Alexandra Razskazoff Soprano

Home , Abdel Rahman El Bacha, Frederic Austin, Hagai Shaham, Ida Haendel, Julien (opera), Rossen Milanov

Dear Friends of the MSO,

What a great pleasure it is to find you with us for this most wonderful time of the year! I couldn’t be prouder to be on stage with the great artists we are welcoming today! We also couldn’t be prouder than to present this program to you, our audience, as once again the Holidays bring us together.

At this time, when we are more physically distant from each other than ever, I know that music brings us together, in our hearts and in our minds. Because music engages every part of our emotional and rational selves, it also brings us together in the most complete way, it is the ultimate antidote to loneliness and the most joyful way of celebrating our lives.

I hope that you will feel uplifted by the marvelous voices of Alexandra Razskazoff and Michael Butler and the beautiful sound of Virgil Boutellis-Taft’s violin, as well as the incredible musicians of the MSO!

Enjoy the concert, and Happy Holidays!

Julien Benichou

MISSION STATEMENT: To enrich life across the Mid-Atlantic region through the power of classical music

Board of Directors President Jeffrey Parker Vice President Valerie Mazur Secretary Raymond Vergne Treasurer John Pinney Vice President of Education & Outreach Patricia Campbell

Area Vice Presidents Valerie Mazur, Easton Jean Wehner, Ocean View Vacant, Ocean Pines Peter Harrigan, Rehoboth

Directors Donna Barker Andrea Barnes Katherine Barney Regina Brittingham Courtney Kane Marci Levin

MSO Staff Music Director Julien Benichou General Manager Dane Krich Consultant Mary Lou Tietz Ticket Fulfillment Anne Marie Rogerson

GUIDELINES

Music is an integral part of our lives. The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to making your concert-going experience one in which you will continually want to return. VENUES For the 2020-2021 Season Series, the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra will perform at one venue on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the Easton Church of God, Easton, Maryland and will livestream the concerts.

VENUE ACCESSIBILITY The venue is handicap accessible.

PARKING Parking is available at the venue.

TICKET PURCHASES There are four options for purchasing tickets. 1) Tickets may be purchased online via the MSO website midatlanticsymphony.org. 2) The ticket order form can be downloaded from the MSO website and mailed to the MSO address. 3) Tickets may be purchased by calling the MSO voice system at 1-888-846-8600. Leave a brief message with your name and telephone number and an MSO representative will return your call. 4) Tickets, if available, may be purchased at the door.

TICKET PRICES Single tickets may be purchased for $45 and the livestream concert may be purchased for $15 per person. Tickets to the New Year’s Eve concert are $85 and $25 for the livestream. Complimentary tickets are available to youths up to 18 years old, however due to a limited number of these tickets, a reservation is required.

TICKET PAYMENT The MSO accepts Visa, MasterCard, check or cash for payment.

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DRESS CODE There is no official “dress code” for attending MSO concerts. In respect to the Maestro and the musicians, “smart casual” attire is suggested.

“THEATER” TEMPERATURES Temperatures will fluctuate due to audience size and location of seating. Dress in layers so you can adjust your clothing to be comfortable in a variety of temperatures.

LOST AND FOUND If you misplace your glasses, think you left a sweater on a seat, found keys in the parking lot, etc., call 1-888-846-8600, leave a message and an MSO representative will return your call.

Turn off cell phones and any other electronic devices. The light/noise from these devices is a distraction. Please, no text messaging or flash photography during performances.

Leave all food and drinks outside the “theatre”. NO food or drinks are allowed inside the “theatre”. If unwrapping a cough drop or piece of candy to soothe a dry or sore throat, please do so quietly.

Respect those around you. Concert-goers are expected to arrive and be seated before the music commences. The audience waiting for a concert to begin may talk freely until the end of the applause greeting the entrance of the conductor (or the concertmaster if the orchestra tunes on stage). Please refrain from talk during the performance as it is extremely distracting to other audience members and the musicians. Unless there is an emergency, plan to stay seated during the performance. Refrain from returning to your seat while the musicians are performing. Do so when there is a “break” in the music.

