Strathmore News Spring 2023

STRATHMORE NEWS

SINGING OUR SHARED HUMANITY

Arooj Aftab on conveying the human experience through collaborative music.

IF WALLS COULD TALK

An insider look at installing art exhibitions in the Mansion.

STUDENTS SHINE

Student ensembles take center stage with Broadway hits and more.

GENERAL INFORMATION

DIRECTIONS & METRO

Strathmore is located on Rockville Pike (Route 355), half a mile north of the Capital Beltway (I-495).

Take Metro to Strathmore! Strathmore is adjacent to the Grosvenor-Strathmore station on Metro’s Red Line.

For complete driving directions, Metro, bus, and parking information, visit www.strathmore.org/visit.

PARKING

Music Center performances: For ticketed performances, complimentary parking is available in the GrosvenorStrathmore Metro garage.

For non-performance Music Center events, including all Education Center events: Metered parking is available on Tuckerman Lane, or park in the Metro garage where a SmarTrip or credit card payment of $5.20 is required Monday through Friday. Parking is free on weekends.

For Mansion concerts, exhibitions, and events: Limited free parking is available on a space-available basis in the Mansion lot. Enter at 10701 Rockville Pike.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mary K. Sturtevant

Chair

Christoph A. Syllaba

Vice Chair

Jean Accius II

Secretary

Theodore R. Goldstock

Treasurer

J. Tyler Anthony

Jerome W. Breslow

Lewis H. Ferguson

Andrew Friedson

Jay Grauberger

Linda A. Herman

Steven P. Hollman

Joe Judge

Fariba Kassiri

William E. Kirwan

Karen R. Lefkowitz

Catherine S. Leggett

Marcel Lettre

Ann L. McDaniel

Michelle Musgrove

Bayo Oyewole

John Sackett

Deborah M. Smith

Benjamin Wu

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Monica Jeffries Hazangeles

President and CEO

HOURS OF OPERATION

TICKET OFFICE HOURS

Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm

The ticket office is also open prior to performances through intermission, in the Music Center.

MANSION SHOP & GALLERIES

Tue–Fri, 12–4pm  Sat, 10am–3pm  Sun–Mon, Closed

ALLEGRO KITCHEN

MUSIC CENTER CAFÉ

Open 90 minutes before each Concert Hall performance.

STAY CONNECTED

@Strathmore

@StrathmoreArts

Bess Amerman

Chief Financial Officer

Joi Brown

Artistic Director/ Vice President of Programming

Lauren Campbell

Vice President of Education and Community Engagement

Heidi Onkst

Vice President of Advancement

Alaina Sadick Goss

Vice President of Communications and Marketing

Lesley Morris

Director of Mansion and Galleries

Carlyle Smith

Director of Information Technology

Eliot Pfanstiehl

Founder and CEO Emeritus

ARTWORK: Arooj Aftab by Blythe Thomas

Mark your calendars for these upcoming shows in the Music Center. Tickets for these shows, and more, are on sale now!

Strathmore brings an array of distinctive and diverse artists to our stages—from international icons and emerging voices making a stop on their world tour to jazz legends and innovators lighting up the stage. “The range of music this spring is particularly exciting,” says Artistic Director Joi Brown. “The energy that Goran Bregovic´ brings to the stage is unforgettable. Contrast that with the deeply moving and nuanced music of Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, and Shahzad Ismaily; audiences will be left mesmerized. It’s incredible to feel the mood of the Concert Hall change with each artist that takes the stage. And to experience jazz artists like Mark Lettieri and SFJAZZ Collective in the intimate setting of AMP will be extraordinary.”

IN THE MUSIC CENTER

BEST OF GORAN BREGOVIĆ

Thu, March 9

Bregovi´c’s gritty performances fill the concert hall with an uproarious energy, weaving a rich tapestry of Balkan musical traditions with a flair for the spontaneous.

AROOJ AFTAB, VIJAY IYER, SHAHZAD ISMAILY LOVE IN EXILE

Fri, April 14

Love in Exile creates lush soundscapes of meditation and yearning. It explores “self-exile and the search for freedom and identity” through semi-classical, minimalist singing and instrumentals.

STRATHMORE AND WASHINGTON PERFORMING ARTS PRESENT MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL ON TOUR FEATURING

DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER, KURT ELLING, LAKECIA BENJAMIN, CHRISTIAN SANDS, YASUSHI NAKAMURA & CLARENCE PENN

Thu, April 20

The Monterey Jazz Festival brings together six widelyrenowned jazz musicians for an unforgettable night, fronted by Dee Dee Bridgewater.

DJAVAN THE D TOUR USA 2023

CO-PRESENTED BY EDUCARTE

Fri, April 21

The four-time Latin Grammy winner brings his tropicália-infused rock, folk, and pop to the stage in a brand new show with his full band.

STRATHMORE STARS

Be part of a vibrant community of arts enthusiasts and enjoy members-only presales, 50% off select tickets, special events, and more!

Ebru

Yildiz

RR Jones

Ognjen

Babic

Gabriela Schmidt

ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO

Thu, June 15

Generously sponsored, in part, by Kathleen Knepper Genre-bending, awardwinning performer Kidjo innovates with fresh takes on music from around the world.

