The Maryland Symphony Orchestra is proud to present our 2025/26 concert season, an exploration of musical storytelling, innovation, and timeless masterpieces.
This season, we celebrate music that has shaped generations— works that inspire, challenge, and transport us. From the heroic landscapes of Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben to the evocative imagery of Respighi’s Pines of Rome, each concert brings powerful narratives to life. We’ll highlight composers whose voices echo across time, from Beethoven’s enduring influence to vibrant works by Emilie Mayer, Timo Andres, and Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson
We’ll also journey into the unforgettable worlds of John Williams, whose music has defined some of the most beloved films of all time. His soaring themes remind us of the power of adventure, heroism, and deep emotion—qualities that have made his scores an enduring part of our lives.
Extraordinary guest artists will bring dynamic concertos and orchestral showpieces to life. We’ll explore the grandeur of symphonies, the richness of chamber-inspired works, and the vivid colors of music shaped by history and culture. The season also offers fresh perspectives—whether through innovative new compositions or rediscovered gems.
Music connects us, awakens our emotions, and reminds us of the beauty around us. We invite you to experience the power of live music with us during our 2025/26 concert season.
SAT October 11, 2025 | 7:30 PM
SUN October 12, 2025 | 3:00 PM
THE MARYLAND THEATRE
FEATURING:
Elizabeth Schulze, conductor
Joseph Parrish, bass-baritone
CONCERT REPERTOIRE:
MICHAEL TORKE
“Bright Blue Music”
GUSTAV MAHLER
“Rückert-Lieder”
RICHARD STRAUSS
“Ein Heldenleben”
CONCERT SPONSORS:
Mr. James & Mrs. Melinda Marsden
The Maryland Symphony Orchestra opens its 2025/26 season with a celebration of the great orchestrators.
Torke’s Bright Blue Music opens with vibrant, expansive sound, capturing the energy of life itself. Mahler’s Rückert Lieder, sung by bass-baritone Joseph Parrish, brings poetry and music together in a deeply emotional exploration of love and melancholy. The concert culminates with Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben, a dramatic and heroic orchestral journey that will captivate audiences with its sweeping narrative and bold sound.
This program showcases the power of music, from vibrant and energetic to deeply reflective, through the works of three of the world’s most renowned composers.
Joseph Parrish appears courtesy of Young Concert Artists.
* Free student tickets are available for both K-12 and college students. Seats designated as “Box” and “Premium” are excluded from this offer.
SAT November 8, 2025 | 7:30 PM
SUN November 9, 2025 | 3:00 PM
THE MARYLAND THEATRE
FEATURING:
Elizabeth Schulze, conductor
Timo Andres, piano
CONCERT REPERTOIRE:
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN
“Leonore Overture No. 3”
TIMO ANDRES
“The Blind Banister”
EMILIE MAYER
Symphony No. 7 in F Minor
CONCERT SPONSORS:
Dr. Robert & Mrs. Marjorie Hobbs
Beethoven’s revolutionary spirit reshaped classical music, leaving an enduring influence on generations of composers.
This program explores that legacy, beginning with his Leonore Overture No. 3, a powerful work that embodies his mastery of drama and transformation. Timo Andres’ The Blind Banister, a finalist for the 2016 Pulitzer Prize in Music, draws inspiration from Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto, reimagining its gestures in a strikingly modern voice. The program concludes with Emilie Mayer’s Symphony No. 7 in F Minor, a testament to Beethoven’s influence, echoing his bold harmonies and structural innovations while showcasing Mayer’s own compelling musical vision.
This concert is a tribute to Beethoven’s lasting impact, revealing how his ideas continue to shape and inspire composers across centuries.
* Free student tickets are available for both K-12 and college students. Seats designated as “Box” and “Premium” are excluded from this offer.
SAT February 14, 2026 | 7:30 PM
SUN February 15, 2026 | 3:00 PM
THE MARYLAND THEATRE
FEATURING:
Elizabeth Schulze, conductor
CONCERT REPERTOIRE:
ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK
Wind Serenade, op. 44, in D Minor
COLERIDGE-TAYLOR PERKINSON
Sinfonietta No. 1
LOUIS W. BALLARD
“Incident at Wounded Knee”
JOSEPH HAYDN
Symphony No. 64 in A Major
“Tempora Mutantur”
CONCERT SPONSORS:
Dr. Hugh & Mrs. Marty Talton
* Free student tickets are available for both K-12 and college students. Seats designated as “Box” and “Premium” are excluded from this offer.
This program reflects the profound connection between history, culture, and the human experience through music.