Applause, for musical performances, is held until the entire piece is completed even though there are sometimes pauses between the movements. In between these movements the music will stop for a few seconds. Take note of the program to determine the number of movements. Do not applaud until the conductor has dropped his hands and has turned around to acknowledge the audience. Sometimes this is prolonged past the cutoff of the orchestra, with hands held in the air or slowly lowered over several seconds, in the hope of allowing the audience to stay joined with the artistic creation even for just a moment after its sounds have ceased.

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2020-2021 “Keep the Music Playing!”

Campaign THANK YOU for your support to “Keep the Music Playing!” The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, Maestro Julien Benichou, and the MSO musicians are grateful to the patrons, grantors, sponsors and advertisers who support the MSO concerts performed throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Contributions received between July 1, 2020 and December 1, 2020 are acknowledged. We have made every effort to ensure our list is accurate. For changes/additions, call 888-846-8600.

GRANTORS Michele Moodispaw $15,000+ Marlene Ott Maryland State Arts Council Joseph Peters George Raitt $10,000-$14,999 Albert and Eleanor Smith Van Strum Foundation DONORS $5,000-$9,999 Maestro’s Circle- $10,000 + $2,500-$4,999 Sussex County Council Concertmaster’s Circle-$5,000-$9,999 Talbot County Arts Council John Pinney, Pinney Associates, Inc. Worcester County Arts Council Composers’ Circle-$2,500-$4,999 < $2,500 Peter & Joanne Harrigan Keegan Family Fund Soloists’ Circle-$1,000-$2,499 2020-2021 SEASON Jack & Andrea Barnes SPONSORS ($750) Dr. & Mrs. Sal Fiscina Robert and Faith Duncan Sandra Lehman Brendan and Laurie Keegan Marci Levin & Joel Resnick A. Hughlett Kirby Marci Levin and Joel Resnick Continued Arthur and Sallie Melvin Maxine Millar 13

Principals’ Circle-$500-$999 James Meckley Kathie Ochse Musicians’ Circle-$250-$499 Rosenblum Family Fund Helen & Charles Atkinson Diana Sable Katherine L. Barney Betty J. Sgro Dianne & Harry Burlew William & Mary Slot Patricia & Lawrence Campbell JoAnn Storey Albert Dannes Catherine Thomas DiFebo’s Restaurant (Bethany Beach Martha Withers and Rehoboth Beach locations) Vito & Donna Potenza Patrons’ Circle <$100 Rubel Family Foundation Donna Barker J. Patricia Barrett Friends’ Circle-$100-$249 Eileen Bogel Mrs. Gordon R. Baer Howard Boyd Edward & Elaine Bednarz Karen Cissel Carol S. Bishop Teresita Davin Dale Buley Priscilla De La Torre Dr. James Carder JoFran Falcon Alex & Joan Collins Carol Gadsby Nancy Collins Peter Gerardo C. Paul Cox Family Fund Kay & Lanny Hickman Edna Ellett Marshall Hodges Kathy Emmert Anneliese Hoffmann Carolyn Ewing Esperanza Holguin Doris Fields Faith Kauffmann Sylvia Garrett Bette Koontz John and Eileen Giaquinto Claire Liversidge Maryellen Gunther Melissa S. A. Lourie Carolyn Harrison William Manthorpe Kathleen Heintz Paolo Mercogliano Paul Herman & Karen Goldman Sandra Miller Martha Horner William Raecke Dale Jacobs Adrienne Rudge Diana Kingman Paul Sikoris Lynn LeBrun Anna Snow Karl Lemp Mary Lou Tietz Gloria & Michael Lindemann Terry Travers-Davin

Martin Mason Philip Webster 14

CONTRIBUTIONS - MSO EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Note-Worthy Instruments Program

