Annapolis Symphony Orchestra To Present Pops In The Park End-Of-Summer Bash

Every year, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) presents two free outdoor Pops in the Park summer concerts. At Downs Park on August 30 at 11:30am and Quiet Waters Park on August 31 at 5:30pm, community members can look forward to an event full of energy, movie music, patriotic favorites and unexpected surprises.

The ASO presents Pops in the Park annually to bring people together and make world-class music easy to access. Open to all ages, the concert draws thousands of audience members each year. The event combines lighthearted music selections performed by the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra with the chance to enjoy the scenery of Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis or Downs Park in Pasadena.

“This concert is joyful,” said José-Luis Novo, artistic director and conductor of the ASO. “It’s fun, it’s outdoors, and it’s free. For many in the audience, Pops in the Park is the first time hearing a live orchestra. That moment of discovery is powerful.”

Visitors to Pops in the Park can anticipate classical music, pieces from Broadway and Hollywood, and high-energy symphonic hits. The concerts will open with a performance by Annapolis Symphony Academy (ASA) Orion Youth Orchestra and Aries Youth Chamber Orchestra performing under the baton of Heather Haughn, chair of the ASA strings department. Novo will then take over as maestro, and the sound of over 70 professional musicians will reverberate across the parks.

Pops in the Park will have food trucks present onsite, but the ASO recommends preordering food from nearby restaurants and caterers. Attire can be casual — attendees may dress for warm weather or a backyard party. Audience members are encouraged to bring strollers, lawn chairs, picnic blankets, picnics and snacks. Smoking and alcohol are not permitted in the parks, and pets must be leashed.

Parking is free for both events, though guests must arrive after 10:30am for the Downs Park performance for free entry. Attendees should plan to arrive early for the Quiet Waters Park date, as parking spaces fill up fast.

The Quiet Waters Park performance will be held on the concert stage in the southeast corner of the park. The Downs Park performance will be held on the pavilion on the waterfront side of the park. The rain date for both performances is Monday, September 1, at 5:30pm at Quiet Waters Park.

Though entry is free, registering in advance gives entry into a raffle for prizes and free ASO tickets. To learn more, go to www.annapolissymphony.org/events.