Dvořák’s Wind Serenade opens the concert with lyrical beauty, capturing the timeless harmony between nature and the human spirit. Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson’s Sinfonietta No. 1 follows with bold, expressive themes that blend classical traditions with vibrant cultural influences. Ballard’s Incident at Wounded Knee offers a moving reflection on Native American culture, exploring themes of resistance, justice, and cultural resilience. The concert concludes with Haydn’s Symphony No. 64 in A Major, a jubilant and uplifting work that reminds us of the power of music to inspire hope and unity.
Together, these pieces honor the voices and stories that shape our world, bringing their lessons forward into the present.
SAT March 14, 2026 | 7:30 PM
SUN March 15, 2026 | 3:00 PM
THE MARYLAND THEATRE
FEATURING:
Elizabeth Schulze, conductor
Ying Li, piano
CONCERT REPERTOIRE:
CLAUDE DEBUSSY
“Fêtes” (from Nocturnes)
AMY BEACH
Piano Concerto in C-sharp Minor, op. 45
JEAN SIBELIUS
Symphony No. 2 in D Major, op. 43
CONCERT SPONSORS:
Dr. Stephen & Mrs. Linda Hood
* Free student tickets are available for both K-12 and college students. Seats designated as “Box” and “Premium” are excluded from this offer.
Step into the dawn of the 20th century, a time of innovation and artistic exploration. This program brings to life the dynamic sounds of a new era.
Claude Debussy’s Fêtes captures the shimmering, inventive spirit of French Impressionism, while Amy Beach’s Piano Concerto, featuring pianist Ying Li, blends classical form with American originality. The concert concludes with Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2, a powerful work filled with grandeur and emotional depth, reflecting the hopes and challenges of a rapidly changing world.
This concert celebrates the creative revolution that defined the music of the time.
Ying Li appears courtesy of Young Concert Artists.
SAT May 2, 2026 | 7:30 PM
SUN May 3, 2026 | 3:00 PM
THE MARYLAND THEATRE
FEATURING:
Elizabeth Schulze, conductor
CONCERT REPERTOIRE:
JACQUES IBERT
Escales (“Ports of Call”)
NIKOLAI RIMSKY-KORSAKOV
“Capriccio espagnol, op. 34”
PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY
“Capriccio italien, op. 45”
OTTORINO RESPIGHI
“Pines of Rome”
CONCERT SPONSORS:
Mr. James & Mrs. Georgia Pierné
* Free student tickets are available for both K-12 and college students. Seats designated as “Box” and “Premium” are excluded from this offer.
The 2025/26 concert season draws to a close with an exhilarating musical voyage across continents, cultures, and soundscapes.
Join us for a vibrant exploration of the world, beginning with Ibert’s Escales (Ports of Call), which captures the energy of bustling international harbors. RimskyKorsakov’s Capriccio espagnol and Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio italien transport us to Spain and Italy with vivid, lively rhythms. The concert concludes with Respighi’s Pines of Rome, a journey through the eternal city, where the music paints a landscape from tranquil parks to the bustling streets.
Through rich orchestral color and diverse influences, this concert invites you to experience the sights and sounds of the world.
SAT December 20, 2025 | 7:00 PM
SUN December 21, 2025 | 3:00 PM
THE MARYLAND THEATRE
FEATURING:
Elizabeth Schulze, conductor
Celebrate the holiday season at the Maryland Theatre in Hagerstown with an evening of festive music and cheer. Home for the Holidays is a beloved tradition that brings families and friends together to enjoy classic holiday songs and the joy of the season.
The Maryland Symphony Orchestra will perform timeless favorites, including Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride, along with a special singalong led by Santa Claus. This heartwarming concert will feature special guests performing alongside the orchestra.
Join us for a memorable night that captures the spirit of the season, creating a perfect opportunity to share the warmth and joy of the holidays with those you love.
SAT April 11, 2026 | 7:00 PM
THE MARYLAND THEATRE
FEATURING:
Elizabeth Schulze, conductor
The music of John Williams has taken us on thrilling adventures, from the vastness of space to the depths of the ocean, and through timeless stories that continue to inspire generations. Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the cinematic genius of John Williams, the maestro behind some of the most iconic film scores in history. This special concert features a selection of his most beloved compositions, including themes from Superman, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, and more. Experience the magic of these timeless melodies performed live by the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, bringing to life the sense of adventure and wonder that have made Williams’ music legendary.
This concert is a must for movie enthusiasts and music lovers alike, offering a unique opportunity to relive the cinematic moments that have captivated audiences for decades.