School Education and Outreach Programs Jack & Andrea Barnes Women’s Club of Ocean Pines

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS Jack & Andrea Barnes, In Memory of Helen W. Parker Rodanthe and Paul Hanrahan, In Memory of Minnie Nichols Peter & Joanne Harrigan, In Memory of Helen W. Parker Mr. & Mrs. Richard Hynson, Jr., In Memory of Helen W. Parker Courtney Kane, In Memory of Helen W. Parker Susan & Barry Koh, In Memory of Helen W. Parker Maxine & William Millar, In Memory of Helen W. Parker

23rd Anniversary Gold Sponsor ($2,500) Additional Holiday Joy Margaret Keller Contributions Catherine McCoy Patty Campbell Rob and Ceci Nobel Joan Cox Joseph and Mary Lou Peters Jennie Hyatt

Teresa Lynn 23rd Anniversary Silver Sponsor ($1,000) Thomas Markiewicz Donna Barker Bruce Wiltsie and Bill Davenport Eileen Martin Robert and Faith Duncan Patrick & Lynne McAllorum Peter and Joanne Harrigan Rev. Diane Nagorka Sandra Lehman Greg and Linda Neuner Joel Resnick & Marci Levin Ray and Linda Olsen Ann Marvin Neil Richman William Reybold III Robert and Karen Schultz Karen Taylor 23rd Anniversary Friend Sponsor ($500) Katherine Tillman William and Gail Alford Joe and Sue Bredekamp Sara and Myron Walker Regina Brittingham Patricia Winkelmayer Linda Goss Jan and Rick Hynson Courtney and Scott Kane Francisco Salazar and Jeffrey Parker Dave and Chloe Pitard Donald Grace and Nancy Smith

MSO AMBASSADORS*

Sussex County Worcester County Talbot County Cape Region Mary Bucklew Janet Abler Betty Baer Sandi Bisgood Dolores Bushemi Keith Abler Shauna Beulah Joanne Cabry Gwenn Hoffman Gale Alford Patricia Brown Edna Ellett Lee Horn Dale Buley Susan Claggett Joanne Harrigan Sandra Lehman Marie Buley Shirley Cockey Sharon Kaplan Tom Markiewicz Kay Hickman Gloria Condrell Terri Rumble Diane Nagorka Lanny Hickman Steve Fillarte Warren Rumble Greg Neuner Dr. Donna Main Janet Friedberg Jeff Socorso Linda Neuner Eileen Martin Lauren Little Carol Olmstead Diane McGraw Rebecca Mullin Mary Pratt Ellen Morvick Ceci Nobel Priscilla Scott Linda Olsen Mari Stanley Ray Olsen Lee Walker Donna Potenza Anastasia Wrightson Vito Potenza Sandy Wrightson Howard Sribnick

*Symphony Ambassadors are a valuable asset promoting the MSO to their “spheres of influence” throughout the mid-Atlantic region. They volunteer at concerts and fundraisers in support of the MSO to “Keep the Music Playing!” vol·un·teer’ A person who impacts a life forever A person who makes a difference Join a very special group of volunteers who Keep The Music Playing! Becoming part of the MSO leadership as either a Symphony Ambassador or Board Member can transform a potential patron’s music appreciation as well as your own. Our volunteers become familiar with the classical music arena, stay mentally active, and increase their sense of purpose as they interact with patrons. No experience necessary Contact the MSO at 888-846-8600

JULIEN BENICHOU, CONDUCTOR

Making his mark as a champion for the future of classical music, thanks to his commitment to new music and innovative programming; Julien Benichou is widely recognized for his inspiring musicality, incredibly infectious energy, and creatively fostering the next generation of musicians and audiences. Benichou is the Music Director of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO), Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO), Southern Maryland Youth Symphony Orchestra (SMYOC), and the Principal Conductor of the Washington Opera Society (WOS).

