Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra was born, an orchestra which, after humble beginnings, is now an integral part of the cultural life of the mid-Atlantic region, performing a vast repertoire of classical and modern compositions, even world premieres, to growing audiences in an expanding number of venues. The MSO is becoming a major regional symphony orchestra.

The MSO concerts are filling a cultural void in areas of underserved populations and evolving demographics, received enthusiastically by long-time and recent residents alike, who marvel at the highly professional performances offered by the MSO.

An Education and Outreach Department is allowing young people to experience great music, and an in-school program called "Twinkle-n-Ten" was developed by violist Michael Strauss.

The whole structure of the organization is undergoing a spectacular growth in caliber and stature. The MSO is now incorporated not only in Maryland, but also in Delaware. The Board of Directors includes 18 members, all volunteers, bringing into reality greater representation and presence of the MSO across the whole region. The MSO now receives the participation and advice of some ten advisors and honorary Board members. The number of Ambassadors continues to expand, helping to promote the orchestra and to assure the smooth handling of audience services for every performance. For the first time, the MSO has brought on its staff an Executive Director, allowing the President and Vice President to devote more time to seek support for the Orchestra.

An exceptional 2007-2008 Season Series comprises five full concerts, presenting 17 performances in 3 or 4 venues, with an exciting program of great masters, virtuoso soloists and celebrated vocalists, as well as the World Premiere of a composition by accomplished 12 year-old Thomas Reeves. The MSO will also collaborate with the Southern Delaware Choral Society in a special performance of Handel's Messiah in Milton, Delaware, with four acclaimed vocalists.

The publication of the newsletter "Musical Notes" is continuing in a more substantial format and pre-concert presentations enhance the understanding of the music performed. Reserved seating, initially available only in Ocean Pines, MD, has now materialized in Ocean View, DE.

Last year, the Symphony celebrated its 10-year Diamond Jubilee and is now entering its second decade. Since Julien Benichou accepted the baton in 2005 as Music Director, the Orchestra has accomplished great strides. The Maestro has assembled a group of incredibly talented musicians and he has a very special gift of leading them without compromising their freedom of musical expression. They experiment together on refining novel interpretations of the great classical masterpieces and presenting some of the more contemporary compositions to the appreciation of the listener. They have dedicated their lives to perfecting the art of taking the audience to a deeper understanding of the language of music, and Julien Benichou, in a masterful blending of their renditions, is the catalyst who brings forth the unique MSO sound.

Julien Benichou, a young but already accomplished music director, and his youthful team, truly represent a new generation of musical talent. They share with many enthusiastic listeners the sense that the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is on its way to a major place in the world of music, as it strives to fulfill its mission of enriching the lives of audiences through the power of classical music.

The last Season Finale brought the concert Series to a breathtaking conclusion. Through his musical genius, Julien was spectacular, passionate, living the music so intently, in perfect harmony with his exceptional musicians. As expressed by a long enthusiastic standing ovation, the audience was overwhelmed by the experience. There was an intangible feeling of witnessing something really special happening that day - a Maestro and his new generation of talented musicians rising on their way to a higher level, to a steadily bigger place in the world of music. Many people would await with expectation the next Season Series!

They will not be disappointed. The 2007-2008 Season Series promises to be even more spectacular, with an expertly designed program, diversified and well balanced, bringing to all venues across the mid-Atlantic region the most highly acclaimed virtuoso soloists, prodigies such as the Peabody Children's Chorus and young composer Thomas Reeves, and renowned vocalists from across the country and even from abroad.