Soprano Christine Goerke to Join the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra for Concerts at Maryland Hall and Strathmore, Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2026
For immediate release
January 12, 2026, Annapolis, MD — The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) presents Legends, the third Signature Series concert of the ASO’s 2025-26 season. Legends features internationally celebrated dramatic soprano Christine Goerke in performances Friday, January 30 & Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 7:30 PM at Maryland Hall and Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM at The Music Center at Strathmore under the baton of Artistic Director & Conductor José-Luis Novo.
The evocative repertoire unfolds through iconic orchestral storytelling, opening with Claude Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune (Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun), journeying through Richard Strauss’s poignant Vier letzte Lieder (Four Last Songs) featuring Ms. Goerke, followed by Strauss’s dramatic Don Juan, and culminating in Aaron Copland’s distinctly American Billy the Kid suite.
Soprano Christine Goerke is widely regarded as one of the preeminent dramatic sopranos of her generation, with an extraordinary career spanning the world’s most prestigious opera houses including the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Paris Opera, Teatro alla Scala and Lyric Opera of Chicago. She is acclaimed for her powerful voice, vivid dramatic presence, and mastery of demanding repertoire — from Mozart and Handel to the commanding heroines of Strauss and Wagner. Her recordings include the GRAMMY®-winning A Sea Symphony and the GRAMMY®-nominated Stabat Mater by Dvořák, reflecting both her artistic versatility and international impact.
José-Luis Novo, Artistic Director & Conductor of the ASO, shared his enthusiasm:
It is a rare privilege to collaborate with an artist of Christine Goerke’s stature, especially in a work as deeply moving and transcendent as Richard Strauss’s Four Last Songs. These inspired reflections on love, life, and farewell demand both emotional depth and vocal grandeur, and Christine brings an extraordinary sense of humanity and insight to every phrase and every detail. Heard live, this music invites us into a richly expressive and intimate sound world you won’t want to miss.
Reflecting on the orchestra’s role in bringing this concert to life, Novo also said:
This program showcases the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra at its most versatile and expressive. From the sensual colors of Debussy and the virtuosic brilliance of Strauss’s Don Juan to the sweeping energy and unmistakable American spirit of Copland’s Billy the Kid, these symphonic works demand flair, precision, and fearless musicianship. Hearing our orchestra bring this repertoire to life is an artistic thrill—and a true celebration of what symphonic music can express.
Of her visit to Annapolis and Bethesda, Christine Goerke said:
“I’m delighted to make my debut with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra with Strauss’s Four Last Songs. It’s music of extraordinary warmth and grace which carries us along on an achingly beautiful journey, arriving at an ending that always feels revelatory to me in its tenderness and beauty. I can’t wait to share it with both the orchestra and with our audiences!”
Join the ASO for this unforgettable musical evening and experience how legendary voices and masterful orchestral storytelling converge in a program that resonates long after the final note.
Tickets
Friday, January 30 & Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 7:30 PM – Maryland Hall, Annapolis
Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM – Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda
Visit annapolissymphony.org for Maryland Hall performances and strathmore.org for Strathmore tickets. Discounts are available for students, active duty and retired military, law enforcement, and first responders via the ASO Box Office at 410-263-0907.
About the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra
The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is a nonprofit performing arts organization composed of 69 professional, union-represented musicians and led by Artistic Director José-Luis Novo. Now in its 64th season, the ASO is known for delivering extraordinary musical experiences through artistic excellence, innovative programming, and deep community engagement. The ASO’s upcoming 2025-26 Signature Series features Maestro José-Luis Novo conducting five Signature Series concerts at Maryland Hall in Annapolis, including two performed at The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, with guest artists including Pablo Sainz-Villegas, guitarist; Christine Goerke, soprano; Olga Kern, pianist; and Pascal Rogé, pianist.
The Annapolis Symphony Academy (ASA) offers students ages pre-school to high school the opportunity to study and perform alongside ASO musicians through a program of ensembles and private classes. The Academy’s Orion Youth Orchestra, directed by Maestro Novo, performs across the region and prepares students for success in music and beyond.
To learn more or support our mission, visit: www.AnnapolisSymphony.org
Photo of Christine Goerke should be credited to Arielle Doneson
Press Contact:
Diana Love
Email: DLove@annapolissymphony.org
Phone: 410-263-3631
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