Here We Go Again!
The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Chamber Music Series, presented by Stephen Holt of PPG Wealth, will take place from October 2019 through June 2020. These four intimate performances will highlight the various sections of the orchestra: woodwinds, brass, strings, and a small chamber orchestra. The concerts will take place at a variety of local venues in an effort to bring the much-loved Symphony musicians out into the community.
Baroque Ensemble | October 13, 2019
The first performance will take place on October 13 at The Byzantium, connected to the Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, and will feature the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Baroque Ensemble with baroque favorites. The term “baroque” comes from the Portuguese or Spanish word meaning “an irregular pearl.” It was originally meant as an insult against what was seen as an elaborately decorated and “excessively” dramatic musical style. Despite the origins of this moniker, the music featured in this Sunday performance is elegant and refined. Guests will have a rare opportunity to experience bassoon and viola concertos, instruments not often featured as soloists.
String Quartet | February 2, 2020
The second performance in the Chamber Music Series will feature the Annapolis Symphony String Quartet on February 2 at Temple Beth Shalom in Arnold. The string quartet came into being around the 1750s. Composer Franz Joseph Haydn is fondly referred to as the “Father of the String Quartet” because of his important contributions to the genre. The String Quartet will perform a unique collection of compositions that feature violin, viola, and cello.
Wind Quintet | April 26, 2020
The Annapolis Maritime Museum on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Eastport plays host to the Annapolis Symphony Wind Quintet on April 26. A special selection of music will feature flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and French horn. Unlike a string quartet, with its homogenous blend of colors, the instruments of a wind quintet have varying sonic qualities that result in a unique and sparkling timbre. Czech composer Anton Reicha, a contemporary and lifelong friend of Beethoven, is considered to be the father of the wind quintet, with over twenty-four works written for the ensemble.
Brass Quintet | June 7, 2020
The Chamber Music Series finale will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis on June 7. The Annapolis Symphony Brass Quintet is preparing a carefully crafted repertoire of selections featuring the trumpet, French horn, and trombone to honor the legacy of the Annapolis Brass Quintet.
Words from Our Maestro
“We are delighted to continue our Chamber Music Series for a second year. Last year’s concerts featured the outstanding musicians from our very own orchestra, and I could not be more excited for the public to experience their artistry in a more intimate setting,” said Maestro José-Luis Novo, Music Director of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. He added, “We carefully selected the music to feature our wind, brass, and stringed instruments in addition to our Baroque Ensemble.”