HAGERSTOWN, Md. — The Maryland Symphony Orchestra will celebrate its 45th season with its annual Symphony Ball on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Fountain Head Country Club in Hagerstown.
One of the orchestra’s largest annual fundraising events, the nearly sold-out ball will bring together patrons, community leaders, sponsors and supporters for an evening celebrating the orchestra’s history, its role in the community and the people who have helped sustain the orchestra for more than four decades.
The Connie & George Manger family will serve as presenting sponsor of this year’s ball, with the Kim & Scott Bowen family serving as Symphony Ball chairs.
This year’s celebration takes inspiration from Shakespeare, with touches of Monty Python-style humor woven throughout the evening. Guests will begin with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner, live and dessert auctions, the presentation of the Symphony Spirit Award and dancing to the Bayside Big Band.
Rolex raffle open to the public
Those unable to attend the ball can still participate in one of the evening’s major fundraisers.
The Maryland Symphony Orchestra is currently selling raffle tickets for the chance to win a Rolex Yacht-Master. Tickets are $25 each and may be purchased online through the Maryland Symphony Orchestra’s website www.marylandsymphony.org.
Participants do not need to attend the ball to win, making the raffle an opportunity for supporters throughout the community and beyond to take part in the celebration.
Hobbs family to receive Symphony Spirit Award
A centerpiece of the evening will be the presentation of the Symphony Spirit Award to the Dr. Robert & Mrs. Marjorie Hobbs Family, recognizing the family’s longstanding commitment to the Maryland Symphony Orchestra.
The Symphony Spirit Award honors individuals and families whose generosity, leadership and personal commitment have had a lasting impact on the orchestra and its ability to serve the community.
The award was established as part of the Symphony Ball tradition to recognize those whose involvement extends beyond financial support and reflects a sustained belief in the importance of the orchestra to the region. Last year’s inaugural Symphony Spirit Award was presented to Connie Manger.
Ball to benefit young musicians
The evening will also raise funds for the orchestra’s educational programs and the Maryland Symphony Youth Orchestra, a program serving young musicians from throughout the region.
Auction features travel, sports history, experiences
The ball’s auction will feature several distinctive packages and experiences.
Among them is a 1968 baseball signed by Willie Mays, Joe DiMaggio, Brooks Robinson and Johnny Unitas, donated by the Doug & Beth Mills Family. The item also serves as a tribute to the late Doug Mills, a longtime orchestra supporter and accomplished professional sports car and endurance driver.
Other featured packages include a stay and dining experience at The Inn at Little Washington, a week in Turks & Caicos, a two-night Nemacolin getaway and a “Ducky Day” experience at The Peabody Memphis, including a one-night stay and the opportunity for two guests to serve as Honorary Duckmasters in the hotel’s celebrated Peabody Duck tradition.
The evening will also feature donated artwork and experiences from artists, businesses and cultural organizations throughout the region.
A dessert auction will offer guests another opportunity to support the Symphony, along with additional raffle prizes donated by community businesses, arts organizations and supporters.
Celebrating 45 seasons in Western Maryland
The Symphony Ball comes during a milestone year for the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, which is celebrating its 45th season of bringing professional orchestral music to Western Maryland and the surrounding region.
Under the artistic leadership of Music Director Elizabeth Schulze, the orchestra continues to present its flagship concert season while expanding its education and community programming beyond the concert hall.
Those programs include the Maryland Symphony Youth Orchestra, Festival Ensembles for young musicians, Carnegie Hall’s Link Up and other initiatives designed to make live music accessible to a broader audience.
The ball reflects that larger mission while providing critical philanthropic support for the orchestra.
“Celebrating 45 seasons is really a celebration of the people who made those seasons possible — our musicians, audiences, donors, volunteers, sponsors and community partners,” said Jennifer Sutton, the symphony’s director of development. “The Symphony Ball gives us an opportunity to recognize that history while also investing in what comes next, particularly the young musicians who will carry this art form forward.”
The Maryland Symphony Orchestra’s work is guided by its commitment to “Music for Everyone.” As the orchestra celebrates its 45th season, the Symphony Ball will recognize the people who helped build the organization while generating support for its future.
More information about the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and the Rolex raffle is available at marylandsymphony.org.