STRATHMORE & STEP AFRIKA! PRESENT STEP XPLOSION

Mon, June 19

Step Afrika!, the world’s first professional step company, curates this showcase of the best step teams in our region. Don’t miss this thunderous evening of rhythm and joy from the best step squads around.

AT AMP

CONNECTING THE DOTS WITH JOSANNE FRANCIS, CHAO TIAN & TITLAYO AYANGADE

CELLO, CHINESE DULCIMER, STEELPAN

Fri, April 14

This exploratory performance project, focused on artistic fundamentals, features Artist in Residence alums and a unique combination of steelpan, Chinese dulcimer, and cello.

THE STRING QUEENS

Fri, May 12

Praised for its authentic, soulful, and orchestral sound, The String Queens (TSQ) create stimulating musical experiences that inspire diverse audiences. With a repertoire spanning from the Baroque era to the Jazz Age to today’s top hits, TSQ will take you on a rousing musical journey of love and hope.

OCTAVIA E. BUTLER’S PARABLE OF THE SOWER

MUSIC & LYRICS BY TOSHI REAGON & BERNICE JOHNSON

REAGON

CO-DIRECTED BY SIGNE V. HARRIDAY & ERIC TING

Wed–Sat, June 28–July 1

Parable of the Sower returns for encore performances with its triumphant, mesmerizing opera of rare power and beauty that illuminates deep insights on gender, race, and the future of the human civilization. This fully-staged production includes over 30 original anthems drawn from 200 years of Black music to recreate Butler’s sci-fi, Afrofuturist masterpiece live.

On Sale Now

COLIN MOCHRIE & BRAD SHERWOOD

THE SCARED

SCRIPTLESS TOUR

Sat, Aug 26

The comedy improv stars from Whose Line Is It Anyway? take their show on the road to bring us hilarious scenes and songs based on audience suggestions.

MUSIC CENTER

Fabrice Mabillot

Margot Schulman

Roy Cox

Jonothan Timmes

Ehud Lazin

THE ART OF INSTALLATION

Behind the scenes in the Mansion Art Galleries.

By Lesley Morris, Director of Mansion & Galleries

How many of us have walked through a gallery or museum and noticed a sign that read “closed for installation?” Strathmore’s exhibition team installs exhibitions during all hours in a short, seven-day period. It takes a dedicated team, exceptional artwork, and a year—or two—of planning. Our goal has always been to install art carefully, so it speaks a visual language and allows viewers to connect, be enriched, or be entertained.

Planning for an installation begins long before the artwork reaches the walls. We start by collecting images, dimensions, framing details, pedestal requirements, and label information. Eventually, each artist delivers their artwork, and our team confirms all the information is correct. This process can take a few minutes or a few hours if sorting and assembly is needed, as in the case of a large table from the Interiors exhibit, Kaleidoscopes from the Brewster Society, or Kites from the Up in the Air show. Once all the work is onsite, the crew gathers to assess any installation challenges and plan individual tasks.

As the Director of Mansion & Galleries, I take a very active role in installing artwork, along with a small and mighty team, including Exhibitions Administrator Ari Edwards, our installer, Erik Wertz, and operations team member, Larry Pauling. Ari and I work with artists individually and in groups to plan the exhibitions. Erik and Larry join us to hang the artwork, and we all find ourselves doing a bit of painting, building, moving pedestals, and lighting the rooms.

Arranging the artwork is the biggest challenge. When installing a solo artist, there’s usually a style that connects the pieces, and often the frames may coordinate. When we have curated or juried exhibitions, elements of the artwork are

often dissimilar and need extra coordination for complementary placements.

Placement should take the viewer from one piece to another in a gentle progression. We want the viewer to stop at something they find engaging, then naturally move on when their journey with the work comes to a satisfying end.

Several factors come into play when deciding how many pieces of art go on a wall and what will be next to them. Color is important, as is the size of the work and the movement in the piece. For us, the action in the art from one side of the canvas or the object to the other side is critical. We want eyes to travel the pathways of the art, whether it be actual rivers or streets, or the abstract connections of brushwork or patterns. Diagonals, crosses, and ascending or descending shapes impact how long we view artwork. Complementary colors, such as tangerine orange and robin egg blue, create harmony in the galleries.

Director of Mansion & Galleries Lesley Morris leads an exhibitions tour.

Gallery tour with Olivia Morrow of the Art in Motion exhibition.

After placement is decided, there are about three days to install the work. The ideal height for viewing artwork usually falls between 59 and 65 inches to the center of the artwork. With the Mansion’s beautiful decorative moldings, panels, and doorways, it’s hard to achieve a height that fits all scenarios. We often change it up, depending on the spaces and number of pieces on the wall.

Objects and sculptures require floor space and may sit atop pedestals throughout the galleries. We ensure that fixtures are level, sturdy, and can withstand the weight of a bronze sculpture or glass vessel. We consider how many people are in the rooms at once, as well as accessibility needs, like for wheelchairs. The artwork must be able to be appreciated by visitors at all heights, standing or sitting. Among all these considerations is the safety and security of the art.

Some of our favorite installations offer us a chance to try something new, like installing art from the ceiling, dramatically suspending sculptures, lights, and textiles for unexpected delight. We have installed wooden birds in flight during the Timber exhibition, a window and paper flower in Paperworks, and a whirlwind of leaves in the Purpose-Repurpose! exhibit. It’s exciting to turn a corner and see something unpredictable!

