Maryland Symphony Orchestra
Encyclopedia
The Maryland Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1982 by a small group of Washington County, Maryland
civic leaders and music lovers. From its beginnings through the conclusion of its sixteenth season in 1997 - 1998, artistic leadership was provided by internationally acclaimed horn vituoso Barry Tuckwell
. Elizabeth Schulze, formerly associate conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra, became music director of the MSO in the 1999 - 2000 season.
From five classical concerts in its first season, programming has grown to include MSO Pops! Concert, two Holiday Concerts, a Family Concert, a free "Salute to Independence" Concert at Antietam National Battlefield
, three Citi Youth Concerts for 4th grade students, a series of Kinder Konzerts for preschool and kindergarten children, and occasional concerts in Frostburg
and Frederick
. Members of the MSO give numerous ensemble performances for Washington County elementary and middle school students as part of its education outrach program, in addition to performaing for residents of area and retirement centers.
Since its founding, the orchestra's annual audience has grown from 4,500 to 60,000, while its operating budget has increased from $100,000 to just over $1.3 million. The orchestra has also performed world premieres of five compositions, two of which were commissioned.
Despite its growth, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra has never deviated from its mission "to provide musical performances and programs that educate and entertain while enhancing the cultural environment of Western Maryland and the surrounding region." It has done that and more.
Today, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra is widely recognized as one of Washington County's most valuable assets—a jewel that continues to shine brightly for music lovers everywhere. It plays regularly in the Maryland Theatre.
Washington County, Maryland
Washington County is a county located in the western part of the U.S. state of Maryland, bordering southern Pennsylvania to the north, northern Virginia to the south, and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia to the south and west. As of the 2010 Census, its population is 147,430...
civic leaders and music lovers. From its beginnings through the conclusion of its sixteenth season in 1997 - 1998, artistic leadership was provided by internationally acclaimed horn vituoso Barry Tuckwell
Barry Tuckwell
Barry Emmanuel Tuckwell AC, OBE , is an Australian horn player who has spent most of his professional life in the United Kingdom and the United States.- Early life and education :...
. Elizabeth Schulze, formerly associate conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra, became music director of the MSO in the 1999 - 2000 season.
From five classical concerts in its first season, programming has grown to include MSO Pops! Concert, two Holiday Concerts, a Family Concert, a free "Salute to Independence" Concert at Antietam National Battlefield
Antietam National Battlefield
Antietam National Battlefield is a National Park Service protected area along Antietam Creek in Sharpsburg, Maryland which commemorates the American Civil War Battle of Antietam that occurred on September 17, 1862...
, three Citi Youth Concerts for 4th grade students, a series of Kinder Konzerts for preschool and kindergarten children, and occasional concerts in Frostburg
FROSTBURG
FROSTBURG was a Connection Machine 5 supercomputer used by the US National Security Agency to perform higher-level mathematical calculations. The CM-5 was built by the Thinking Machines Corporation, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at a cost of US$25 million. The system was installed at NSA in...
and Frederick
Frederick
-Royalty:Austria* Frederick I, Duke of Austria , Duke of Austria from 1195–1198* Frederick II, Duke of Austria , last Duke of Austria from the Babenberg dynasty...
. Members of the MSO give numerous ensemble performances for Washington County elementary and middle school students as part of its education outrach program, in addition to performaing for residents of area and retirement centers.
Since its founding, the orchestra's annual audience has grown from 4,500 to 60,000, while its operating budget has increased from $100,000 to just over $1.3 million. The orchestra has also performed world premieres of five compositions, two of which were commissioned.
Despite its growth, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra has never deviated from its mission "to provide musical performances and programs that educate and entertain while enhancing the cultural environment of Western Maryland and the surrounding region." It has done that and more.
Today, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra is widely recognized as one of Washington County's most valuable assets—a jewel that continues to shine brightly for music lovers everywhere. It plays regularly in the Maryland Theatre.