As a guest conductor, Benichou has garnered high acclaim through his work with the New York City Ballet, Annapolis Symphony, Ballet Theatre of Maryland, Baltimore Concert Opera, and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra collaborations with Mobtown Modern Synchronicity. Abroad, he has conducted the Orquestra Sinfonica do Parana in Brazil, St. Petersburg State Symphony and Siberian State Symphony in Russia, and the Free State Symphony in South Africa. Benichou's success as a guest conductor has frequently led to return invitations. Next season he will return to the Siberian State Symphony and the Free State Symphony. Additionally, Benichou will return to Carnegie Hall for his 5th year in collaboration with Tim Janis and flutist James Galway.

Now entering his 16th season with the MSO, Benichou has dramatically raised the professional quality of the ensemble, as well as expanding the orchestra's season and donor base. Through his commitment to working in the community and ability to attract high profile artists, Benichou has developed one of the premier regional orchestras in the greater Baltimore/ Washington area. His leadership of the MSO has led to collaborations with Stefan Jackiw, Virgil Boutellis-Taft, Kurt Nikkanen, Brandie Sutton, Vincent Beer-Demander, Leon Fleisher, Kevin Short, Arnaud Sussmann, and Tine Thing Helsen, to name a few.

Benichou has also found great success in conducting operatic productions, served by his keen attention to detail and an ability to bring forth a wealth of expression from singers. In his position as principal conductor of the Washington Opera Society, Benichou recently concluded a production of Carmen at the Maison Francaise in Washington, DC, featuring Lisa Chavez as Carmen and Jonathan Tetelman as Don Jose. Additionally, he has worked extensively with the Morgan State University Choir, leading a fully-staged performance of Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, featuring Baritone Lester Lynch and Soprano Leah Hawkins. Later with the same ensemble, he conducted the world premiere of James Lee's Mother's Lament.

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A composer himself, Benichou is an avid supporter of new music. He has received numerous commissions for theatre, film, and concert music, most recently from the Siberian State Symphony Orchestra. Benichou has also initiated many new commissions. Recently he conducted the world premiere of Lalo Schifrin's Mandolin Concerto.

Julien Benichou is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of classical music, frequently conducting crossover and pops concerts. He has enjoyed working with the US Army Blues Big Band, the Army Strings, the Irish band Lunasa, and artists Warren Wolf, Mairead Nesbitt, Loreena McKennitt, Sara McLachlan, Matthew Morrison, and HARLOE. In 2017, Benichou premiered “Way of the Rain” at Carnegie Hall, a concert featuring Robert Redford and Vice President Al Gore. Repeat performances are scheduled next season at EarthX in Dallas, TX, and at the Monte-Carlo Opera in the presence of his Highness Albert II, Prince of Monaco.

As an avid advocate for music education, Benichou has worked extensively with the CYSO to bring unmatched experiences to young musicians. He has taken the CYSO on six different European tours through invitations by several prestigious festivals in France, in addition to side- by-side concerts with the Orchestre des Jeunes de Montréal and the St. Petersburg State Symphony. Under his leadership, the CYSO has performed at Carnegie Hall on numerous occasions.

Benichou received a Graduate Performance Diploma from the Peabody Institute and earned a Master's Degree from Northwestern University. He also pursued graduate studies at Yale University. In masterclasses, he has worked with Leonard Slatkin, Yuri Temirkanov, Marin Alsop, Michael Tilson Thomas, and JoAnn Falletta. His primary teachers have been Victor Yampolsky, Gustav Meier, and Jorma Panula.

Before coming to the United States, he trained in France with Roland Hayrabedian and Pol Mule at the Marseille Conservatory and Jean-Sébastien Béreau at the Rueil-Malmaison Conservatory, as well as privately with Yves Cohen. He also studied harmony and counterpoint with Pierre Doury at the Schola Cantorum in Paris. Benichou became a US Citizen in 2016. When not traveling between conducting engagements, he shares his time between his homes in Baltimore, MD and in the French region of Provence.