Strathmore presents approximately 12 exhibitions a year and assembles around 1,000 pieces of artwork for display each season.

It’s a lot of work, but we always have fun in the process! From time to time we wonder how it is going to be accomplished. But artists have limited availability to exhibit their work, so it’s imperative to honor their experience and expectations. It’s our mission to deliver the best possible experience for our visitors and artists in search of a creative experience and human connection.

ART AHEAD

Tue–Sat, March 21–April 29

Opening Reception: Thu, March 23

SORRY ABOUT MY ACCENT

EMON SURAKITKOSON

Known for her bold marks and use of texture, Surakitkoson returns to the Mansion with paintings and wall sculptures that reflect on her experiences since moving to the United States 19 years ago.

PLAY

31ST ANNUAL STRATHMORE

JURIED EXHIBITION

Play is a pathway to connection, innovation, and renewal. In this juried exhibition, we invite artists to “play” in representation and in abstraction.

Generous support for exhibitions in the Invitational Gallery provided by HelenLouise Pettis.

GALLERY HOURS

Tue–Fri, 12–4pm  Sat, 10am–3pm  Sun–Mon, Closed

STRATHMORE.ORG/EXHIBITIONS

Strathmore is grateful to our many donors whose contributions help ensure that our exhibitions remain free to the public! We especially want to recognize and thank Karen Lefkowitz and Al Neyman for their generous annual sponsorship of an exhibition, and HelenLouise Pettis for her steadfast commitment to support our Invitational Gallery.

Placement of artwork on the Mansion’s gallery walls.

N°81722 by Emon Surakitkoson, Echinacea purpurea VIII by Andrea Finch

DISCOVER AMP

Experience live music accompanied by curated cocktails and locally sourced small bites in an intimate setting.

New shows just announced!

ANA EGGE

Soulful folk vocals

Thu, March 2

MARK LETTIERI GROUP

Versatile jazz quartet

Fri, March 3

DARLINGSIDE

Thoughtful, acoustic folk-pop

Sat, March 11—Sold Out!

BEAUSOLEIL AVEC MICHAEL DOUCET

Notorious Cajun music-makers

Fri, March 24

SFJAZZ COLLECTIVE

NEW WORKS & REIMAGINED CLASSICS

CHRIS POTTER, DAVID SÁNCHEZ, MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ, WARREN WOLF, EDWARD SIMON, MATT BREWER, KENDRICK A.D. SCOTT

Generously sponsored, in part, by HelenLouise Pettis

Cutting-edge contemporary jazz

Sun, March 26—two shows!

CONNECTING THE DOTS

WITH JOSANNE FRANCIS, CHAO TIAN & TITILAYO AYANGADE

Cello, Chinese dulcimer, and steelpan

Fri, April 14

SHAYNA STEELE

Emotional blues, gospel, and jazz

Thu, April 27—On Sale March 10!

MAMES BABEGENUSH

Vibrant klezmer-jazz fusion

Fri, April 28—two shows!

AYNUR

Fresh interpretations of Kurdish folk

Sun, April 30—two shows!

LEYLA MCCALLA

New Orleans and Haitian-infused roots music

Thu, May 11—On Sale March 10!

THE STRING QUEENS

Baroque, jazz, pop, and beyond

Fri, May 12—two shows!

AMP by Jim Saah, Aynur by Muhsin Akgün, Mark Lettieri by Hunter Selman, Collective, Darlingside by Shervin Lainez, Mames Babegenush

STRATHMORE.ORG/AMP

SINGING OUR SHARED HUMANITY

Arooj Aftab on Love in Exile, Vulture Prince, and What Ancient Poetry Can Teach.

By Mary Murdock

On April 14, singer-songwriter Arooj Aftab joins instrumentalists Vijay Iyer and Shahzad Ismaily for a transcendent performance in the Music Center. The trio’s project, Love in Exile, cultivates lush soundscapes that explore how we find identity and freedom through music. Aftab describes the synergy between the three performers as “instant and organic.” From the first time they shared a stage with their largely improvised, nearly telepathic performance style, they haven’t looked back.

SPOTLIGHT: AROOJ AFTAB

Aftab’s star has been steadily rising in the world of global music. Her song “Mohabbat” won the 2022 Grammy for Best Global Music Performance, and she was nominated for Best New Artist. Notably, she was the first Pakistani artist to win a Grammy!

Aftab’s work has sensory and emotional breadth, and is grounded in her Pakistani heritage and experiences in the New York jazz scene. Thematically, she finds herself returning to explorations of longing, sadness, attraction, and unrequited love, sonically and lyrically. In her 2021 album, Vulture Prince, Aftab identifies the inspirations as “a mix of original poetry and compositions, [as well as] my experiences of life.” She characterizes Vulture Prince multidimensionally, situating the musical journey of the album in the realms of “love, loss, darkness, light, scent, and memory.”

A WINDOW THROUGH SOUND AND CULTURE

On Vulture Prince, Aftab reimagines Urdu verse and ancient Arabic poems called ghazals alongside her original lyrics. She finds herself drawn to the continuity and repetition of emotions within the ancient poetry, acknowledging that “people have already written about the things that we’re feeling right now…so beautifully.” Aftab responds deeply to the cyclical nature of history and finds comfort in the way that our deepest

Blythe Thomas

experiences, no matter how earth-shattering or unique they feel, have been felt before. “This old poetry is very beautiful, very articulate, and minimal,” she explains, in a description comparable to how her own music and lyrics are often lauded.

