Maryland Symphony Orchestra

Voices of the Past: Dvořák, Perkinson, Ballard & Haydn
2026-02-15 15:00 (America/New_York) | The Maryland Theatre, 21 S Potomac St., Hagerstown, Maryland, 21740
THE MARYLAND THEATRE
Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 7:30 PM Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 3:00 PM
Elizabeth Schulze Conductor
Antonín Dvořák | Wind Serenade, op. 44, in D Minor Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson | Sinfonietta No. 1 Louis W. Ballard | Incident at Wounded Knee Joseph Haydn | Symphony No. 64 in A Major (“Tempora Mutantur”)
This program brings together four composers whose music reflects a continual dialogue between tradition and the present moment. Though separated by centuries and circumstances, Haydn, Dvořák, Perkinson, and Ballard each engage with the musical language they inherited, reshaping it to express personal experience, cultural identity, and the world around them. Familiar forms become points of departure rather than destinations, opening space for reflection, reinvention, and new perspective.

Dvořák’s Wind Serenade sets the tone with warmth and clarity, grounded in classical form yet colored by the sounds of everyday life in his time. Perkinson’s early Sinfonietta looks back to Baroque models through the lens of mid-century America, blending jazz-inflected rhythm and lyricism with confident craftsmanship. Ballard’s Incident at Wounded Knee uses the structure of Western classical music to convey a deeply personal and cultural history, guiding listeners into a sound world shaped by ritual, memory, and resilience. Haydn’s Symphony No. 64 closes the program with wit and invention, reminding us that change and curiosity have always been central to the art form.

Together, these works invite listeners into an evolving conversation about time, tradition, and the many ways music gives voice to human experience.

Learn more about the groundbreaking work for Louis W. Ballard: The ‘Father’ of Native American Composers Hasn’t Gotten His Due

Concert Sponsors:

Dr. Robert & Mrs. Janice Cirincione
Dr. Jay & Mrs. Roberta Greenberg
Dr. George & Connie Manger Family
Dr. Rick & Mrs. Suzanne Kass
Drs. Tara A. Rumbarger & James A. Schiro
Dr. Gary Smith
Dr. David & Mrs. Suzanne Solberg
Dr. William & Mrs. Kathleen Su
Dr. Hugh & Mrs. Marty Talton
Dr. Matthew & Mrs. Bernadette Wagner
Dr. Paul Waldman & Dr. Mary Money-Waldman

MUSIC PREVIEW (Provided by Spotify)

Dawn of the 20th Century: Debussy, Beach & Sibelius
2026-03-14 19:30, 2026-03-15 15:00
THE MARYLAND THEATRE
Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 7:30 PM Sunday, March 15, 2026 | 3:00 PM
Elizabeth Schulze Conductor Ying Li Piano
Claude Debussy | “Fêtes” (from Nocturnes) Amy Beach | Piano Concerto in C-sharp Minor, op. 45 Jean Sibelius | Symphony No. 2 in D Major, op. 43
Step into the dawn of the 20th century, a time of innovation and artistic exploration. This program brings to life the dynamic sounds of a new era. Claude Debussy’s Fêtes captures the shimmering, inventive spirit of French Impressionism, while Amy Beach’s Piano Concerto, featuring pianist Ying Li, blends classical form with American originality. The concert concludes with Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2, a powerful work filled with grandeur and emotional depth, reflecting the hopes and challenges of a rapidly changing world. This concert celebrates the creative revolution that defined the music of the time.
Ying Li appears courtesy of Young Concert Artists.
Concert Sponsors: Dr. Stephen & Mrs. Linda Hood

MUSIC PREVIEW (Provided by Spotify)

John Williams: Music from the Movies
2026-04-11 19:00
THE MARYLAND THEATRE
Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Elizabeth Schulze Conductor
The music of John Williams has taken us on thrilling adventures, from the vastness of space to the depths of the ocean, and through timeless stories that continue to inspire generations. Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the cinematic genius of John Williams, the maestro behind some of the most iconic film scores in history. This special concert features a selection of his most beloved compositions, including themes from Superman, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, and more. Experience the magic of these timeless melodies performed live by the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, bringing to life the sense of adventure and wonder that have made Williams’ music legendary.
This concert is a must for movie enthusiasts and music lovers alike, offering a unique opportunity to relive the cinematic moments that have captivated audiences for decades.
Please note: John Williams will not be in attendance for these performances. This concert features selections from John Williams’ scores; no film projection.

MUSIC PREVIEW (Provided by Spotify)

Pines of Rome: A Musical Voyage
2026-05-02 19:30, 2026-05-03 15:00
THE MARYLAND THEATRE
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 7:30 PM Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 3:00 PM
Elizabeth Schulze Conductor
Jacques Ibert | Escales (Ports of Call) Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov | Capriccio espagnol, op. 34 Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky | Capriccio italien, op. 45 Ottorino Respighi | Pines of Rome
The 2025/2026 concert season draws to a close with an exhilarating musical voyage across continents, cultures, and soundscapes. Join us for a vibrant exploration of the world, beginning with Ibert’s Escales (Ports of Call), which captures the energy of bustling international harbors. Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol and Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italian transport us to Spain and Italy with vivid, lively rhythms. The concert concludes with Respighi’s Pines of Rome, a journey through the eternal city, where the music paints a landscape from tranquil parks to the bustling streets. Through rich orchestral color and diverse influences, this concert invites you to experience the sights and sounds of the world.
Concert Sponsors: James & Georgia Pierné Robert & Virginia Fennel

MUSIC PREVIEW (Provided by Spotify)
