Delmarva Peninsula– The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will host a Preview Evening for the Elizabeth Loker International Concerto Competition (ELICC) on Saturday, March 22nd, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Academy Art Museum located at 106 South Street, Easton, MD 21601.

This event will provide an opportunity for the public to meet the three finalists of the 2025 ELICC, a prestigious competition that showcases the talents of emerging classical musicians. Guests will have the chance to interact with the finalists, learn about their musical backgrounds, and hear about their journey in the competition. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served, creating an atmosphere for conversation and engagement.

Each finalist will also perform a brief solo mini-recital during the event, giving attendees a preview of their musical abilities and a taste of the artistry they will bring to the competition.

“The Preview Evening provides a wonderful opportunity to meet the finalists and hear them perform in a more intimate setting,” said Jeffrey Parker, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. “It’s a chance for the community to learn more about the competition and engage with these talented young musicians before the final round.” Tickets for this event are $75.00 and available online.

The ELICC is one of the region’s top music competitions, offering young musicians the chance to perform with a professional orchestra. The final competition will take place the following day, Sunday, March 23rd, at 3:00 PM at the Todd Performing Arts Center at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, MD, where the finalists will compete for the chance to perform as a soloist with the MSO.

Tickets for the Preview Evening, as well as for the final round of the competition, are available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

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ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, Delaware Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2024-2025 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, venues, times, and other information is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathleen Wise to its Board of Directors. Wise, a longtime advocate for music and the arts in Dorchester County, brings a wealth of experience in education, community engagement, and arts support to the organization.

A resident of Cambridge, Maryland, since 1967, Wise has been a dedicated champion of music education and accessibility. During her decade-long tenure on the Dorchester County Board of Education, she was instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of the arts in the K-12 curriculum. As a retired clinical social worker and program administrator at the Dorchester Health Department, she also encouraged the use of music as a healing modality in mental health programs.

Wise’s passion for music is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Growing up in a Chicago suburb, she participated in school and church choirs and developed an early appreciation for classical music, even introducing her family to Saturday opera broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera. She continues to support music education through her daughter, Melissa Wise, who serves as the choral director at Cambridge High School.

In addition to her work in education and mental health, Wise has played a pivotal role in the local music community. She served on the Board of Chesapeake Music for nine years, focusing on expanding concert offerings to young audiences. At Christ Episcopal Church in Cambridge, she was an integral member of the Music Committee, where she oversaw the purchase of the church’s Casavant Frères organ and helped establish a concert series that has thrived for 30 years.

A longtime supporter of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony, Wise and her late husband, Doug Ridley, were season subscribers and frequent attendees of MSO gala events. She is eager to bring her experience and enthusiasm to the MSO Board, with a particular focus on expanding partnerships with schools and increasing concert attendance among Dorchester County residents.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kathleen to our Board of Directors,” said Jeffrey Parker, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. “Her deep commitment to music education and community engagement aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to working with her to further enrich the cultural landscape of the Delmarva Peninsula.”

For more information about the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and its upcoming performances, visit www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

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ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, Delaware Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2024-2025 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, venues, times, and other information is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org

Delmarva Peninsula– The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce its highly anticipated String Quartet concerts in February, featuring the talents of its principal string players. These performances will take place on Saturday, February 8th at 3:00 PM at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, DE, and Sunday, February 9th at 4:00 PM at the Academy Art Museum in Easton, MD.

The MSO String Quartet consists of Concertmaster Kimberly McCollum (violin), Principal 2nd Violin Celaya Kirchner (violin), Principal Violist Yuri Tomenko, and Principal Cellist Katie McCarthy. This talented ensemble will perform two masterpieces of the string quartet repertoire: Dmitri Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 3 in F Major and Felix Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 6 in F Minor.

Dmitri Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 3 in F Major, Op. 73 (1950) is a deeply personal and expressive work, composed during a period of intense political pressure in Stalinist Russia. Although Shostakovich was known for his symphonic compositions, his string quartets offer a more intimate and often poignant glimpse into his emotional and artistic struggles. The third quartet is one of his most lyrical, infused with both beauty and a sense of melancholy. It features contrasts between lush melodies and sharp, dissonant sections, reflecting the composer’s complex relationship with the political environment in which he lived.