Aftab’s sung interpretations of ghazals and Urdu poetry, intertwined with her own lyrical and instrumental inventions rooted in American folk, jazz, and South Asian classical music, make for a gripping artistic experience. Aftab says that audiences, “connect with the world-building,” contemplating what has made her work deeply touch so many different people. “So many lived and shared heritages coming together is what makes it really intriguing, complex, and exciting for people.”

MUSIC AS CONNECTION

Aftab collaborates with Iyer and Ismaily, two other standout musicians invested in excavating the depths of human experience through experimental, multiinstrumental, innovative music making. With a new album arriving in March, Aftab is excited to see how audiences respond to the creative fusion of electronic, instrumental, and vocal music that the group is known for.

Whether she is performing solo or with a group, Aftab can’t get enough of the exhilaration that comes from being on stage. She finds beauty in the communal experience of live performance with onstage collaborators and the audience. “The exchange of emotions is so rewarding when you’re baring your soul onstage,” she remarks. As part of the Strathmore Windows series, Aftab’s musical ethos fits into the intention of engaging with universal human experiences through cultural art forms. She and her collaborators each bring their individuality and multicultural roots to Love in Exile, translating joy and pain, through instruments and voices, in breathtaking, shared moments with the audience.

could be seen as a distilled mission statement for her musical endeavors: “I just want peace and the truth.” This profound yet simply put remark encapsulates how Aftab and her collaborators engage complexity and minimalism in their storytelling. A performance from Love in Exile transfixes audiences in a state of contemplation of their greatest loves and deepest longings, reminding all what it means to be human.

IN EXILE

Fri, April 14, 8pm

This performance is part of Strathmore’s Windows series and is accompanied by a preconcert talk—South Asian Music in Global Context: Navigating Creativity and Cultural Identity. Free with concert ticket. Registration required.

When asked what she is looking forward to most in work and in life, Aftab expresses anticipation for her continued work with Iyer and Ismaily, alongside the album release. Notably, though, she responds with what

STRATHMORE.ORG/LOVEINEXILE

“The exchange of emotions is so rewarding when you’re baring your soul onstage.”

AROOJ AFTAB, VIJAY IYER, SHAHZAD ISMAILY LOVE

Ebru

Yildiz

STUDENTS SHINE

Student ensembles take the Music Center stage.

By Holly Filipiak

After becoming CEO of Strathmore, Monica Jeffries Hazangeles stated that she wanted to ensure Strathmore inspired generations of audiences and artists. “We won’t have a future filled with the arts if we’re not investing in arts experiences for our children today.” Through a myriad of education programs at Strathmore—including exceptional student performance ensembles—that vision is being realized every day.

The Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras (MCYO) of Strathmore is one of the country’s most outstanding youth orchestra programs, and it is the oldest and most established in the Washington, DC area. More than 500 musicians in grades 2 through 12 participate in MCYO ensembles. Strathmore Children’s Chorus (SCC) engages more than 150 students in grades 2 through 12, teaching music literacy and creative expression.

With a goal of ensuring that every student has the chance to participate in rich and transformative experiences, Strathmore has provided similar opportunities throughout our community—and will be expanding those in 2023. Removing barriers that prevent students from experiencing the power of the arts is key to nourishing the next generation of arts enthusiasts. Through programs like East County Strings and Latin Strings & Percussion, hundreds of middle school students enjoy tuition-free, after-school coaching from professional instrumentalists and the opportunity to participate in a large-scale public performance.

“At Strathmore, we believe the arts do more than entertain—they inspire, ignite, and illuminate our lives. With our student ensembles, we strive to forge pathways and develop resources to unleash boundless creativity,” remarks Hazangeles. We invite you to explore the upcoming concerts and support the next generation of artists.

MARYLAND CLASSIC YOUTH ORCHESTRAS

EXOTIQUE

Sat, March 11, 2pm & 7:30pm

Immerse yourself in lush musical landscapes as MCYO’s ensembles masterfully perform Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances, Saint-Saens’ Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah, and a new, immersive retelling of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade.

MCYO SPRING CONCERTS

Tue & Wed, May 9 & 10, 7pm

Sun, May 14, 2pm

MCYO performs a multitude of amazing works that speak and present, through sound and music, true human essence and beauty!

STRATHMORE.ORG/MCYO

Strathmore thanks our lead supporters of MCYO: Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation Endowment, and Edward Grossman and Rochelle Stanfield.

STRATHMORE CHILDREN’S CHORUS

THE NEON LIGHTS ARE BRIGHT

Sat, June 3, 7:30pm

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music and magic as SCC presents a Broadway revue, featuring beloved songs from some of the most popular musicals of all time!

STRATHMORE.ORG/SCC

SPRING CALENDAR

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra BRAHMS & PROKOFIEV

Thu, March 2, 8pm

Conductor Christian Reif joins the BSO to play masterful works by Prokofiev, Brahms, and more. Members of the BSO step out of their principal chairs to give a dazzling performance.

MUSIC CENTER

Strathmore Presents ANA EGGE

Thu, March 2, 8pm

A performer with roots in Americana and folk, Egge experiments with her sound and stays on the cutting edge of two genres.

