FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2025
Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Appoints
Dr. Katie Edwards as Chair of the Board of Trustees
Annapolis, MD– The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO), Anne Arundel County’s oldest and largest non-profit arts organization announces the appointment of Katie Edwards, MD as new Chair of the Board of Trustees, effective June 24, 2026. A beloved local pediatrician, lifelong music enthusiast, and longtime ASO volunteer and supporter, Dr. Edwards succeeds Shelley Row, whose leadership helped strengthen the organization’s capacity and elevate both the ASO and the Annapolis Symphony Academy during a time of dynamic growth.
ABOUT KATIE EDWARDS, MD
Dr. Edwards brings to her new role not only a wealth of professional and board leadership experience but a deep, personal connection to the ASO. A subscriber for over 25 years, she is also the daughter-in-law of Patricia “Pat” Edwards, the Symphony’s first Executive Director. Dr. Edwards and her husband, Jib Edwards, have carried forward Pat’s legacy through their philanthropic support, including establishment of the Patricia A. Edwards Chair, which endows the Symphony’s Executive Director position, and the Patricia Edwards Scholarship, which supports students in the Annapolis Symphony Academy.
A graduate of Yale University and New York University School of Medicine, Dr. Edwards completed her pediatric residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She is a partner at Annapolis Pediatrics, which operates 6 offices in Anne Arundel County.
Dr. Edwards describes the Symphony as a central part of her life. Dr. Edwards is a 25-year subscriber to the ASO, a commitment that began when she first moved to Annapolis. In fact, the ASO is a major character in Dr. Edwards’s love story. She met her husband through a family at her pediatrics practice. Their first date—facilitated by Pat—included tickets to an ASO performance. The couple married in 1999 and now live in Wardour, a neighborhood near historic Annapolis. Dr. Edwards is deeply rooted in the community of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.
A PASSION FOR MUSIC
Dr. Edwards’ passion for music began in early childhood with piano and violin lessons, and continued with musical theater in high school and a cappella singing at Yale. While at NYU, she co-founded a medical student a cappella group, The Muscle Tones, and during her residency at Hopkins sang with the Baltimore Choral Arts Society.
“Katie has a remarkable commitment to classical music. Each season she prepares a Spotify playlist of the pieces that are going to be performed during the upcoming season and dedicates time and attention to listening to and learning about them so she is ready for each concert. That kind of personal investment speaks volumes about her leadership—Katie leads not just with strategy, but with heart, modeling the curiosity and care we hope to inspire in every member of our audience.”
– Erica Bondarev Rapach, ASO Executive Director
Edwards’ passion for music and performing arts did not end when she began her career as a pediatrician in Annapolis. A mother of four, Katie resumed her music lessons when the children began theirs. To this day, she continues weekly piano lessons under the instruction of Cecilia Wyatt, an award-winning teacher
“Classical music has always been a source of inspiration and grounding for me. Each season, I’m reminded that music has the power to connect people across generations, backgrounds, and beliefs. As Chair of the Board, I’m committed to helping the ASO deepen that connection—by strengthening our donor base, broadening access to concerts, and supporting the extraordinary work of our musicians, staff, and students.” – Katie Edwards, MD
STATEMENT FROM MAESTRO JOSÉ-LUIS NOVO
Artistic Director and Conductor José-Luis Novo shared his enthusiasm for Dr. Edwards’ appointment:
“I am truly delighted to welcome Katie Edwards as the new Chair of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Board of Trustees. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working closely with the Edwards family since conducting my very first ASO concert as a music director candidate. Over the years, their steadfast support and dedication to the Symphony have meant a great deal to me personally and to our entire organization. With Katie stepping into this leadership role, she continues an exceptional legacy of service and commitment to the ASO and to our wonderful community for which I am deeply grateful.” – Artistic Director and Conductor José-Luis Novo
A PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
Dr. Edwards has served on the Boards of both the ASO and the Key School and is deeply committed to long-term sustainability, strategic growth, and relationship-building. In her new role, she will help guide the ASO’s strategic priorities, including increasing single ticket sales, expanding corporate and individual philanthropy, and broadening access to performances in venues across the region, including Maryland Hall, the Music Center at Strathmore, Bowie State University, Severna Park High School, and outdoor parks.
She is especially passionate about the Annapolis Symphony Academy. “The Academy is building the symphonic audience of the future while helping students develop skills that go far beyond music—like resilience, collaboration, and creativity,” said Dr. Edwards. “Children understand from an early age that music is powerful. My goal as Board Chair is to help bring more people into that shared understanding—so that every child, every family, every listener knows the Symphony belongs to them.”
Please join the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra in welcoming Dr. Katie Edwards to this new chapter of leadership, as we continue to make music that matters.
ABOUT THE ANNAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & ACADEMY
The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is a nonprofit performing arts organization with 70+ professional, union-represented musicians led by Artistic Director José-Luis Novo. Now in its 64th season, the ASO is known for delivering extraordinary musical experiences with artistic excellence, innovative programming, and deep community engagement. The Annapolis Symphony Academy (ASA) is the largest educational initiative of the ASO. ASA provides students with unique opportunities to study and perform alongside ASO’s professional musicians. The Orion Youth Orchestra, ASA’s highest-level ensemble, is directed by Maestro José-Luis Novo, the ASO’s artistic director and conductor.
To learn more or support our mission, visit: AnnapolisSymphony.org
To view the 2025-26 Signature Series Subscription booklet, please click here.
Media Contact:
Diana Love, Director of Marketing and Communications
DLove@annapolissymphony.org | 
410-267-3631