Felix Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80 (1847) is a passionate and dramatic work, written during a time of personal tragedy for the composer. Mendelssohn’s beloved sister, Fanny, had recently passed away, and the quartet carries an undertone of grief and emotional depth. The piece stands out for its intensity, especially in the first and last movements, and the final movement’s soaring theme hints at Mendelssohn’s ability to create beauty even in sorrow. This quartet is a testament to his remarkable compositional talents and his ability to channel personal loss into music of enduring beauty.

These performances offer a rare opportunity to experience two distinct but equally compelling works, showcasing the virtuosity of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony’s string section in an up close and personal concert.

Tickets are available for purchase online and at the door. For more information, visit www.midatlanticsymphony.org or call 1-888-846-8600.

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ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, Delaware Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2024-2025 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, venues, times, and other information is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is delighted to announce its annual New Year’s Eve concert, featuring Puerto Rican soprano, Kresley Figueroa. The concert will take place at 7 PM on December 31, 2024, at Christ Church in Easton, MD, offering an evening of music to ring in the New Year.

Under the baton of Maestro Michael Repper, the MSO will perform a program of iconic classical works, including timeless pieces by Johann Strauss II, Giacomo Puccini, Giuseppe Verdi, and Leonard Bernstein. The highlight of the evening will be several solo performances by Kresley Figueroa, whose breathtaking voice will bring to life operatic arias and Broadway classics.

The concert will open with Strauss’ Die Fledermaus Overture and Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, setting the tone for a celebratory evening. Figueroa will then perform a selection of operatic gems, including Puccini’s Quando m’en vo from La Bohème, Verdi’s Caro Nome from Rigoletto, and Massenet’s The Gavotte from Manon. She will also perform the beloved I Feel Pretty from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story.

After intermission, Strauss’ Blue Danube Waltz will take center stage, followed by Figueroa’s rendition of Gounod’s Je Veux Vivre from Romeo and Juliette and Loewe’s I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady. The concert will conclude with Strauss’ Radetsky March, providing a rousing finish to this extraordinary New Year’s Eve celebration.

Kresley Figueroa is currently in her second year as a Cafritz Young Artist with the Washington National Opera. Her recent roles include Chrisann Brennan in The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, Bagheera in Jungle Book, and The Unicorn in The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me. Figueroa has also appeared with The Aspen Music Festival, OPERA San Antonio, and in concert with celebrated artists like Ana María Martínez and Susan Graham. In 2024, she earned First Place and the Audience Favorite prize in The James Toland Vocal Arts Competition and Third Prize in Florida Grand Opera’s National Voice Competition.

This New Year’s Eve concert marks Figueroa’s debut performance with the MSO, and she is excited to celebrate the occasion with an unforgettable evening of music.

Tickets for this New Year’s Eve concert are available now and can be purchased online at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

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ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, Delaware Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2024-2025 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, venues, times, and other information is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) Brass Quintet will present a series of holiday concerts across the Delmarva Peninsula, bringing a festive program of classic and contemporary music to local communities. The concerts will feature a mix of beloved seasonal favorites, from traditional carols to classic pieces by Tchaikovsky.

The MSO Brass Quintet, made up of musicians from the Symphony’s brass and percussion sections, will perform at three venues over the weekend:

• Friday, December 20, 7:00 PM at Community Church, Ocean Pines, MD
• Saturday, December 21, 7:00 PM at Epworth United Methodist Church, Rehoboth Beach, DE
• Sunday, December 22, 4:00 PM at Christ Church, Easton, MD

The program will include selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, including the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “Trepak,” and “Waltz of the Flowers.” These iconic pieces, which have become synonymous with the holiday season, will be given new life through the quintet’s vibrant performance.

In addition, the quintet will offer a medley of festive carols, including “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” The concert will also feature a blend of musical styles, including a jazzy rendition of Vince Guaraldi’s “Christmas Time is Here” and a calypso version of the traditional English carol “The Holly and the Ivy.”

The program will conclude with a moving performance of “Angels We Have Heard on High,” filling the air with holiday spirit.

Tickets for the concerts are available online at https://midatlanticsymphony.org/tickets.