AMP

Strathmore & BSO Present BSO MUSIC BOX IN THE TREETOPS

Co-presented by Strathmore and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with Levine Music.

Sat, March 4, 10am & 11:30am

Interactive family concerts. The cacophony of the rainforest comes to life through the sounds of exotic birds and playful monkeys. Recommended for ages 6 months–3 years.

AMP

Strathmore Presents THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL

STORY

Tue, March 7, 8pm

This live theatrical performance features a full band paying tribute to the story and hits of the iconic folk-rock duo.

MUSIC CENTER

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Artist in Residence

DOMINIQUE BIANCO

JAZZ VOCALIST & SONGWRITER

Supported in part by Ellen & Michael Gold , Karen Deasy, and Carolyn & Martin Shargel

Strathmore Presents MARK LETTIERI GROUP

Fri, March 3, 8pm

Grammy-winning guitarist Lettieri is a one-time member of Snarky Puppy who is enlivening instrumental guitar with R&B influences.

AMP

Wed, March 8 & 22, 8pm Quickly becoming a mainstay on the local jazz scene, Bianco is a versatile songstress and collaborative creator.

AMP

Strathmore Presents PARDON MY FRENCH!

Thu, March 9, 6:30pm & 8:30pm

Rooted in the distinctive sounds of New Orleans and French jazz, Pardon My French! brings a sense of humor and playfulness to tunes by classic artists.

MANSION

Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras

EXOTIQUE

Sat, March 11, 2pm & 7:30pm

Enjoy MCYO’s ensembles as they masterfully perform works representing the mysterious and exotic sounds of lands far beyond.

MUSIC CENTER

Strathmore Presents DARLINGSIDE

Sat, March 11, 8pm—Sold Out! Darlingside tells vivid stories of the natural world through expertly crafted acoustic folk songs.

AMP

Strathmore Presents BEST OF GORAN BREGOVIĆ

Thu, March 9, 8pm Bregovic´’s gritty performances bring uproarious energy, weaving a rich tapestry of Balkan musical traditions with a flair for the spontaneous.

MUSIC CENTER

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

OFF THE CUFF: MAHLER 5

Fri, March 10, 8pm French conductor Fabien Gabel leads the BSO through Mahler’s epic Fifth Symphony. Learn more about the music at a postconcert Q&A session.

MUSIC CENTER

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Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

MAHLER & KLEZMER

Sun, March 12, 3pm

The BSO treats audiences to Mahler’s bombastic Fifth Symphony. Guest violinist Noah Bendix-Balgley performs his own Klezmer fantasy, conducted by maestro Fabien Gabel.

MUSIC CENTER

NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC SPRING CONCERTS

Spring has sprung at National Philharmonic with three unique performances conducted by Maestro Piotr Gajewski. On March 18, the NatPhil Orchestra and Chorale perform Bach’s sublime Mass in B Minor. Violinist Melissa White joins NatPhil on April 15 for a program uniting the past and present, with Florence Price’s Violin Concerto No. 2, Valerie Coleman’s Umoja, Carlos Simon’s Fate Now Conquers and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. On May 13, NatPhil presents the world premiere of Henry Dehlinger’s Cosmic Cycles in partnership with NASA Goddard. Dehlinger’s work integrates a symphonic suite played live against the backdrop of out-of-this-world NASA images.

Music Center Mansion AMP Community Education

NATIONALPHILHARMONIC.ORG

Shervin Lainez

Shervin Lainez

Artist in Residence Workshop VOCAL JAZZ VARIATIONS: FOR JAZZ LOVERS, MUSICIANS & VOCALISTS WITH DOMINIQUE BIANCO

Wed, March 15, 7:30pm

Bianco shows you how to establish a routine of creating fresh ideas for arrangements, content, and original music that shows the flexibility of the American Songbook.

MANSION

Strathmore Presents THE ATLANTIC REED CONSORT

Emily Foster, oboe

Brooke Emery, clarinet

Jeremy Koch, saxophone

John Romano, bass clarinet

Eddie Sanders, bassoon

Thu, March 16, 6:30pm & 8:30pm

Virtuosic oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bass clarinet, and bassoon come together in unique and visionary settings of contemporary and classic works.

MANSION

Outside Presenter WASHINGTON BACH CONSORT

MESSIAH

Sun, March 19, 4pm

The Consort returns to Strathmore, breathing new life into Messiah in a way that proves its enduring appeal.

MUSIC CENTER

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Strathmore Presents EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION

Thu, March 23, 7pm Mix and mingle with artists and art lovers to celebrate the opening of new exhibitions.

MANSION

Strathmore Presents BEAUSOLEIL AVEC

MICHAEL DOUCET

Fri, March 24, 8pm

The popular Cajun music group brings their captivating sound on one final tour.

AMP

Strathmore Presents THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER

50TH ANNIVERSARY & FINAL WORLD TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUEST THE DIVA JAZZ ORCHESTRA

Fri, March 24, 8pm

Strathmore Presents VIRTUAL CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS WITH COMMUNITY BUILDING ARTWORKS

Thu, March 16, April 20, May 18, 7pm

Contemporary authors offer perspectives on their craft and guide participants through a series of writing prompts.

