Are you ready for Season #64?

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s 2025-26 season is studded with outstanding guest artists, contemporary & classical composers, and opportunities for young listeners and the entire family to enjoy a performance.

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GUEST ARTISTS

Guitarist Pablo Sainz-Villegas plays Arturo Márquez Guitar Concerto

Soprano Angel Blue sings a selection of Operatic classics

Pianist Olga Kern plays Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2

Pianist Pascal Rogé plays Ravel Piano Concerto in G major

MUSIC YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE

Antonín Dvořák Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, “From the New World” 

Gustav Mahler Symphony No. 5

Claude Debussy  Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune (Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun)

Richard Strauss Don Juan, Op. 20

Aaron Copland Billy the Kid Suite

Dmitri Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op. 47

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2025-26 Signature Series

A New World

Márquez Guitar Concerto with Pablo Sainz-Villegas, guitar

Friday, October 10, 2025

Saturday, October 11, 2025
7:30 PM at Maryland Hall

Reinaldo Moya Polo Romanesco
Arturo Márquez Guitar Concerto, “Místico y Profano,” Pablo Sainz-Villegas, guitar
Antonín Dvořák Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, “From the New World” 

Internationally renowned Spanish guitarist Pablo Sainz-Villegas joins the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra to share his passion for classical guitar with his fellow countryman, Maestro José-Luis Novo. This performance offers a rare opportunity to experience the brilliance of two Spanish-born artists in one unforgettable evening. Contemporary Mexican composer Arturo Márquez’s new guitar concerto, written specifically for Sainz-Villegas himself and subtitled “Mystical and Profane,” is a virtuosic and emotional work that won’t disappoint.

The program opens with Venezuelan-American composer Reinaldo Moya’s Polo Romanesco, a contemporary reflection on heritage and innovation, setting the stage for one of classical music’s most beloved symphonies: Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony. Inspired by African American spirituals and Indigenous melodies, Dvořák’s masterpiece captures the boundless spirit of discovery and cultural exchange, inspired by the Czech composer’s visit to America. From its soaring melodies to its poignant longing, the “New World” Symphony stands as a testament to music’s power to transcend borders and generations.

THANK YOU! This performance is made possible in part with the support of the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC.org) and Arts Council of Anne Arundel County (ACAAC.org).

Photo credit: Christine Busch

Single tickets for this concert will be available for sale starting August 1, 2025. Please purchase single tickets only on our website: AnnapolisSymphony.org/events.

Darkness to Light

Mahler Symphony No. 5

Friday, November 7, 2025
Saturday, November 8, 2025 
7:30 PM at Maryland Hall

Jean Sibelius The Swan of Tuonela, Op. 22, No. 2
Gustav Mahler Symphony No. 5

Sibelius’ The Swan of Tuonela opens the evening with its dark, dreamlike beauty. Inspired by Finnish mythology, this atmospheric tone poem depicts a swan gliding through the waters of the underworld, its song carried by the haunting voice of the English horn. With rich, brooding harmonies and a sense of quiet inevitability, Sibelius transports the listener to a world both distant and deeply moving.

Mahler’s 5th Symphony moves between powerful, mournful themes in the opening funeral march, to moments of joyful exuberance in the Scherzo, to a slow, intensely lyrical movement for strings and harp in the famous Adagietto, and ending with a massive rondo. The music is an emotional odyssey that moves from darkness into radiant light, punctuated by longing, exuberance, and finally, triumph. Throughout the performance, expect virtuosic solos from ASO Principal Horn Alex Kovling and ASO Principal Trumpet Christopher Sala, among others.

THANK YOU! This performance is made possible in part with the support of the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC.org) and Arts Council of Anne Arundel County (ACAAC.org).

Photo credit: Richard Brown for Annapolis Symphony Orchestra ©2025

Single tickets for this concert will be available for sale starting August 1, 2025. Please purchase single tickets only on our website: AnnapolisSymphony.org/events.