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ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, Delaware Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2024-2025 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, venues, times, and other information is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is spreading seasonal cheer with its Holiday Joy Concerts this December. The concerts will feature festive favorites and special guest soloist Jonathan Pierce Rhodes, the celebrated young tenor known for his resounding voice and captivating performances.

The Holiday Joy Concerts will take place on Thursday, December 5 at 7:30 PM at Todd Hall Performing Arts Center in Wye Mills, MD, Saturday, December 7 at 7:00 PM at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, DE and Sunday, December 8 at 3:00 PM at the Performing Arts Center in Salisbury, MD

Led by Grammy Award winning Music Director Michael Repper, the concert program will feature a blend of orchestral holiday favorites and stunning vocal solos by Jonathan Pierce Rhodes. Audiences can expect a festive mix of timeless classics such as It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Winter Wonderland, and Sleigh Ride, as well as beloved carols like Silent Night and O Holy Night, performed by Rhodes. Also included in the program are the popular White Christmas, In the Bleak Midwinter, and a special rendition of T’was the Night Before Christmas, with a narrator.

Rhodes, a recent graduate of the Washington National Opera’s prestigious Cafritz Young Artist Program, is quickly becoming one of the most exciting voices in opera today. Known for his powerful stage presence and rich tenor voice, he has performed with top-tier companies such as The Lyric Opera Chicago, Opera Parallele, and The Glimmerglass Festival. This season, Rhodes will also make his Carnegie Hall debut and appear in several high-profile opera productions, continuing to earn rave reviews for his expressive voice and artistry.

The Holiday Joy Concerts will be a perfect way to celebrate the season with loved ones. With a blend of orchestral warmth, spirited holiday music, and world-class solo performances, this concert is sure to create lasting memories for audiences of all ages.

For tickets and more information, visit the Mid-Atlantic Symphony’s website at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

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ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, Delaware Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2024-2025 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, venues, times, and other information is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony is excited to announce its upcoming Woodwind Quintet concerts, part of the highly anticipated 2024-2025 “Ensembles Series.” These special performances promise to deliver a musical experience that celebrates the artistry and versatility of woodwind instruments. Concerts will take place on Sunday, October 20, at 4 PM at the Academy Art Museum in Easton, MD, and on Saturday, October 26, at 3 PM at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, DE.

This concert series is particularly noteworthy, as most of the repertoire is composed by women, and the performances will be delivered by an all-women woodwind quintet. The carefully curated program features a vibrant selection of works, including Barthe’s Passacaille, which showcases intricate variations on a repeating bass line, a form rooted in the Baroque tradition that highlights the lyrical expressiveness of woodwinds.

The program also includes Eyes by Jennifer Cafolla, a contemporary composer whose work often blends personal reflection with inventive soundscapes. In contrast, Claude Arrieu (Louise Simon)’s Quintette en Ut exemplifies early 20th-century French charm, balancing playful melodies with rich harmonies, making it a favorite among woodwind ensembles.

Kaoru Kawai’s Yukimushi evokes the delicate beauty of nature, drawing on traditional Japanese aesthetics, while Cécile Chaminade’s Four Encore Pieces presents Romantic melodies that have captivated audiences since their composition in the late 19th century.

Amy Beach’s Pastorale, one of the first successful female composers in America, is a poignant work reflecting her mastery of lyrical expression, reminiscent of the natural landscapes she cherished. Boris Agay’s Five Easy Dances adds a lively spirit to the program, providing engaging rhythmic patterns and a sense of joy.

Finally, Lina Mathon Blanchet’s Haitian Folk Tale celebrates the rich storytelling traditions of Haiti, offering a vibrant cultural representation through music that invites listeners into a world of narrative and emotion.

“We are thrilled to present this concert series, which not only showcases the exceptional talents of our musicians but also highlights the contributions of women composers” said Jeffrey Parker, Chairman of the MSO’s Board of Directors. “This program is designed to captivate both seasoned classical music lovers and those new to the genre. We invite everyone to join us and enjoy the allure and creativity of these remarkable compositions.”

Join us for an afternoon of exquisite music, where you can experience the vibrant world of woodwind artistry in a warm and inviting atmosphere. We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a memorable musical journey!

