during the event, giving attendees a preview of their musical abilities and a taste of the artistry they will bring to the competition.

“The Preview Evening provides a wonderful opportunity to meet the finalists and hear them perform in a more intimate setting,” said Jeffrey Parker, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. “It’s a chance for the community to learn more about the competition and engage with these talented young musicians before the final round.” Tickets for this event are $75.00 and available online.

The ELICC is one of the region’s top music competitions, offering young musicians the chance to perform with a professional orchestra. The final competition will take place the following day, Sunday, March 23rd, at 3:00 PM at the Todd Performing Arts Center at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, MD, where the finalists will compete for the chance to perform as a soloist with the MSO.

Tickets for the Preview Evening, as well as for the final round of the competition, are available 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 Orchestra (MSO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathleen Wise to its Board of Directors. Wise, a longtime advocate for music and the arts in Dorchester County, brings a wealth of experience in education, community engagement, and arts support to the organization.

A resident of Cambridge, Maryland, since 1967, Wise has been a dedicated champion of music education and accessibility. During her decade-long tenure on the Dorchester County Board of Education, she was instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of the arts in the K-12 curriculum. As a retired clinical social worker and program administrator at the Dorchester Health Department, she also encouraged the use of music as a healing modality in mental health programs.

Wise’s passion for music is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Growing up in a Chicago suburb, she participated in school and church choirs and developed an early appreciation for classical music, even introducing her family to Saturday opera broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera. She continues to support music education through her daughter, Melissa Wise, who serves as the choral director at Cambridge High School.

In addition to her work in education and mental health, Wise has played a pivotal role in the local music community. She served on the Board of Chesapeake Music for nine years, focusing on expanding concert offerings to young audiences. At Christ Episcopal Church in Cambridge, she was an integral member of the Music Committee, where she oversaw the purchase of the church’s Casavant Frères organ and helped establish a concert series that has thrived for 30 years.

A longtime supporter of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony, Wise and her late husband, Doug Ridley, were season subscribers and frequent attendees of MSO gala events. She is eager to bring her experience and enthusiasm to the MSO Board, with a particular focus on expanding partnerships with schools and increasing concert attendance among Dorchester County residents.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kathleen to our Board of Directors,” said Jeffrey Parker, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. “Her deep commitment to music education and community engagement aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to working with her to further enrich the cultural landscape of the Delmarva Peninsula.”

For more information about the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and its upcoming performances, 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

Delmarva Peninsula– The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce its highly anticipated String Quartet concerts in February, featuring the talents of its principal string players. These performances will take place on Saturday, February 8th at 3:00 PM at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, DE, and Sunday, February 9th at 4:00 PM at the Academy Art Museum in Easton, MD.

The MSO String Quartet consists of Concertmaster Kimberly McCollum (violin), Principal 2nd Violin Celaya Kirchner (violin), Principal Violist Yuri Tomenko, and Principal Cellist Katie McCarthy. This talented ensemble will perform two masterpieces of the string quartet repertoire: Dmitri Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 3 in F Major and Felix Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 6 in F Minor.

Dmitri Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 3 in F Major, Op. 73 (1950) is a deeply personal and expressive work, composed during a period of intense political pressure in Stalinist Russia. Although Shostakovich was known for his symphonic compositions, his string quartets offer a more intimate and often poignant glimpse into his emotional and artistic struggles. The third quartet is one of his most lyrical, infused with both beauty and a sense of melancholy. It features contrasts between lush melodies and sharp, dissonant sections, reflecting the composer’s complex relationship with the political environment in which he lived.

Felix Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80 (1847) is a passionate and dramatic work, written during a time of personal tragedy for the composer. Mendelssohn’s beloved sister, Fanny, had recently passed away, and the quartet carries an undertone of grief and emotional depth. The piece stands out for its intensity, especially in the first and last movements, and the final movement’s soaring theme hints at Mendelssohn’s ability to create beauty even in sorrow. This quartet is a testament to his remarkable compositional talents and his ability to channel personal loss into music of enduring beauty.

These performances offer a rare opportunity to experience two distinct but equally compelling works, showcasing the virtuosity of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony’s string section in an up close and personal concert.

Tickets are available for purchase online and at the door. For more information, visit www.midatlanticsymphony.org or call 1-888-846-8600.

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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 (MSO) is delighted to announce its annual New Year’s Eve concert, featuring Puerto Rican soprano, Kresley Figueroa. The concert will take place at 7 PM on December 31, 2024, at Christ Church in Easton, MD, offering an evening of music to ring in the New Year.

Under the baton of Maestro Michael Repper, the MSO will perform a program of iconic classical works, including timeless pieces by Johann Strauss II, Giacomo Puccini, Giuseppe Verdi, and Leonard Bernstein. The highlight of the evening will be several solo performances by Kresley Figueroa, whose breathtaking voice will bring to life operatic arias and Broadway classics.

The concert will open with Strauss’ Die Fledermaus Overture and Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, setting the tone for a celebratory evening. Figueroa will then perform a selection of operatic gems, including Puccini’s Quando m’en vo from La Bohème, Verdi’s Caro Nome from Rigoletto, and Massenet’s The Gavotte from Manon. She will also perform the beloved I Feel Pretty from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story.

After intermission, Strauss’ Blue Danube Waltz will take center stage, followed by Figueroa’s rendition of Gounod’s Je Veux Vivre from Romeo and Juliette and Loewe’s I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady. The concert will conclude with Strauss’ Radetsky March, providing a rousing finish to this extraordinary New Year’s Eve celebration.

Kresley Figueroa is currently in her second year as a Cafritz Young Artist with the Washington National Opera. Her recent roles include Chrisann Brennan in The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, Bagheera in Jungle Book, and The Unicorn in The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me. Figueroa has also appeared with The Aspen Music Festival, OPERA San Antonio, and in concert with celebrated artists like Ana María Martínez and Susan Graham. In 2024, she earned First Place and the Audience Favorite prize in The James Toland Vocal Arts Competition and Third Prize in Florida Grand Opera’s National Voice Competition.

This New Year’s Eve concert marks Figueroa’s debut performance with the MSO, and she is excited to celebrate the occasion with an unforgettable evening of music.

Tickets for this New Year’s Eve concert are available now and can be purchased online 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 Orchestra (MSO) Brass Quintet will present a series of holiday concerts across the Delmarva Peninsula, bringing a festive program of classic and contemporary music to local communities. The concerts will feature a mix of beloved seasonal favorites, from traditional carols to classic pieces by Tchaikovsky.

The MSO Brass Quintet, made up of musicians from the Symphony’s brass and percussion sections, will perform at three venues over the weekend:

• Friday, December 20, 7:00 PM at Community Church, Ocean Pines, MD
• Saturday, December 21, 7:00 PM at Epworth United Methodist Church, Rehoboth Beach, DE
• Sunday, December 22, 4:00 PM at Christ Church, Easton, MD

The program will include selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, including the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “Trepak,” and “Waltz of the Flowers.” These iconic pieces, which have become synonymous with the holiday season, will be given new life through the quintet’s vibrant performance.

In addition, the quintet will offer a medley of festive carols, including “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” The concert will also feature a blend of musical styles, including a jazzy rendition of Vince Guaraldi’s “Christmas Time is Here” and a calypso version of the traditional English carol “The Holly and the Ivy.”

The program will conclude with a moving performance of “Angels We Have Heard on High,” filling the air with holiday spirit.

Tickets for the concerts are available online at https://midatlanticsymphony.org/tickets.

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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 (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