Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Announces 64th Season

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) has announced its 2025-2026 season, its 64th as Anne Arundel County’s oldest and largest performing arts organization. The season’s repertoire, curated by Artistic Director José-Luis Novo, will quench audiences’ thirst for both classical and contemporary orchestral masterpieces — showcasing the virtuosity of the ASO’s musicians while honoring the rich tapestry of human history.

Each performance is a celebration of the profound connections between people and nations, woven together through the universal language of music. Several leading guest artists have been invited to join the ASO at Maryland Hall and the Music Center at Strathmore, complementing Novo’s artistic vision.

Season 64 will include two free Pops in the Park performances, a five-concert Signature Series, and two Holiday Pops concerts.

POPS IN THE PARK

The ASO will host two free outdoor community concerts over Labor Day weekend: at Downs Park on August 29 at 11:30am and on August 30 at 5:30pm at Quiet Waters Park. These lively Pops in the Park concerts feature danceable pop tunes, patriotic favorites, and Broadway and movie music — perfect for all ages. The concert draws over 3,000 attendees annually, offering a relaxed and inspiring outdoor experience. Concert-goers can bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and snacks, or enjoy food truck concessions. Alcohol is prohibited. Parking is free and easy, and there are plenty of convenient restroom facilities.

FIVE-CONCERT SIGNATURE SERIES

Previously entitled “Masterworks Series,” the ASO is renaming its popular subscription series the “Signature Series.” While the name is new, audiences can continue to expect the same level of artistry and excellence that has defined the orchestra for 63 seasons in five pairings of concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings.

A New World
October 10-11, 2025, at 7:30pm
Maryland Hall

This concert will feature Reinaldo Moya’s “Polo Romanesco”; Arturo Márquez’s guitar concerto, “Místico y Profano” with guest artist and guitarist Pablo Sainz-Villegas; and Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, “From the New World.”

Darkness to Light
November 7-8, 2025, at 7:30pm
Maryland Hall

This concert will showcase Jean Sibelius' “The Swan of Tuonela,” Op. 22, No. 2 and Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5.

Legends
January 30-31, 2026, at 7:30pm
Maryland Hall
February 1, 2026, at 3:00pm
Music Center at Strathmore

This first performance of the new year will feature Claude Debussy’s “Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune” (“Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun”); Opera selections (to be announced) with guest artist and soprano Angel Blue; Richard Strauss’ “Don Juan,” Op. 20; and Aaron Copland’s “Billy the Kid” suite.

Echoes of Heritage
February 27-28, 2026, at 7:30pm
Maryland Hall
March 1, 2026, at 3:00pm
Music Center at Strathmore

The fourth concert in the ASO’s Signature Series will include “Janitzio” by Silvestre Revueltas; Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 by Sergei Rachmaninoff with guest artist and pianist Olga Kern; and “Negro Folk Symphony” by William Dawson.

Rhythm to Revolution
April 10 & 11, 2026, at 7:30pm
Maryland Hall

Concluding the series, this concert will include “Antrópolis” by Gabriela Ortiz; Piano Concerto in G major by Maurice Ravel, with guest artist and pianist Pascal Rogé; and Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op. 47 by Dmitri Shostakovich.

HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT

The ASO’s popular Holiday Pops concert will be held at Maryland Hall on December 19 at 7:30pm and at Severna Park High School on December 20 at 3:00pm. The ASO looks forward to this annual tradition of sharing a timeless repertoire of holiday favorites with guest artists who will surprise and delight audiences.

For more information about the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and its upcoming season of performances, go to www.annapolissymphony.org.