For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.midatlanticsymphony.org, by calling 1-888-846-8600, or at the door.

ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, Delaware Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2024-2025 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, venues, times, and other information is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra proudly opens its 27th season as the Delmarva Peninsula’s only professional symphony orchestra with a concert series titled “Violin Virtuoso.” This series will be held from September 26 to 29 across three venues: Easton, Maryland; Lewes, Delaware; and Ocean Pines, Maryland.

Maestro Repper describes the upcoming season as one filled with “energy, passion, and excitement,” highlighting the inclusion of world-class soloists, timeless favorites, and rare opportunities to experience works by under-performed composers. “There is something for everyone at the Mid-Atlantic Symphony, and we look forward to performing for you,” Repper says.

The “Violin Virtuoso” concerts will kick off with three performances, showcasing a blend of dramatic and triumphant music. The concerts will feature Johannes Brahms’ Tragic Overture, Alice Mary Smith’s Symphony in A Minor, and Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, performed by Grace Park, the celebrated winner of the Naumburg International Violin Competition.

Repper envisions the season-opening concerts as a journey from tragedy to triumph, starting with Brahms’ emotionally charged Tragic Overture and concluding with Mendelssohn’s exuberant Violin Concerto. Park, acclaimed for her artistry, passion, and virtuosity, will perform on a rare 1717 Guarneri violin. The San Francisco Chronicle has praised her as “fresh, different, and exhilarating,” making her performance of Mendelssohn’s concerto, known for its triumphant ending, a highly anticipated highlight of the series.

The concert series will also feature the rarely heard Symphony in A Minor by Alice Mary Smith (1839-1884), the first British woman to compose a symphony. Smith’s music, described by her contemporaries as “marked by elegance and grace … power and energy,” adds a distinctive and historically significant element to the program.

The “Violin Virtuoso” concert series will take place on:

Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 7:30 PM at Easton Church of God, 1009 N. Washington St, Easton, MD 21601

Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 3:00 PM at Cape Henlopen High School, 1250 Kings Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958

Sunday, September 29, 2024, at 3:00 PM at Community Church, 11227 Racetrack Rd, Ocean Pines, MD 21811

Tickets are available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org, by calling 1-888-846-8600, or at the door. For more information, please visit www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

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ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, Delaware Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2024-2025 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, venues, times, and other information is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra’s 27th season, entitled “Adventures in Classical Music,” celebrates its status as the Delmarva Peninsula’s only professional symphony orchestra. This season will include six Masterworks Series programs, consisting of 17 full orchestra performances, conducted by Grammy-winning Music Director Michael Repper, who is beginning his third season with the orchestra. Additionally, there will be four Ensembles Series Concert programs, consisting of eight performances, played by quintets and quartets from the orchestra’s woodwind, brass, and string sections.

The season’s first concert cycle, “Violin Virtuoso,” will be performed on Thursday, September 26 at 7:30 PM at the Church of God in Easton; Saturday, September 28 at 3 PM at the Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes; and Sunday, September 29 at 3 PM at the Community Church in Ocean Pines.

Maestro Repper envisioned the September concert as one of “Tragedy to Triumph.” It begins with Johannes Brahms’ Tragic Overture and ends with Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, performed by Grace Park, winner of the Naumberg International Violin Competition. Repper lauds Park as “one of the best violinists anywhere” and describes the Mendelssohn concerto as having “one of the most triumphant endings of all violin concertos.” Park will perform on a rare 1717 Guarneri violin. Renowned for captivating her audience with her artistry, passion, and virtuosity, the violinist has been praised by the San Francisco Chronicle as “fresh, different, and exhilarating” and by Strings Magazine as “intensely wrought and burnished.”

The concert will also feature the rarely heard Symphony in A Minor by Alice Mary Smith (1839-1884). Educated at the Royal Academy of Music, Smith was the first British woman to compose a symphony. At her death, The Atheneum described the Victorian composer and musician’s music as “marked by elegance and grace … power and energy.”

The 2024-2025 season will continue on October 20 and 26 with MSO Woodwind Quintet performances; November 8, 9, and 10 with the full orchestra performing “Fireworks of Fate” featuring Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 and No. 5 and Louise Farrenc’s Overtures No. 1 and No. 2.