ONLINE

National Philharmonic BACH’S MASS IN B MINOR

Sat, March 18, 8pm

The National Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale enliven Bach’s sublime and awe-inspiring Mass in B Minor under the baton of Maestro Piotr Gajewski.

MUSIC CENTER

Vocal titans The Manhattan Transfer celebrate their 50-year career with a dazzling night of pitch-perfect vocal harmonies.

MUSIC CENTER

FIND YOUR VOICE AT YOUNG ARTISTS OF AMERICA’S SUMMER PERFORMING ARTS INTENSIVES CAMP

An award-winning musical theatre program for elementary, middle, and high school students! June–July 2023

WHY YAA THIS SUMMER?

• Daytime and Overnight Programs

• Top Teaching Artists

• Professional Venues

• Inclusive Community

SUMMER PRODUCTIONS

• Jesus Christ Superstar

• Gypsy

• Shrek the Musical Jr.

Strathmore Presents SENSORY-FRIENDLY BACKSTAGE TOURS

Sat, March 25 & May 20, 11am

Young people with autism or sensory sensitivities are invited to come backstage at the Concert Hall for a small-group tour. Stand on the stage, see the artists’ green rooms, learn about how the lights and sound work, and much more in this free, educational tour.

MUSIC CENTER

• Annie Jr.

“An absolutely inclusive, rigorous, kind place that values everyone and creates better people and performers.”

YAA Student

Register today! Space is limited.

YAA.ORG

F. Scott Schafer

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

ANGEL BLUE & RACHMANINOFF NO. 2

Sat, March 25, 8pm

Opera superstar Blue joins the BSO for Barber’s nostalgic Knoxville: Summer of 1915 and selections from Terence Blanchard’s opera Fire Shut Up in My Bones

MUSIC CENTER

Strathmore Presents SFJAZZ COLLECTIVE NEW WORKS & REIMAGINED CLASSICS

CHRIS POTTER, DAVID SÁNCHEZ, MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ, WARREN WOLF, EDWARD SIMON, MATT BREWER, KENDRICK A.D. SCOTT

Generously sponsored, in part, by HelenLouise Pettis

Sun, March 26, 5pm & 8pm

Elite jazz artists perform fresh takes on the works of modern masters, along with stunning original compositions.

AMP

Strathmore Presents BOYD MEETS GIRL

Thu, April 6, 6:30pm & 8:30pm

Australian classical guitarist

Rupert Boyd and American cellist Laura Metcalf perform unexpected yet brilliant arrangements from classical to pop and more.

MANSION

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

MARIN CONDUCTS RACH 3

Thu, April 13, 8pm

Music Director Laureate Marin Alsop returns to the BSO to conduct Tchaikovsky and Rouse. Internationally-renowned pianist Olga Kern performs Rachmaninoff.

MUSIC CENTER

Strathmore Presents

AROOJ AFTAB, VIJAY IYER, SHAHZAD ISMAILY LOVE IN EXILE

Fri, April 14, 8pm

Love in Exile creates lush soundscapes of meditation and yearning. It explores “self-exile, and the search for freedom and identity.”

MUSIC CENTER

Strathmore Presents CONNECTING THE DOTS WITH JOSANNE FRANCIS, CHAO TIAN & TITILAYO AYANGADE

Artist in Residence Workshop

DJANGOLOGY: IDEAS FROM THE MUSIC OF DJANGO REINHARDT WITH CONNOR HOLDRIDGE

Wed, April 19, 7:30pm

Holdridge breaks down the elements of Reinhardt’s musical style and teaches how to incorporate his ideas into your own music making, regardless of genre or instrument.

MANSION

Strathmore and Washington Performing Arts Presents

MONTEREY JAZZ

FESTIVAL ON TOUR FEATURING

DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER, KURT ELLING, LAKECIA BENJAMIN, CHRISTIAN SANDS, YASUSHI

NAKAMURA & CLARENCE PENN

Thu, April 20, 8pm

Artist in Residence

CONNOR HOLDRIDGE GUITARIST & COMPOSER

Supported in part by Karen Lefkowitz & Al Neyman, Margaret McDowell, and Myrna Sislen

Wed, April 12 & 26, 8pm

Holdridge explores the sonic possibilities of French guitars, upright and electric bass, and percussion in unsuspecting ways.

AMP

Fri, April 14, 8pm

This exploratory performance project by Artist in Residence alums features a unique combination of steelpan, Chinese dulcimer, and cello.

AMP

The Monterey Jazz Festival brings together six widely renowned jazz musicians for an unforgettable night fronted by Dee Dee Bridgewater.

MUSIC CENTER

Strathmore Presents DJAVAN

THE D TOUR USA 2023 CO-PRESENTED BY EDUCARTE

Fri, April 21, 8pm

Young Artists of America at Strathmore

THE LEGACY OF HAL PRINCE

Sat, April 1, 7pm

A world premiere celebrating Prince’s 70-year musical theatre career, including West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, and more! Featuring 160 performers from YAAOrchestra, YAACompany, and YAAjunior.

MUSIC CENTER

Annapolis Symphony Orchestra

TWO ROMANTICS

BRAHMS & PROKOFIEV

Sun, April 2, 3pm

Brahms’ beloved Second Symphony and Prokofiev’s Violin

Concerto No. 1 with violinist

Sayaka Shoji is presented by the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra with conductor José-Luis Novo.

