The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) opens its 2025-2026 Ensembles Series with an intimate chamber music program featuring two masterpieces: Johannes Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 60, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, K. 478. The performance will feature MSO Concertmaster Kimberly McCollum, Principal Violist Yuri Tomenko, and Principal Cellist Katie McCarthy, joined by acclaimed Irish pianist Michael McHale.

Brahms’ C minor Quartet, sometimes referred to as the “Werther” Quartet after Goethe’s tragic hero, is a deeply emotional work that reflects the composer’s struggles with unrequited love and personal doubt. In contrast, Mozart’s G minor Quartet, the first major work ever written for piano and string trio, brims with dramatic intensity and elegance, showcasing Mozart at his most inventive and pioneering.

Guest artist Michael McHale has established himself as one of Ireland’s leading pianists, performing internationally as a soloist and chamber musician. He has appeared with ensembles including the London Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Orchestras, and the Minnesota Orchestra, and is a founding member of the Wigmore Soloists in London. McHale last appeared with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony in 2022 and returns for this much-anticipated collaboration.

The MSO Ensemble Series offers audiences the opportunity to hear chamber music performed in an intimate setting by members of the MSO highlighting both the artistry of our individual musicians and the interplay that defines this repertoire. The pairing of Mozart and Brahms promises an evening of elegance, drama, and emotional depth.

The concerts will be performed three times across the Delmarva Peninsula. The first concert takes place on Friday, October 10 at 7:00 PM at the Community Church in Ocean Pines, Maryland. The series continues on Saturday, October 11 at 3:00 PM at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and concludes on Sunday, October 12 at 4:00 PM at the Academy Art Museum in Easton, Maryland.

Tickets are available now at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

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ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council, the Talbot County Arts Council, the Worcester County Arts Council, the Sussex County (Delaware) Council, and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2025-2026 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, including venues, times, and other details, is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will open its 2025–2026 season, Bold Voices, Eternal Resonance, with concerts in Easton, Rehoboth Beach, and Ocean Pines featuring music by Bartók, Emilie Mayer, and Beethoven. Performances take place on Thursday, September 25 at 7:30 PM at the Easton Church of God in Easton, MD; Saturday, September 27 at 3:00 PM at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, DE; and Sunday, September 28 at 3:00 PM at the Community Church in Ocean Pines, MD.

The program includes Béla Bartók’s Romanian Folk Dances, a lively suite of traditional melodies from Transylvania that showcase the composer’s deep interest in folk traditions and rhythmic vitality as well as Emilie Mayer’s Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, written in 1847. Long overlooked, Mayer’s symphonies are now receiving growing recognition for their craftsmanship and expressive power. Her First Symphony blends classical structure with a bold Romantic voice, making it a striking rediscovery for modern audiences.

The concert concludes with Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major, one of the composer’s most celebrated works. Its propulsive energy, famously described by Richard Wagner as “the apotheosis of the dance,” continues to captivate listeners more than two centuries after its premiere.

“This program represents exactly what we want this season to embody,” said MSO Music Director Michael Repper. “We are pairing beloved classics like Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony with music that deserves far greater recognition, such as Emilie Mayer’s Symphony No. 1. It’s an opportunity for our audiences to experience something both familiar and new, and to be part of a broader conversation about the voices that shaped classical music.”

Tickets and subscriptions are available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

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ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council, the Talbot County Arts Council, the Worcester County Arts Council, the Sussex County (Delaware) Council, and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2025-2026 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, including venues, times, and other details, is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

Easton, MD – On Thursday, June 5, the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) honored two major cultural leaders with its 2025 Legacy Awards at a sold-out Gala Dinner in Easton, Maryland. Now in its 27th year as the regional professional orchestra of the Delmarva Peninsula, the MSO presented its National Legacy Award to Deborah Rutter, immediate Past President of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and its annual Legacy Award to Maestro Julien Benichou, Past Music Director of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra.

In presenting the awards, MSO Chairman Jeffrey Parker stated, “Deborah Rutter has inspired all of us in America’s arts community as the long-time leader of our national arts center, and Julien Benichou dramatically raised the professional quality of our orchestra, and expanded its season and its supporter base.”

