ANNAPOLIS — The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra will launch its milestone 65th season with two free outdoor Pops in the Park concerts celebrating America250 and the power of live music.
The concerts are scheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Downs Park in Pasadena and Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 5 p.m. at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis. Both events are open to the public with free admission and parking.
Pops in the Park is a beloved annual tradition that draws thousands of attendees to Anne Arundel County parks for an evening of music, poetry, community and patriotism. Last year’s events attracted more than 7,000 people.
The program, shaped by the theme of Annapolis250, will feature a special appearance by Maryland Poet Laureate Lady Brion at both concerts. Lady Brion will perform Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, a work for narrator and orchestra that incorporates parts of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address along with excerpts from other iconic Lincoln speeches. She will also perform two of her own poems exploring history, identity and shared community stories.
Other pieces in the program will include familiar music from Broadway and Hollywood as well as high-energy symphonic hits suitable for the entire family.
“As we begin our 65th season, we are proud to gather our community for a celebration that reflects the values at the heart of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra—connection, service, creativity, and shared experience,” said Artistic Director and Conductor José-Luis Novo. “Pops in the Park is more than a concert. It is a chance for thousands of neighbors, families, and visitors to come together through music in one of the most beautiful settings in Maryland. Pack your picnic and bring a chair, and we’ll see you at the park!”
The concert at Quiet Waters Park will open with a performance by the Annapolis Symphony Academy Aries Youth Chamber Orchestra under the direction of ASA Director of Artistic Operations Heather Haughn.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, family and friends. Plan to arrive and park early to avoid traffic. Food trucks will be available. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Anne Arundel County parks. Well-behaved, leashed pets are allowed.
The rain date for the Quiet Waters Park concert is Monday, September 7, 2026, at 5 p.m.
The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra is the oldest and largest performing arts organization in the region. Entering its 65th season, the ASO employs 75 professional, union-represented musicians and performs classical, pops, family, educational and free community concerts under the leadership of Artistic Director José-Luis Novo.
Through the Annapolis Symphony Academy, the orchestra provides high-quality music education and performance opportunities to more than 175 students from preschool through high school. Students learn directly from ASO musicians through private instruction, ensembles and recitals.
Maryland residents interested in attending the free concerts can visit AnnapolisSymphony.org for more information and updates.