Bring the World of Music to our Children on the Shore!

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony needs STUDENT VIOLINS for EDUCATION and OUTREACH in our local counties: Dorchester, Sussex, Wicomico, and Worcester

YOU can help with DOLLARS or INSTRUMENTS Contact Patty Campbell at 443-664-6585

JULIEN BENICHOU, CONDUCTOR ALEXANDRA RAZSKAZOFF, SOPRANO MICHAEL BUTLER, TENOR

VIRGIL BOUTELLIS-TAFT, VIOLIN Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 7 PM- Easton Church of God, Easton, MD HOLIDAY JOY Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Hugh Martin & Ralph Blane

The Typewriter Leroy Anderson 1908-1975 Dane Krich, Typewriter

From Messiah George Friedrich Handel Every valley shall be exalted 1685-1759 Michael Butler, Tenor Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion Alexandra Razskazoff, Soprano

Chaconne in G Minor Tomaso Antonio Vitali 1663-1745 Virgil Boutellis-Taft, Violin

Snow Julien Benichou Kurt Nikkanen, Violin & Virgil Boutellis-Taft, Violin

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Charles Wesley 1707-1788 Alexandra Razskazoff, Soprano Fantasia on Greensleeves Ralph Vaughan Williams 1872-1958

Una Furtiva Lagrima fromL'elisir d'amore Gaetano Donizetti 1797-1848 Michael Butler, Tenor Continued 25

HOLIDAY JOY God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen arr. David Fick

Sure on this Shining Night James Agee 1909-1955 Alexandra Razskazoff, Soprano

The Christmas Song Robert Wells & Mel Tormé Michael Butler, Tenor

Hanukkah Symphony David Fick

Kol Nidrei Max Bruch 1838-1920 Virgil Boutellis-Taft, Violin

The Twelve Days of Christmas Frederic Austin 1872-1952 Alexandra Razskazoff, Soprano

O Holy Night Adolphe Adam 1803-1856 Michael Butler, Tenor & Alexandra Razskazoff, Soprano

Silent Night Franz Gruber 1787-1863 Michael Butler, Tenor & Alexandra Razskazoff, Soprano

Orchestra Roster 1st Violin Cello Kurt Nikkanen, Concertmaster Jacques-Pierre Malan* Regi Papa, Associate Concertmaster Steven Chen Mialtin Zhezha Kimberly McCollum Bass Christopher Chlumsky* 2nd Violin Raymond Irving Celaya Kirchner* Christian Simmelink Piano Mary Thulson Timothy McReynolds Dana Bevard *Principal Viola Cameron Raecke* Dorothy Couper 27

Minnesotan soprano Alexandra Razskazoff, acclaimed by the New York Times as a “richly faceted, slinky soprano,” whose voice is “...ample in size with an intriguing instrumental color,” (Opera News). Alexandra appeared in November, 2019 with Maryland Lyric Opera to sing in their gala, singing scenes from Faust, Fidelio and Der Rosenkavalier at the Strathmore Center in North Bethesda, MD. Later in the month, Alexandra joined Washington Opera Society to perform the role of Liza in Franz Lehár’s rarely performed operetta Das Land des Lächelns under the baton of Julien Benichou. In the 2017-2018 season, Alexandra was seen as a Resident Artist at The Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) in Philadelphia, where she reprised the role of Wellgunde (Das Rheingold), and portrayed Echo (Ariadne auf Naxos) and Violetta (La Traviata). In 2016-17, Alexandra was a Resident Artist with the Minnesota Opera where she sang Wellgunde (Das Rheingold), Britomarte (Martín y Soler: L'Arbore di Diana), Miss Alden in William Bolcom and Mark Campbell’s world premiere of Dinner at Eight, and Musetta La( bohème), while covering Juliette (Romèo et Juliette). In spring of 2016, Alexandra sang Mendelssohn's "Elijah" with the Hudson Chorale under Ira Spaulding in Irvington, NY, and sang her first "Messiah" with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in November, 2018 under Rossen Milanov.