Deborah Rutter, in her 11 years heading the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, has provided the Nation with leadership across the broadest range of the arts, including arts education, multi-disciplinary arts training, support and enrichment; and symphonic music, opera, theater, contemporary dance, ballet, vocal music, chamber music, hip hop, comedy, international music and jazz.

She oversaw the Kennedy Center’s first physical expansion with the REACH, which opened in September 2019, and transformed the Center’s mission into one inclusive of diverse art forms. In 2022, she conceived and opened the permanent exhibit Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy. Rutter previously served as President of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and held leadership roles at the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and Seattle Symphony Orchestra.

Julien Benichou served for 17 years as Music Director and Conductor of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, transforming it from a community ensemble into a fully professional orchestra. Appointed in 2004—under the leadership of then Board President Andrea Barnes—Benichou was quickly embraced by the MSO community, including early patron Lucienne Wolf, who supported him like family.

Under his charismatic leadership, audiences across the region grew steadily—not only for the music, but to experience the energy and warmth Julien brought to the podium. He worked tirelessly alongside the MSO Board to expand performances across the Delmarva Peninsula, including outreach to Rehoboth Beach and the creation of the now-beloved Toast to the New Year concerts, which will celebrate their 11th season this December.

One of Julien’s long-held dreams became reality in 2019 with the founding of the Elizabeth Loker International Concerto Competition (ELICC). Despite a brief interruption due to COVID-19, the competition has become a central feature of the MSO’s season.

In 2020, while most orchestras suspended operations, Benichou—together with MSO leadership—rapidly developed the “Season of Strings,” safely performing at the Church of God in Easton and livestreaming every concert to continue serving audiences during the pandemic.

Julien also led the MSO in special performances at the Embassy of France in Washington, DC, and in collaboration with the Washington Opera Society. His 17-year tenure left a profound artistic and organizational legacy. It is not an overstatement to say that the MSO as we know it today owes its very existence to his leadership. In 2024, he was knighted by the Ambassador of France with the title Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

Deborah Rutter, in her keynote remarks, emphasized the need to “continue to support the artist wherever they feel welcome, supported, empowered and unencumbered to share their art and express their creative talent.” She called on artists and leaders alike to embrace their roles as citizen artists, a concept she co-developed with Yo-Yo Ma during her time at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, advocating for artists to engage deeply with their communities and to consider the broader impact of their work.

The Legacy Awards Dinner featured a performance by the MSO’s principal string musicians, remarks from Music Director Michael Repper on the future of the Orchestra, and a lively auction that included a chance to conduct the MSO at its 2025 Holiday Joy concert, a private plane excursion over the Chesapeake Bay, an eight-day European Viking cruise, and a private dinner for eight with celebrity chef Jordan Lloyd.

 

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ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council, the Talbot County Arts Council, the Worcester County Arts Council, the Sussex County (Delaware) Council, and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2025-2026 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, including venues, times, and other details, is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

A dynamic season of classical favorites, hidden gems, and intimate chamber performances across the Delmarva Peninsula

Delmarva Peninsula— The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is proud to unveil its 2025–2026 season, Bold Voices, Eternal Resonance, led by Music Director Michael Repper. With performances spanning Maryland and Delaware, the MSO continues its commitment to delivering world-class orchestral music to the Delmarva region through masterworks concerts, holiday traditions, a celebrated concerto competition, and an expanding chamber ensemble series.

“This season celebrates bold musical voices—some long celebrated, others newly rediscovered—and the timeless resonance of their work,” said Michael Repper, Music Director. “Each program is designed to speak across eras and borders, and we’re excited to bring this music to our audiences with both passion and purpose.”

The season opens in September with Bartók’s Romanian Folk Dances, Emilie Mayer’s Symphony No. 1, and Beethoven’s exhilarating Symphony No. 7. In November, guest conductor George Jackson, Music Director of the Amarillo Symphony, leads a compelling program featuring Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, Mozart’s Symphony No. 39, and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 1.

The MSO’s cherished Holiday Joy concerts return in December with soloists Kresley Figueroa (soprano) and Jonathan Patton (baritone), bringing festive cheer to audiences in Wye Mills, Lewes, and Ocean City.

The New Year’s Eve Gala Concert on December 31 at Christ Church features soprano Viviana Goodwin and a joyful, celebratory program titled A Toast to the New Year.

