An artistic partnership has been established with the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation to offer the public free-admission outdoor concerts on the Freeman Stage at Bayside, in Selbyville, DE. This new initiative has received a very enthusiastic response from audiences reaching more than a thousand people. The MSO performed a lively program of patriotic music for an American Independence Celebration in June, and other concerts are being considered. Many were experiencing the MSO performance for the first time and have become fans of our Season Series programs.
Valued Sponsorships
The MSO is acknowledging with gratitude the many contributions from all its valued supporters and sponsors, which allow the organization to strengthen the orchestra and to bring the most talented virtuoso soloists, while expanding the repertoire performed. This support illustrates the respect and the confidence our sponsors have in the vision of our Maestro and the future of the MSO in the world of symphonic music. To thank our sponsors, we are honored to recognize them by displaying their logos on the Home page of our Website www.midatlanticsymphony.org. They will also receive publicity when viewers click on the logos to access their website. Additionally, they are all listed in the programs and featured on a large poster displayed at all MSO venues.
Endowment Fund – Reserve Fund
The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Society has established a permanent Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and a Reserve Fund at the M&T Bank to build a stronger financial base for the orchestra and help increase its musical
programs in the communities of Maryland and Delaware. The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and the M&T Bank will receive gifts in the name of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra for these funds.
We would like to reminisce upon the sustained and remarkable accomplishments instilled in the MSO by its charismatic Maestro and his superb orchestra, with the support of a very dedicated Board of Directors and Staff and valued supporters and sponsors.
A Dynamic Season Series 2009-2010
As for the previous Season Series, the economic downturn affected the scope of the MSO programming. Budgetary constraints limit the number of performances and of musicians in the orchestra, and the type of repertoire the MSO is able to offer. With a more modest budget, Maestro Benichou accomplished wonders, sustaining the magical MSO Sound with a reduced orchestra, and delivering a remarkable, powerful performance. The Maestro energizes and motivates his musicians to give so much of themselves that the audience, overwhelmed by their masterful and tremendous interpretation of great musical works, responds in long, enthusiastic standing ovations.
The October Opening concert showcased Gilles Apap, a French world-acclaimed virtuoso violinist, who performed Ravel’s Tzigane and Mozart’s Violin Concerto #3. In Mozart, he displayed an incredible mastery of his magical bow, and a great sense of humor. First he played his own, witty arrangement of the concerto, which brought the house down! Then he and the orchestra performed it the way Mozart wrote it. He will long be remembered. Then the orchestra delivered an absolutely stunning, powerful performance of Brahms’ Symphony #1. It was astounding, and the audience was overwhelmed by the beauty of it all. Some of our fans are still commenting on it.
The Holiday Joy concert in December was a great musical celebration, presenting the usual favorite tunes, with Brian Ming Chu, Baritone and Amy Lynn Call, Soprano. The selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite set a festive mood. The strings and brass sections, so adept at imitating the sounds of life, had their moment with the sleigh ride, the happy clip-clap of horses shoes on the pavement and the horse’s “laugh” at all the fun. The program was lively, inviting a sing-along for some selections, and put the audience in great spirits for the Holidays.
The Mid-Season concert in March started with Mozart’s Overture to Don Giovanni. Then Ginastera’s Variaciones Concertantes introduced the audience to a very different genre of music, by a major classical composer from Latin America. Ten of the twelve parts of this work each showcased a different instrument, giving musicians an opportunity for solos very much appreciated. The orchestra concluded with Beethoven Symphony #5, performed with the gusto and talent the orchestra always displays, and the audience left the hall with memories of a new and stunning experience.
The Season Finale in April started with Cecile Chaminade’s Concertino for Flute and Orchestra, performed by Faith Peeler, winner of the Concerto Competition held every year by the CYSO. The lovely 17-year old Faith is the Principal Flutist of the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra, of which Julien Benichou is Music Director. Her rendition of the beautiful Chaminade piece was a dream, an exquisite, sensitive interpretation blended with flawless technique, all emanating from a poised, picture-perfect performer in a simple, stunning pink gown.
Mozart’s Symphony Concertante gave an opportunity to showcase our most talented soloists in its variations for Oboe, Clarinet, French Horn and Bassoon. It was much applauded, with admiration for the rendition and a touch of love for our very own musicians and conductor! Then the Concert and the Season Series culminated in a masterful interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony #5. This was a performance to remember, with a certain regret that this was the last concert of the Season, wondering how we could wait for the next Series to come to life!
This whole Season Series left the audience with a vivid feeling that the MSO orchestra has matured in giant strides this year and even greater achievements are yet to come. The Maestro and his team have indeed stirred in our patrons the realization that they made their own this treasure in their midst, that the orchestra is going to sustain its steady, stunning growth in stature, caliber and respect, and that it needs and deserves all the support they can muster to help it continue to flourish.
The MSO has a Date with You this Season!
Place it Now on your Calendar of Events not to be missed!
Come experience the vibrant MSO Sound
In a Dynamic Season Series 2010-2011
Ocean City, MD: Where the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra was born.
Photo by: D. Thomas Longo, Jr.
Archives
2009-2010 History
Please click on the above link to view previous history of the MSO