Legends

Opera Selections with Angel Blue, soprano 

Friday, January 30, 2026
Saturday, January-31, 2026
7:30 PM at Maryland Hall

Sunday, February 1, 2026  
3:00 PM at The Music Center at Strathmore

Claude Debussy  Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune (Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun)
Opera Selections Works to be announced, Angel Blue, soprano
Richard Strauss Don Juan, Op. 20
Aaron Copland Billy the Kid Suite

A program of legendary figures—both real and imagined—features the Annapolis debut of two-time Grammy-winning soprano Angel Blue performing a selection of operatic works. Known for her radiant voice and commanding stage presence, Blue has graced the world’s leading opera houses. In this special performance, she shares her extraordinary artistry with ASO audiences, to a selection of operatic works, making this an experience you don’t want to miss!

The program opens with Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, an impressionistic masterpiece that shimmers with color and sensuality. Inspired by Mallarmé’s symbolist poetry, the work drifts between dream and reality, with the flute—performed by ASO Principal Flute Kimberly Valerio—playing the role of the mythical Faun himself.

Strauss’ Don Juan follows, demanding precision, passion, and dazzling orchestral technique. This symphonic poem brings the story of the infamous rogue to life with fiery energy and sweeping romance, spotlighting the exceptional skill of the ASO string sections.

The concert closes with Copland’s suite from Billy the Kid—a distinctly American legend told through bold, open harmonies and rugged rhythms. Blending folk tunes with cinematic sweep, Copland’s music captures the Wild West with unforgettable themes and unmistakable energy.

Tickets for the performance at the Music Center at Strathmore must be purchased from the Strathmore website. 

THANK YOU! This performance is made possible in part with the support of the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC.org) and Arts Council of Anne Arundel County (ACAAC.org).

Photo credit: Dario Acosto

Single tickets for this concert will be available for sale starting August 1, 2025. Please purchase single tickets only on our website: AnnapolisSymphony.org/events.

Echoes of Heritage

Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 with Olga Kern, pianist

Friday, February 27, 2026
Saturday, February  28, 2026  
7:30 PM at Maryland Hall

Sunday, March 1, 2026  
3:00 PM at The Music Center at Strathmore

Silvestre Revueltas Janitzio
Sergei Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18, Olga Kern, piano
William Dawson Negro Folk Symphony

Rachmaninoff’s unforgettable melodies, emotional depth, technical brilliance, and rich orchestral textures are instantly recognizable and stay with the listener long after the music ends. His Second Piano Concerto expresses a wide range of emotions, from passionate intensity to melancholic longing, often reflecting the composer’s own personal experiences. The melody in the second movement inspired Eric Carmen’s bestselling tune “All By Myself.” 

Olga Kern, renowned for her technical skill and musicality, returns to the ASO  on stage at Maryland Hall in Annapolis and at Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda to perform one of the greatest and most beloved works in the piano repertoire. Kern’s artistry embodies the technical brilliance, bold expression, and emotional depth that define Rachmaninoff’s style.

The evening begins with Silvestre Revueltas’ Janitzio, an energetic and colorful orchestral piece inspired by the rhythms and folk traditions of Mexico. Evoking the lively spirit of the island town for which it is named, Janitzio is a vibrant celebration of culture and movement.

Closing the program is William Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony, a powerful and richly orchestrated work that draws on African American spirituals and folk melodies. Dawson’s symphony masterfully weaves traditional themes into a sweeping, symphonic form, offering a profound and moving reflection on heritage and resilience.

Tickets for the performance at the Music Center at Strathmore must be purchased from the Strathmore website. 

THANK YOU! This performance is made possible in part with the support of the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC.org) and Arts Council of Anne Arundel County (ACAAC.org).

Photo credit: Chris Lee

Single tickets for this concert will be available for sale starting August 1, 2025. Please purchase single tickets only on our website: AnnapolisSymphony.org/events.

Rhythm to Revolution

Ravel Piano Concerto in G with Pascal Rogé, pianist

April 10, 2026
April 11, 2026
7:30 PM at Maryland Hall

Gabriela Ortiz Antrópolis
Maurice Ravel Piano Concerto in G major, Pascal Rogé, piano 
Dmitri Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op. 47

A program of rhythm, color, and contrast, this concert brings together the energy of jazz-infused Ravel, the striking modernity of Gabriela Ortiz, and the raw power of Shostakovich.