In March, the MSO presents the three finalists of the Elizabeth Loker International Concerto Competition (ELICC) in performance with the whole orchestra at Todd Hall at Chesapeake College, continuing its tradition of elevating the next generation of world-class talent.

April’s program, Morning, Afternoon, Night, presents a musical journey through the day, with Haydn’s Symphonies Nos. 6, 7, and 8, paired with evocative modern works including Dobrinka Tabakova’s Dawn, Susan Day’s Afternoon Soliloquy, and Yukiko Nishimura’s Nightfall.

The season concludes in May with violinist Nora Chastain performing Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 and Dvořák’s Romance, culminating in a performance of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9.

The MSO’s Ensemble Series continues to grow with four distinct programs performed in Easton, Rehoboth Beach, and—new this season—Ocean Pines. These concerts provide audiences a more personal, close-up musical experience, showcasing the artistry of MSO musicians in chamber music settings.

The series opens in October with a Piano Quartet featuring acclaimed pianist Michael McHale (October 10–12). Holiday Brass follows in December (December 19–21), filling intimate venues with the warmth and power of brass holiday favorites.

In February, the Woodwinds & Strings program (February 6–8) will feature Prokofiev’s Quintet in G Minor, highlighting unique tonal colors and textures.The series concludes in May with an inventive Flute, Violin & Jazz Trio program (May 15–17), anchored by Claude Bolling’s Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio.

Season subscriptions and individual concert tickets are now on sale. To view the full schedule, explore concert programs, and purchase your tickets, visit www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

 

ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council, the Talbot County Arts Council, the Worcester County Arts Council, the Sussex County (Delaware) Council, and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2025-2026 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, including venues, times, and other details, is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

This May, the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) concludes its season with Romantic Triumph & Celebration, a program highlighting the expressive beauty and emotional depth of 19th-century Romantic music.

Performances will take place on Thursday, May 8 at 7:30 PM at the Todd Performing Arts Center in Wye Mills, MD; Saturday, May 10 at 3:00 PM at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, DE; and Sunday, May 11 at 3:00 PM at the Performing Arts Center in Ocean City, MD.

The program includes Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel’s Overture in C major, a vivid and lyrical orchestral work; Robert Schumann’s Cello Concerto, known for its warmth and poetic character; and Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, the “Italian,” filled with vibrant rhythms and sunlit melodies inspired by his travels through Italy.

The featured soloist is Gabriel Martins, an award-winning cellist who has appeared with leading orchestras and in major concert halls worldwide, including Carnegie Hall and Wigmore Hall. He is a winner of the Concert Artists Guild/Young Classical Artists Trust Grand Prize and the Sphinx Competition Gold Medal.

In addition to the orchestral performances, the MSO will present its Season Finale Ensemble Series concerts, offering audiences a more intimate chamber music experience featuring members of the orchestra. These performances will take place on Saturday, May 17 at 7:00 PM at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, DE, and Sunday, May 18 at 4:00 PM at the Academy Art Museum in Easton, MD.

The Ensemble Series program includes Phantasy for Oboe, Violin, Viola, & Cello by Benjamin Britten, String Quartet No. 3 “Mishima” by Philip Glass, Langsamer Satz by Anton Webern, and Quartet for English Horn, Violin, Viola, & Cello by Jean Françaix.

Tickets and more information are available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

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ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council, the Talbot County Arts Council, the Worcester County Arts Council, the Sussex County (Delaware) Council, and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2024-2025 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, including venues, times, and other details, is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is pleased to announce that Music Director Michael Repper has signed a three-year contract extension, securing his leadership through the 2027-2028 season. This agreement underscores Repper’s pivotal role in shaping the Orchestra’s future and maintaining its standard of musical excellence.

The announcement was made at the Elizabeth Loker International Concerto Competition Preview Evening at the Academy Art Museum on Saturday night, where supporters and patrons gathered to celebrate the MSO’s continued growth and impact under Repper’s leadership along with this season’s competition finalists.

As part of the extended contract, the MSO and Repper will embark on a studio recording project, marking a significant milestone for the Orchestra. The album, planned for release during the contract’s term, will highlight the Orchestra’s diverse and innovative repertoire, further expanding its reach and reputation in the classical music world.

