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The Naptown Philharmonic Orchestra (NPO) has three concerts remaining in its 2025-2026 season, each of which promises new and exciting elements for the enjoyment of music lovers of all ages.
Sunday, February 22, 3:00pm
This month, the NPO will showcase many artistic talents in “Legends & Landscapes.” Music Director/Conductor Anna Binneweg shared that Sibelius’ “Finlandia” will be a dramatic, full-orchestra opener.
“We’re going to follow that with Brahms’ ‘Piano Concerto No. 1,’ which is an all-time classic piano concerto, beloved by all classical musicians, featuring William Bloomquist, one of our local professional pianists that everybody loves,” Binneweg said.
The second half will open with female composer Jessie Montgomery’s “Hymn for Everyone,” which Binneweg described as an introspective, contemplative piece in which the orchestra itself sounds like a choir. The concert will culminate with Ravel’s “Daphnis Suite No. 2,” from the composer’s ballet, during which two dancers from the Ballet Theatre of Maryland will perform as well.
“Legends & Landscapes” presents an exciting opportunity for younger musicians as well: students from Broadneck High School’s orchestra will play side-by-side with the NPO.
Molly Fullerton, who teaches orchestra and music theory for Broadneck and Apex Arts students, stated that this is the second year Bruin musicians will play with the NPO. She shared that the school’s orchestra comprises 110 students who perform at least six times a year, including regular concerts, “Spooky Strings” at Halloween with middle or elementary students, and “Night at the Movies” in June with Broadneck’s band.
Students auditioned in December for the opportunity to perform side-by-side and have been rehearsing with the NPO. This month’s concert will feature seven Bruins: Jane Blair (bassoon 2), Ezra Barbour (second violin), Gavin Stojakovich (cello), Tobias Clark (cello), Desmond Willis (double bass), Vivienne Newburger (first violin) and Sam Sheesley (cello).
Fullerton shared that Broadneck orchestra students are very committed and often go above and beyond. With the collaboration now in its second year, she hopes to continue the side-by-side program with the NPO.
“I think this is a really cool experience because it’s a full orchestra. So, like a symphony with band and orchestra instruments, which we do a little bit of at Broadneck, but it's not … every concert,” Fullerton said. “So they get that experience, and they’re playing harder music and getting a chance to sit aside professional musicians.”
Saturday, April 18, 7:30pm
The NPO’s April program will also feature student musicians: The winners of the NPO’s statewide Young Artists Concerto Competition will perform during the first half of the concert.
“The second half is ‘The Magic of Cinema,’ so it’s all classical pieces that have been featured in famous films and special scenes in films,” Binneweg said, adding, “So there’s music from Beethoven and John Williams and the famous ‘Lakmé’ ‘Flower Duet’ that everybody loves.”
Audiences may recognize tunes from “A Space Odyssey,” “Indiana Jones,” “Up!” and other films. The concert will feature two local professional opera singers, soprano Natalie Conte and mezzo soprano Jennifer Blades, as well.
Saturday, June 6, 7:30pm
The NPO’s season will conclude with a celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Binneweg explained the concert will feature an all-American program by composers “everybody knows and loves.” Pianist Thomas Pandolfi will perform Gershwin’s “Piano Concerto in F.”
“The part that’s extra special about this (program) is we will be debuting our very own Naptown Philharmonic Chorus. We just started the chorus this season under the direction of our chorus master, Jeanne Kelly,” Binneweg said.
She anticipates the concert, which will include the familiar tunes “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “America the Beautiful,” will strike a festive and unifying note to celebrate the country’s anniversary.
All three concerts will be performed at Maryland Hall in Annapolis. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.naptownphil.org.
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