Spring Equinox Sets Stage for ASO’s String Serenades

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra celebrates the arrival of spring with String Serenades, the fourth virtual performance in the Symphony’s Masterworks Series, on Saturday, March 20, at 8 pm, from Maryland Hall.

“We wanted to give the spring equinox a pivotal significance at this point in our lives,” said ASO Music Director Maestro José-Luis Novo. “Our program echoes both the reflective and the hopeful moods in which we will likely find ourselves at this stage of the season and the pandemic as we look forward to an imminently brighter future.”

The ASO’s performance of String Serenades, under the direction of Maestro José-Luis Novo, will include:

• Gabriel Pierné Serenade, Op. 7
• Florence Price Andante moderato for strings
• Dmitri Shostakovich Chamber Symphony op. 110a
• Josef Suk Serenade for Strings in Eb Major, Op. 6

“The Pierné and Suk string serenades, respectively opening and closing this program, are meant to genuinely delight and enchant the listener,” said Maestro Novo. “In contrast and in response to another dark time in history, Shostakovich’s powerful Chamber Symphony was created in memory of the victims of fascism and war as a reaction to the devastation from World War II. Florence Price’s Andante moderato alternates lyrical and playful touches and certainly emboldens us to celebrate Women’s History Month with our pioneer female African American composer.”

A single household viewing ticket for this concert is $49. An All-Access Household Pass, available for $99 per household, includes this concert (ASO Live!), the pre-concert discussion with Dr. Rachel Franklin (ASO Chat), unlimited replays of this and previous concerts along with bonus video content from the ASO (ASO Replay). Tickets are available at www.SymphonyPlus.org or the box office at 410.263.0907.  

About the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra 

Now in its 59th season, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra is led by renowned Music Director José-Luis Novo and features 70 professional musicians who perform a variety of symphonic concerts for over 30,000 people of all ages every year. Additionally, the non-profit organization provides educational programs through its partnerships with local schools, as well as other community outreach efforts. The Annapolis Symphony Academy is an integral part of the Symphony's programs. The Academy identifies and nurtures musical talent in children and youth in an environment of excellence that values and promotes diversity.  

Major funding for the Annapolis Symphony is generously provided by Elizabeth Richebourg Rea, the Maryland State Arts Council, Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, and Friends of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. The Symphony’s residency at Maryland Hall is made possible in part by a generous grant from Laird Lott and Linda Gooden.