Inspired by the dynamic cultural life of Mexico City, Grammy award-winning composer Gabriela Ortiz’ Antrópolis is a thrilling contemporary piece that showcases the percussion section, with ASO Principal Timpanist Curt Armbruster taking a featured role.

A hypnotic waltz that incorporates elements of American blues and jazz, Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major reflects his mastery as an orchestrator and his ability to create beautiful and colorful harmonies. A French pianist renowned for his interpretations of French repertoire, Pascal Rogé brings color, poetry, and brilliant technique to the stage as the featured guest soloist. 

The concert closes with Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, a work of gripping intensity and symphonic power. Written at a time of political turmoil, the symphony moves from brooding introspection to a stirring, triumphant finale—one that has sparked debate over whether it expresses defiant resilience or state-mandated celebration. Either way, its sheer force and complexity make it one of the most compelling symphonies of the 20th century and an unforgettable way to end the ASO’s 64th season. 

THANK YOU! This performance is made possible in part with the support of the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC.org) and Arts Council of Anne Arundel County (ACAAC.org)

Photo credit: 

Single tickets for this concert will be available for sale starting August 1, 2025. Please purchase single tickets only on our website: AnnapolisSymphony.org/events.

Pops Concerts!

The following concerts are not included in subscription packages. Signature Series subscribers may access their 20% off discount benefit for single tickets to the Holiday Pops concerts at Maryland Hall and Severna Park HS. Please log in to your account, email info@AnnapolisSymphony.org, or call the Box Office at 410-263-0907 to inquire about using the discount.

Single tickets for the following performances will be available August 1, 2025. Be sure to always purchase your tickets through our website, www.AnnapolisSymphony.org!

Pops in the Park

The Annapolis Symphony will perform highlights from Season 64, light classics, and danceable tunes for the entire family at this annual event. Grab your picnic and a blanket and prepare for the perfect outing to a park near you!

August 29, 11:30AM – Downs Park, Pasadena, Maryland

August 30, 5:30PM – Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, Maryland 

September 1 – Rain Date, Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, Maryland

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra is proud to bring More Music, to More People, in More Places across Anne Arundel County, including to county outdoor spaces and parks. The Labor Day Weekend Pops in the Park concerts are intended for music lovers of all ages and are made possible by the Anne Arundel County Arts Council and Anne Arundel County Department Of Recreation and Parks.

Cost: FREE

Holiday Pops

Friday, December 19, 7:30pm at Maryland Hall

The ASO annual Holiday Concert is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the spirit of the season! A performance full of gorgeous classics, timeless fun, humor, and light, this concert is perfect for a special date, a family tradition, or an evening out with friends. Join us!

Subscribers can save 20% off single tickets for our annual Holiday Pops with the ASO concert.

Single tickets for this concert will be available for sale starting August 1, 2025. Please purchase single tickets only on our website: AnnapolisSymphony.org/events.

THANK YOU! This performance is made possible in part with the support of the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC.org) and Arts Council of Anne Arundel County (ACAAC.org)

ASO School Concert – the perfect field trip!

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra presents an affordable concert for school-aged children. This concert is intended for public and private elementary school, homeschool, and remote-learning students. Financial assistance may be available for Title I/Community Schools.

March 18th & 19th, 10:00AM & 11:30AM at Maryland Hall

For group tickets, please contact our Box Office at info@annapolissymphony.org or 410-263-0907.  Single Tickets will be on sale starting August 1, 2025.

THANK YOU! This performance is made possible in part with the support of the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC.org), Arts Council of Anne Arundel County (ACAAC.org), and Impact100 Greater Chesapeake Region.

ASO Annual Family Concert

March 21, 2026 at 11:30AM at Maryland Hall 

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra presents a concert for ages 5  and up. Please join us for this annual exploration of sound and wonder!

Single tickets for this concert will be available for sale starting August 1, 2025. Please purchase single tickets only on our website: AnnapolisSymphony.org/events.

THANK YOU! This performance is made possible in part with the support of the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC.org) and Arts Council of Anne Arundel County (ACAAC.org)

Buy a Signature Series Subscription

Buy a FlexPass Subscription

View the 2025-26 Signature Series Subscription Booklet