MUSIC CENTER

Strathmore Presents RACHEL BARTON PINE

APPEARS BY ARRANGEMENT WITH MKI ARTISTS

Thu, April 13, 6:30pm & 8:30pm

Violinist Pine connects with audiences and celebrates contemporary and classical works through her passionate, informed interpretations.

MANSION

National Philharmonic BEETHOVEN’S SYMPHONY

NO. 7

Sat, April 15, 8pm

Maestro Piotr Gajewski conducts contemporary works and classical masterpieces, featuring Valerie Coleman’s Umoja, Florence

Price’s Violin Concerto No. 2 with violinist Melissa White, Carlos Simon’s Fate Now Conquers, and Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony.

MUSIC CENTER

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Washington Performing Arts

EMANUEL AX

Sun, April 16, 4pm

One of today’s most accomplished and beloved pianists performs works by Schubert and Liszt.

MUSIC CENTER

The four-time Latin Grammy winner will present a brand-new show with his full band, featuring songs from his 25th studio album D, as well as major hits from his 45 year career.

MUSIC CENTER

Strathmore & BSO Present BSO MUSIC BOX

CELEBRATE SPRINGTIME

Co-presented by Strathmore and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with Levine Music. Sat, April 22, 10 & 11:30am Interactive family concerts. Cherry blossoms, sunshine, budding flowers, and trees herald spring! So refreshing! Recommended for ages 6 months–3 years.

AMP

Music Center Mansion AMP Community Education

Lisa-Marie Mazzucco

Jiyang Chen

Margot Schulman

Jonothan Timmes

Marry in the Mansion

Intimate,

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

JOSHUA BELL PLAYS MENDELSSOHN

Sat, April 22, 8pm

You can always count on superstar violinist Bell to perform Mendelssohn-Bartholdy’s deeply poetic concerto. Russian conductor Anna Rakitina guides the BSO through Elgar’s Enigma Variations.

MUSIC CENTER

Washington Performing Arts

BÉLA FLECK, ZAKIR

HUSSAIN, EDGAR MEYER

Sun, April 23, 7pm

Indian tabla legend Hussain, banjo virtuoso Fleck, and doublebass wizard Meyer present a genre-crossing evening of astounding virtuosity, cultural convergence, and sparkling improvisation. They are joined by Indian bansuri (bamboo flute) player Rakesh Chaurasia.

MUSIC CENTER

Strathmore Presents GRAVITY & OTHER MYTHS

A SIMPLE SPACE

Wed & Thu, April 26 & 27, 8pm

This performance is supported in part by the Embassy of Australia Witness seven acrobats pushed to their physical limits, without reserve, in a disarmingly intimate setting. Propelled by the driving sound of live percussion, it’s simultaneously raw, frantic, and delicate.

MUSIC CENTER

Strathmore Presents SHAYNA STEELE

Thu, April 27, 8pm

On Sale March 10

Steele performs originals and classics at the soulful intersection of blues, gospel, R&B, and jazz music.

AMP

Strathmore Presents

GEORGE HINCHLIFFE’S UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN

Tue, May 2, 8pm

Experience the full scope of uke excellence! The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain virtuosically sings and strums their way through an eclectic catalog.

MUSIC CENTER

Strathmore Presents CHRISTINA COURTIN

Thu, May 4, 6:30pm & 8:30pm

Vocalist, instrumentalist, and composer Courtin performs compositions that plumb the depths of human emotion in her own unique style.

MANSION

Strathmore Presents MAMES BABEGENUSH

Fri, April 28, 4pm & 8pm

Award-winning Danish klezmerjazz ensemble traces influences from melancholy Scandinavian roots to eastern European dance traditions.

AMP

Strathmore Presents RAIN

A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES

Sat, April 29, 8pm

Experience The Beatles greatest hits as RAIN brings this epic band to life, in addition to all your early Beatles favorites.

MUSIC CENTER

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

TCHAIKOVSKY PIANO CONCERTO

Thu, May 4, 8pm

Music Director Designate

Jonathon Heyward returns to the BSO to present Jennifer Higdon’s ethereal blue cathedral and Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances. Behzod Abduraimov joins the Orchestra to perform Tchaikovsky’s spine-tingling Piano Concerto

MUSIC CENTER

Annapolis Symphony Orchestra SAINT-SAËNS ORGAN

SYMPHONY

Sun, May 7, 3pm

Grammy-winning violinist James Ehnes joins the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra for Korngold’s Violin Concerto. Plus, Camille Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3 glorious organ performance is a thundering finale to ASO’s season.

MUSIC CENTER

Strathmore Presents

JEN SHYU

FERTILE LAND, FERTILE BODY SOLO WORK IN PROGRESS

Thu, April 27, 6:30pm & 8:30pm

Shyu embodies unbound creativity in her vocal and instrumental performance, infusing her music with masterful storytelling and unrestrained emotion.

MANSION

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Strathmore Presents AYNUR

Sun, April 30, 4pm & 8pm

Turkish singer-songwriter blends Kurdish folk traditions with synth-pop instrumentation for an unforgettably unique sound.

AMP

Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras

MCYO SPRING CONCERTS

Tue & Wed, May 9 & 10, 7pm

Sun, May 14, 2pm

Join MCYO’s orchestras as they perform a multitude of amazing works that present through sound and music, true human essence and beauty!

