PRESS RELEASE: Annapolis Symphony Academy Presents ASA Day Featuring American Debut of Spanish Flutist Irene Mata Tejero

Annapolis Symphony Academy Presents ASA Day Featuring American Debut of Spanish Flutist Irene Mata Tejero

Sunday, May 18, 2025 | Maryland Hall | Annapolis, MD

Annapolis, MD — The Annapolis Symphony Academy (ASA), a 501(c)(3) music education nonprofit based in Annapolis, Maryland, and associated with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO), will host ASA Day on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Maryland Hall. This community celebration of music education features two free public concerts and a day of hands-on activities for children and families. Lyra Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Susan Dapkunis, will perform at noon, immediately followed by a performance by Aquarius Wind Ensemble under the direction of Anthony Valerio. At 5 PM, the Aries Youth Chamber Orchestra will perform, immediately followed by the ASA’s top-level students, Orion Youth Orchestra. Led by Conductor José-Luis Novo, who is also the conductor of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, this free concert will feature the American debut of Spanish Flutist Irena Mata Tejero, who joins her fellow countryman Novo on stage for François Devienne’s Concerto for Flute No. 7 in E minor. Professional musicians from the ASO, who serve as mentors to Orion Youth Orchestra students, perform alongside the students for the concerts.

“ASA Day is a joyful celebration of everything the Annapolis Symphony Academy stands for: excellence, opportunity, and community. We are honored to host the American debut of Irene Mata Tejero, a truly exceptional artist, who will perform alongside our highest-level youth ensemble, Orion Youth Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro José-Luis Novo, Music Director and Director of the Orion Youth Symphony Orchestra  and Artistic Director and Conductor of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. Her presence reflects the high caliber of music education our students receive and the international reach of our program. Most importantly, this day is a gift to our entire city—a thoughtfully curated, free event that welcomes every child, regardless of background or means, to discover the transformative power of music.” — Netanel Draiblate, Founder & Director, Annapolis Symphony Academy

Highlighting the day’s festivities is the American debut of acclaimed Spanish flutist Irene Mata Tejero, who will perform with ASA’s premier ensemble, the Orion Youth Orchestra, in a concert beginning at 5:00 PM. Ms. Tejero, a rising star in the classical music world, trained at the Ramón Garay Professional Music Conservatory and the Victoria Eugenia Royal Conservatory of Music in Granada, where she was awarded the Extraordinary End of Degree Award in 2024. A recipient of multiple national prizes, she won First Prize in the 2023 Musical Youth Competition of Spain, launching a concert tour throughout Spain with pianist Graham Jackson.

She has performed at prestigious venues including Madrid’s National Auditorium and Granada’s Manuel de Falla Auditorium, and she is the principal flutist of the Youth Orchestra of the Community of Madrid. Her appearance with the Annapolis Symphony Academy marks her first performance in the United States.

Miss Tejero comes to Annapolis through the Spanish Young Music Talents (SYMT), the flagship music program of the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain in Washington, D.C., launched in 2022. Created to support and elevate the careers of emerging Spanish musicians, SYMT fosters artistic exchange and professional growth through collaborations with leading U.S. music schools, universities, and festivals.

More than just a performance opportunity, SYMT offers a comprehensive international experience. Participating musicians take part in a dynamic array of complementary activities—including masterclasses, lectures, workshops, and networking events—designed to expand their artistic vision and build meaningful professional connections.

All featured artists are under the age of 33 and winners of the prestigious national award from Juventudes Musicales de España, a distinction that recognizes outstanding young musical talent.

“It is a deeply moving experience to welcome Irene Mata Tejero to Annapolis—not only as a brilliant flutist, but as a fellow Spaniard whose artistic journey began in similar ways and with the same musical traditions that shaped my own life and career. Conducting her American debut with the Annapolis Symphony Academy is both a professional joy and a personal honor. I have no doubt that her performance will inspire our students and captivate our audience.” — Maestro José-Luis Novo, Music Director, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra

In addition to the two free concerts, ASA Day offers a full schedule of family-friendly activities and musical exploration:

ASA Day Schedule Highlights

📍 Maryland Hall, 801 Chase St, Annapolis, MD 21401

• 12:00–1:00 PM – Free Concert: Aquarius Wind Ensemble & Lyra Chamber Ensembles
• 1:15–4:45 PM – Petting Zoo, Discovery Classes, Crafts, College Fair, and more. Please register to attend these events.
• 5:00–7:00 PM – Free Concert: Aries Youth Chamber Orchestra & Orion Youth Orchestra featuring Irene Mata Tejero, flute

All concerts are free and open to the public.
👉 Some classes require registration. For more information and to register, please visit the ASA website. Registration will also be available onsite, at 1PM.

About the ASA

The Annapolis Symphony Academy (ASA) is the largest educational initiative of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (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.

ASA offers free concert tickets to students for performances by their ASO mentors and provides pre-college advising and audition preparation for students pursuing music degrees. Regular workshops cover topics such as practice techniques, instrument care, goal-setting, and musician wellness. In celebration of its eighth year, ASA is offering free ensemble participation  for all students with need-based scholarships available for lessons in  the Virtuoso Pathway program.

ASA Media Contact: NDraiblate@annapolissymphony.org