In Summer 2017, Alexandra participated in San Francisco Opera's prestigious Merola Opera Program, where she performed as the leading ladies in scenes from Donizetti’s Lucrezia Borgia and Leoncavallo’s I Pagliacci. Alexandra also covered the title role in Sāvitri, Gustav Holst’s rarely-performed one-act. She was seen as an Apprentice with the Santa Fe Opera, where she covered Katie in Jennifer Higdon’s world premiere of Cold Mountain in 2015, and returned in 2016 to cover Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni). Alexandra spent summer 2013 at Music Academy of the West, where she performed Erste Dame (Die Zauberflöte) and selections from Mahler’s "Des Knaben Wunderhorn" with the Academy Festival Orchestra.

In September 2020, Alexandra took First Prize in the Giovanni Consiglio 2020 International Competition. In early 2019, Alexandra took First Place in the DC Chapter of National Society of Arts and Letters Dorothy Lincoln- Smith Vocal Competition, after which she went on to win Second Place in the National Round of the same competition. Alexandra continued to take First Place in Opera at Florham’s Violetta DuPont Vocal Competition.

In 2017, Alexandra received First Prize in AVA’s Giargiari Bel Canto Vocal Competition, and 2nd Place in the Mario Lanza Competition in Philadelphia. In 2014, Alexandra took Second Place in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and received Third Place in Houston Grand Opera's Eleanor McCollum Competition in 2016.

In 2015, Alexandra performed the New York premiere of James Primosch’s ‘From a Book of Hours’ with the New Juilliard Ensemble under Maestro Joel Sachs. Alexandra’s portrayal was well-received by the New York Times, who mentioned “...Ms. Razskazoff appears to have the makings of a great recitalist. (full review here)”

Credits include a reprise of Erste Dame (Die Zauberflöte) and La Contessa (Le nozze di Figaro) at The Juilliard School, where she earned her M.M. in vocal performance under Robert C. White Jr. With the Juilliard Lab Orchestra, Alexandra presented workshop selections from operas including Don Giovanni (Donna Elvira) led by Alan Gilbert and La bohème (Mimì) led by Fabio Luisi. She also performed on an all-Franz Liszt recital with pianist Brian Zeger at Juilliard's SongFest at Alice Tully Hall.

At the Peabody Conservatory, where she received her B.M. in vocal performance under Dr. Stanley Cornett, she sang Blanche de la Force (Dialogues des Carmélites), Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni), Abigail Williams (The Crucible), and L’Écureuil (L’enfant et les sortilèges).

Alexandra was honored to receive the Marc von May Voice Scholarship at Peabody Conservatory, and the Toulmin Foundation Scholarship and the Novick Career Advancement Grant while at Juilliard. 28

Michael Butler is a young tenor gaining traction in the Washington D.C. opera scene and is currently finishing up his degree at the University of Maryland, studying with Kevin Short. After dedicating more than 10 years of his life to intensive study in competitive Classical Piano, he turned to pursue opera as a career. A few of his most recent achievements are First Place in the 2020 Classical Singer National Competition, First Place at the Sue Goetz Ross Memorial Competition for Voice, an Encouragement Award in the Capital District of the 2020 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Winner for the 2018 National Young Arts Foundation Vocal Competition, Second place winner at the 2018 AAMS International voice competition, First Place in the 2017 MTNA National Voice Competition, and First Place in the 2015 MSMTA Competition in Classical Voice. In March of 2020, Michael was hired to perform a lead role in Frances Pollock’s world premiere opera, Briscula the Magician. A few other previous roles Michael has performed have been Dancaire in Bizet’s Carmen with Washington Opera Society, Messenger in Verdi’s Aida with Washington Opera Society, Borsa in Verdi’s Rigoletto with Belcantanti Opera Company, Ivan Lykov in Rimsky-Korsakov’s The Czar’s Bride with Belcantanti Opera Company, and the title role in Rossini’s Le Comte Ory with Chicago Summer Music Festival last summer. Michael is currently a 2020 Apprentice Artist at Des Moines Metro Opera, participating in an online format due to COVID-19. Michael made his New York City Opera debut as one of four soloists singing Puccini and Verdi highlights in solo and ensemble fashion, accompanied by the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra at the Freeman Stage this past August.