MUSIC CENTER

Chris Herzfeld

Matt Christine

STRATHMORE.ORG/WEDDINGS

charming, art-inspired, and absolutely unforgettable.

Strathmore graciously thanks our Artist in Residence Champions for their multi-year commitment and above-and-beyond support to the AIR program.

Shervin Lainez

Artist in Residence

JO PALMER

MULTI-GENRE DRUMMER

Supported in part by Jamie & Jessica McIntyre , Bayo & Funke

Oyewole , and Dr. J. Alberto Martinez & Anna Pigotti

Wed, May 10 & 24, 8pm

Raised on jazz and immersed in several genres, Palmer is a versatile drummer, exploring music as a form of connection and cultural exploration.

AMP

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra UPTOWN NIGHTS

Thu, May 11, 8pm

Inspired by Harlem’s musical hotspots, this production features the brilliant trumpeter/vocalist/ conductor Byron Stripling, vocalist Carmen Bradford, and tap dancer Leo Manzari.

MUSIC CENTER

Strathmore Presents LEYLA MCCALLA

Thu, May 11, 8pm

On Sale March 10

Alumna of the Grammy awardwinning Carolina Chocolate Drops, McCalla seamlessly blends New Orleans and Haitian rhythms, with lyrics sung in English, French, and Haitian Creole.

AMP

Strathmore Presents THE STRING QUEENS

Fri, May 12, 6:30pm & 9pm

A trio of educators and performers offers orchestral interpretations of everything from baroque to jazz to today’s top hits.

AMP

National Philharmonic COSMIC CYCLES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NASA GODDARD

Sat, May 13, 8pm

NatPhil presents the world premiere of Henry Dehlinger’s Cosmic Cycles, conducted by Maestro Piotr Gajewski and played live against projections of out-of-this-world images from NASA Goddard.

MUSIC CENTER

Artist in Residence Workshop

STORYTELLING THROUGH MUSIC WITH JO PALMER

Wed, May 17, 7:30pm

Palmer discusses storytelling, how ideology can be conveyed through song, and how lyrics and rhythm are tied together to convey a feeling.

MANSION

Strathmore Presents KERRY WILKERSON & DANIELLE TALAMANTES AT THAT HOUR: ART SONGS BY HENRY DEHLINGER

Thu, May 18, 6:30pm & 8:30pm Composer Dehlinger presents original art songs written for soprano and baritone voices.

MANSION

THE TIME IS NOW

By Noreen B. Friedman

As a devoted family man and self-described “LEGO child,” Nick Krewson is an avid building hobbyist with a strong appreciation for the arts. “I love that Strathmore is more than a concert hall, presenting visual arts and workshops for kids to try their hands at it,” Nick shares. And, at just 40 years old, Nick is the youngest donor to include Strathmore as a beneficiary of his life insurance policy.

Orchestra THE PATHÉTIQUE SYMPHONY

Sat, May 20, 8pm

Jonathon Heyward returns to conduct works by British composer Grace-Evangeline Mason and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6. Double bassist Xavier Foley joins the BSO to perform his own concerto.

MUSIC CENTER

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Strathmore Presents QUINTETO LATINO

Thu, May 25, 6:30pm & 8:30pm At the intersection of performance and advocacy, Quinteto Latino performs works exclusively by Latin composers, expanding the boundaries of the classical wind quintet.

MANSION

With his father in military intelligence, Nick spent his early childhood globetrotting in Europe and Africa. As he approached adulthood, circumstances led him to help care for his younger siblings. This changed his military career plans while teaching him about generosity and the importance of close family ties. Nick is now an IT director at a government IT contractor in Frederick, Maryland, and was attracted to the company because they value community involvement.

On why he named Strathmore as a beneficiary, Nick says, “I can’t understate the value of nostalgia wrapped into my history of living in Maryland, including the performing and visual arts. I want to share that with others. Having been privileged, I want to leave a net positive in the world, including donating to causes I care about.”

Nick joins the 58 percent of Millennials that have formed estate plans, according to a 2021 study by Northwestern Mutual and Forbes Insights. “I encourage people my age to make these legacy plans as an investment benefiting others in the future. It costs you nothing now but a little time and effort.”

You can join Nick in making a lasting, meaningful impact! STRATHMORE.ORG/LEGACY

Contact Heidi Onkst, Vice President of Advancement 301.581.5133 | honkst@strathmore.org

Baltimore Symphony

Lenny Gonzalez

Nick with goddaughter, Iris, who is one of many that will benefit from inspiring legacy gifts from patrons who are committed to ensuring the future of the arts.

Brent Calis

Strathmore Hall Foundation, Inc.

5301 Tuckerman Lane

STRATHMORE NEWS

North Bethesda, MD 20852-3385

Tickets for these amazing shows, and more, are on sale now.

The fully-staged Afrofuturist opera Parable of the Sower returns to Strathmore this June! After two sold out performances last spring, this mesmerizing work that explores gender, race, and the future of human civilization, is not to be missed.

Don’t miss The Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour, world music from Djavan, and throwback hits from RAIN—A Tribute to the Beatles.

Check out more inside!

STRATHMORE.ORG

Strathmore is partially funded by operating grants from:

Parable of the Sower by Ehud Lazin, Djavan by Gabriela Schmidt, RAIN by Matt Christine Photography