ASO Launches 2023-24 Season

This September, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO), a nonprofit organization, will launch its 62nd season of producing symphonic music and community concerts.

Artistic director, conductor and Arnold resident José-Luis Novo designed the season with a distinct mix of classical and contemporary music.

Season 62 will feature inspiring works. With concerts at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts and at Strathmore, at Quiet Waters Park and Downs Park, at museums, medical centers, schools and churches, the ASO will continue to impact music lovers across the county.

The 2023-2024 Season Inspiration

Novo, who enters his 19th season as artistic director of the ASO, focused on a repertoire of six masterworks, digging deep into the music to explore themes of memory, community and connection to homeland.

“The visceral power of music impacts the lives of everyone,” he said. “It puts us in touch with our better selves, enriches the soul and frees the imagination.”

Novo has made a distinct effort to stand behind the themes of his musical choices by presenting emerging composers who represent a new diversity in symphonic music. Carlos Simon, Anna Clyne, Boris Pigovat, Narong Prangcharoen and Nicky Sohn are virtuosic examples of new artists assuming the mantle of engaging the full power of music to speak to culture, art and society.

Guest artists include pianist Gabriela Montero, cellist Steven Isserlis, classical guitarist Pepe Romero, violinist Elissa Lee Koljonen, pianist Awadagin Pratt and violist Peter Minkler.

Of his artistic vision, Novo said, “There will be time for some ambitious projects, but also for pure symphonic enjoyment with Ravel’s ‘Mother Goose,’ Respighi’s ‘Roman Festivals,’ Elgar’s ‘Enigma Variations’ and Berlioz’s ‘Roman Carnival.’”

Interim executive director Barbara Randolph noted the eloquence and expressiveness inherent to symphonic music and to Novo’s artistic choices for Season 62.

“The season opening concert boldly explores the powerful connection of humans to native places and promotes reflection on the concept of home,” Randolph said. “Over the course of six masterworks performances, we’ll move toward music that defines a national identity, performances that celebrate Mediterranean culture and flair, arriving at the juxtaposition of creation and destruction. We’ll explore a three-part portrayal of genius and end the season by circling back to themes of identity, freedom and connection.”

Tickets

Subscriptions are available for purchase online at www.annapolissymphony.org/subscribe or by phone at 410-263-0907. Single tickets to the masterworks, chamber, and pops concerts will be on sale starting August 1. Learn more about the individual concerts by visiting the ASO website.