Hailed by critics as an "outstanding violinist", "of fiery temperament", with "intense, brilliant, sumptuous sound" and "impressive virtuosity", Virgil Boutellis-Taft performs as soloist and chamber musician in major international concert halls: Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, Benaroya Hall, Théâtre des Champs- Elysées, Cammilleri Hall, Salle Gaveau, the Phillips Collection, Tel Aviv Opera ..., and with orchestras such as the Dayton Philharmonic, the Springfield Symphony, the Israel Chamber Orchestra Emeritus, the Mid-Atlantic Symphony, the Sinfonia Varsovia.

Next season, Virgil will perform with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Cadogan Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonie, the Salle Gaveau and the Musée d'Orsay. This series of concerts will be followed by a tour in England with the RPO. He will also perform at the Symphony Space in New York, at Steinway Hall in Boston, and at the Kursaal of San Sebastian for the complete sonatas and trios of Beethoven.

Virgil is invited to play in major international festivals including Bowdoin (USA), La Roque d'Anthéron, La Folle Journée, The Music Moments of La Baule, The Violins de Légende, Clairvaux (France), Eilat and Red Sea- Valery Gergiev (Israel), Valdres (Norway), Prussia Cove (England). In chamber music, he shares the stage, with artists such as harpist Emmanuel Ceysson, pianists JuYoung Park, Guillaume Vincent, Lise de la Salle, Abdel Rahman El Bacha, Albert Cano Smit, Suzana Bartal, Cathy Krier, guitarist Thibaut Garcia, cellists Anne Gastinel and Camille Thomas ... He also shared the stage in New York, Boston, Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco with film composer and pianist Paul Cantelon, composer Tara Kamangar and Drew Heminger who all three have dedicated works to him.

His album "Between East and West", recorded in 2016 for Evidence Classics/Harmonia Mundi, has been hailed by critics, in particular for its "incandescent intensity".

First Prize of the Conservatoire de Paris at age 16 and a laureate of the Bleustein-Blanchet Foundation, Virgil continued his education at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest, at the Royal College of Music in London and at Tel Aviv University for a post doc, as part of its "International Music Program". Throughout his studies, he worked with soloists and pedagogues such as Michele Auclair, Zakhar Bron, Ivry Gitlis, Ida Haendel, Schlomo Mintz, Igor Oistrakh, Haim Taub, Hagai Shaham, Almita Vamos. In 2010, he won the first prize of the ISA international competition in Austria. In 2012, he became a Laureate of the Banque Populaire Foundation. Parallel to the study of the violin, Virgil began the piano at age 7, with pianist Fanny Raust, classmate and chamber music partner of Ginette Neveu.

Virgil plays the Domenico Montagnana "ex Régis Pasquier" Venice 1742, by generous loan of an anonymous benefactor.

In Memoriam The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra would like to express its deepest condolences at the passing of Diane Dee

In her life before retirement, Diane was employed by the CIA and Foreign Service and served tours in Beirut, Lebanon, Taipei, Panama, China, Belgium and Morocco. It was a busy and challenging career, especially combined with an active family life at home, raising 3 sons. Following her retirement, Diane moved to Ocean View, Delaware and wanted to give back through volunteering and use her many talents by doing so. Her love for classical music led her to one such volunteer opportunity. As a member of the Board and MSO family, she served as Ocean View Vice President and contributed in so many ways over the years. The orchestra is very grateful for her many contributions to the MSO and her dedication to bringing classical music to the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Van Strum Foundation