Jeffrey Parker, Chairman of the MSO Board of Directors, expressed his enthusiasm for the contract extension, saying, “We are absolutely thrilled to have Michael Repper leading the MSO for another three years. His exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence have been instrumental in the Orchestra’s continued growth and success. Michael’s artistic vision has truly elevated the MSO, and we are excited about what the future holds. This contract extension, along with the upcoming recording project, is a testament to the exciting direction in which Repper and the MSO Board of Directors are taking the Orchestra. We look forward to continuing this incredible journey together.”

Repper has served as the MSO’s Music Director since 2020, leading the Orchestra through a period of artistic innovation, bold programming, and continued community engagement. Under his leadership, the Elizabeth Loker International Concerto Competition has been reimagined, and the Orchestra has expanded its commitment to presenting diverse and dynamic performances. His passion for music has resonated deeply with audiences, fostering strong connections with both musicians and listeners across the region.

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ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council, the Talbot County Arts Council, the Worcester County Arts Council, the Sussex County (Delaware) Council, and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2024-2025 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, including venues, times, and other details, is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra will present an all-Mozart program this April, highlighting three of the composer’s symphonic works. Under the direction of Maestro Michael Repper, the orchestra will perform Symphony No. 1 in E-flat major, K. 16, Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550, and Symphony No. 41 in C major, K. 551, known as the “Jupiter” Symphony. The performances will take place on Thursday, April 3 at 7 PM at the Easton Church of God in Easton, MD, on Saturday, April 5 at 3 PM at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, DE, and on Sunday, April 6 at 3 PM at the Community Church in Ocean Pines, MD.

The concert begins with Symphony No. 1, composed by Mozart at the age of eight while his family was in London. This early work showcases his developing musical style and an emerging sense of melody and structure. The first movement is energetic, followed by a lyrical andante, and a lively presto finale, providing insight into the foundation of Mozart’s later compositions.

Symphony No. 40, known for its recognizable opening theme, is one of Mozart’s most expressive works. Written during a challenging period in the composer’s life, the symphony features emotional intensity and distinctive orchestration. The absence of trumpets and timpani creates a darker, more intimate sound, while the first movement’s urgency, the second movement’s lyricism, and the minuet’s rhythmic character contribute to its lasting impact. The finale, with its contrapuntal complexity, is a notable example of Mozart’s ability to blend structure and emotion.

The program concludes with Symphony No. 41, the “Jupiter” Symphony, which is considered one of Mozart’s most ambitious works. This symphony is characterized by its grand orchestration and sophisticated counterpoint, particularly in the final movement, where five musical themes are interwoven. The “Jupiter” Symphony remains a significant representation of Mozart’s later symphonic style and compositional mastery.

Audiences are invited to attend these performances and experience Mozart’s symphonic repertoire. Tickets are available online and at the door. For more information, visit the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra’s website at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

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ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council, the Talbot County Arts Council, the Worcester County Arts Council, the Sussex County (Delaware) Council, and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2024-2025 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, including venues, times, and other details, is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

Delmarva Peninsula– The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will host a Preview Evening for the Elizabeth Loker International Concerto Competition (ELICC) on Saturday, March 22nd, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Academy Art Museum located at 106 South Street, Easton, MD 21601.

This event will provide an opportunity for the public to meet the three finalists of the 2025 ELICC, a prestigious competition that showcases the talents of emerging classical musicians. Guests will have the chance to interact with the finalists, learn about their musical backgrounds, and hear about their journey in the competition. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served, creating an atmosphere for conversation and engagement.

Each finalist will also perform a brief solo mini-recital during the event, giving attendees a preview of their musical abilities and a taste of the artistry they will bring to the competition.

“The Preview Evening provides a wonderful opportunity to meet the finalists and hear them perform in a more intimate setting,” said Jeffrey Parker, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. “It’s a chance for the community to learn more about the competition and engage with these talented young musicians before the final round.” Tickets for this event are $75.00 and available online.

The ELICC is one of the region’s top music competitions, offering young musicians the chance to perform with a professional orchestra. The final competition will take place the following day, Sunday, March 23rd, at 3:00 PM at the Todd Performing Arts Center at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, MD, where the finalists will compete for the chance to perform as a soloist with the MSO.

Tickets for the Preview Evening, as well as for the final round of the competition, are available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

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ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, Delaware Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2024-2025 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, venues, times, and other information is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org