Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Inc.

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Inc., with the tax identification number 23-700-1357, is the largest and most distinguished performing arts organization in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Founded in 1962, the ASO has become a central pillar of the region's cultural landscape, providing high-quality orchestral performances and offering extensive community engagement and educational programs.

History

The ASO was established in 1962 by a group of amateur musicians, teachers, and professionals from the Naval Academy Band. They invited Kenneth W. Page, the music director of Annapolis High School at that time, to lead them in the basement of Trinity United Methodist Church. This marked the beginning of a new cultural force in Annapolis. Four weeks later, Page conducted his musicians through works such as Franz Schubert's "Unfinished Symphony" and Christoph Gluck's "Overture." The first year after its inception, Page helped form the Friends of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and establish a board of directors.

Artistic Leadership

Only six people have served as the music director of the ASO since its inception. The current music director, José-Luis Novo, has been leading the orchestra since the 2005–2006 season, making him the longest-serving music director in the ASO's history. Previous directors include Leon Fleisher, Peter Bay, Leslie Dunner, Gisele Ben-Dor, and Kenneth W. Page.

Programs and Concerts

The ASO presents a variety of concerts annually, including five Lexus Classic Series concerts, four Education Concerts, two Family concerts, one Holiday Pops Concert, and one free Pops in the Park Community Concert. The orchestra collaborates with major organizations like the U.S. Naval Academy Men's and Women's Glee Clubs and the Annapolis Opera. The ASO performs at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts and has occasionally performed at the Music Center at Strathmore.

Education and Outreach

The ASO sponsors numerous award-winning education and outreach programs in community schools, reaching thousands of school children from diverse backgrounds. In 2018, the Symphony launched the Annapolis Symphony Academy, which provides private lessons, ensemble opportunities, youth orchestra, and music theory instruction. The Academy focuses on bridging cultural and economic gaps in music education by offering need-based scholarships, with half of its student body comprising under-represented musicians.

Governance and Finance

The ASO is governed by a 25-member volunteer Board of Trustees and operated by a professional staff. It has an annual budget of $1 million and is a professional, part-time union orchestra operating under a collective bargaining agreement with the American Federation of Musicians.

Friends of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (FASO)

Established in 1964, FASO is an incorporated charitable organization designed to support the Orchestra and promote interest in classical music among young people. FASO has sponsored various fundraising events and provided hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Orchestra and its initiatives over the years. Members can join with annual dues and participate in events that enhance community awareness of classical music.