The ever-popular “Holiday Joy” concerts are sure to excite and inspire the audience on December 5, 7, and 8, with the orchestra, featuring tenor Jonathan Pierce Rhodes, who is an award winner of the Metropolitan Opera’s Laffont Young Artists Program, performing holiday favorites. December concerts also include the perennial Holiday Brass Quintet ensemble on December 21 and 22, and the Toast to the New Year, New Year’s Eve concert with renowned soprano Kresley Figueroa, who is currently a member of the Kennedy Center’s Cafritz Young Artist Program.

The March 23 Elizabeth Loker International Concerto Competition at the Todd Performing Arts Center in Wye Mills will be a highlight of the season, featuring three young instrumental soloists performing, backed by the entire Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. Rare among global competitions, this past spring’s event attracted 155 instrumental solo musicians competing from 12 countries worldwide and 24 states.

The spring concerts continue with “Mozart’s Jupiter” featuring Mozart’s Symphonies No. 1, 40, and 41 on April 3, 5, and 6. Symphony No. 1 was written by Mozart as a child, and Symphony No. 41 was his final symphony, regarded as one of the most ingenious works of Western music ever written. It will be followed by “Romantic Triumph & Celebration” on May 8, 10, and 11, including brother and sister Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 (Italian) and Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel’s Overture, and Schumann’s Cello Concerto with Sphinx Competition-winning cellist Gabriel Martins. The MSO String Quartet will perform concerts on February 8 and 9. Concluding the season, the MSO’s Woodwind & Strings ensemble will perform on May 17 and 18.

Maestro Repper sums it all up with, “There’s something for everyone at the Mid-Atlantic Symphony, and we look forward to performing for you!”

ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, Delaware Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2024-2025 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, venues, times, and other information is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is pleased to announce the ratification of a new three-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the musicians of the orchestra, represented by Baltimore Local 40-543 of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). This marks the second consecutive three-year agreement between the MSO and its musicians, underscoring the strong and positive relationship between the organization and the dedicated artists who bring its performances to life.

The newly ratified contract guarantees an annual wage increase of 12% over the life of the agreement for the musicians. This significant agreement reflects the MSO’s commitment to providing fair compensation and a supportive working environment for its musicians, while also ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality performances to audiences across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Jeffrey Parker, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, expressed his enthusiasm for the successful negotiations, stating, “Reaching this agreement is a moment of great pride for our organization. It is a reflection of the deep respect and appreciation we hold for our musicians, whose talent and dedication are the heartbeat of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony. We are thrilled to have secured a contract that meets the needs of our musicians while positioning the orchestra for continued growth and artistic excellence. This agreement is a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines our relationship with the AFM, and we look forward to an exciting future together.”

The contract ratification follows a series of constructive discussions between MSO leadership, the musicians who make up the player’s committee, and a representative of the AFM. The parties worked diligently to ensure that the agreement not only supports the financial well-being of the musicians but also fosters a collaborative and forward-looking environment within the orchestra.

Mary Plaine, Secretary of Baltimore Local 40-543 of the AFM, praised the process and the outcome, noting, “We are deeply appreciative of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra for their commitment to a collaborative and supportive atmosphere, both at the bargaining table and within the organization as a whole. This new contract is a reflection of the mutual respect and shared goals that have guided our negotiations. It ensures that our musicians will continue to be valued and supported as they bring their extraordinary talents to the MSO audiences.”

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra has long been recognized for its outstanding contributions to the cultural life of the Delmarva Peninsula, offering a diverse range of performances that span classical masterpieces, contemporary works, and educational outreach programs. This new contract further solidifies the orchestra’s ability to attract and retain top-tier musicians, ensuring that it remains a cultural beacon for years to come.

As the MSO embarks on another exciting season, audiences can look forward to a dynamic lineup of concerts that showcase the artistry and passion of its musicians. From timeless symphonic works to innovative newer compositions, the orchestra remains committed to enriching the cultural fabric of the communities it serves.

For more information about the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, upcoming performances, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.midatlanticsymphony.org

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ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, Delaware Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2024-2025 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, venues, times, and other information is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org