Join the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra for the exhilarating launch of Season 63! We’re kicking things off with a burst of energy from award-winning composer Tania León. Her piece, Pasajes, is a dazzling work that weaves together the rhythmic intensity of Latin American melodies, the sultry pulse of Caribbean beats, and the exuberant spirit of carnaval.
The celebration continues as we honor Artistic Director and Conductor Jose-Luis Novo’s 20th year with the ASO with a performance that promises to be unforgettable. Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 was groundbreaking work when it was composed in 1786, and retains all the characteristics of a composer at the height of his powers, although Mozart was only 30 when he wrote it.
Mozart’s piano concertos are structured in three movements, the first usually the most complex and longest, followed by a slower, quieter second movement, and then a rondo or sonata. Piano Concerto No. 23 follows this pattern. Slow movements in minor keys are uncommon in works by Mozart. An “adagio” marking is rare, too. Listen for these in the performance, particularly the bassoon’s imitation of the clarinet and violins. The restrained first movement, and slow sad second are followed by a glorious third that keeps pianist Brian Ganz in constant motion.
We acknowledge Bruckner’s 200th anniversary with a powerful performance of his Symphony No. 3, a testament to music that continues to captivate audiences. And don’t miss William Grant Still’s Afro-American Symphony, a rich tapestry of African-American musical heritage that blends jazz, blues, and spirituals into a truly unique and thrilling experience.
Prepare for an evening of unforgettable music and boundless energy—Season 63 begins with a bang and just doesn't stop!