Designed to bring live orchestral music into relaxed, unexpected spaces, MSO Lite offers a different kind of concert experience. The inaugural performance welcomed audience members of all ages, with nearly half of the audience attending their very first Maryland Symphony Orchestra event.

Programmed by MSO musician Kat Whitesides, the evening featured an MSO string quartet including Whitesides, violin; Joanna Owen, violin; Dan Zhang, viola; and Katlyn DeGraw, cello. The ensemble performed imaginative string arrangements of Michael Jackson's iconic songs in an intimate venue where guests could enjoy a full bar, gather with friends, and experience live music in a fresh, approachable setting.

"MSO Lite was created for people who may have been curious about the orchestra but weren't sure where to start," Kim Bowen, Executive Director of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, said. "We wanted to remove some of the barriers people sometimes associate with classical music and simply create a great night out. It's shorter, more casual, more interactive, and centered around music people already know and love. Seeing so many first-time attendees alongside longtime supporters confirmed exactly why this series matters."

Unlike a traditional concert hall performance, MSO Lite combines the artistry of professional musicians with the energy of a live music venue. Guests are encouraged to relax, enjoy a drink, and experience world-class musicians in an atmosphere that feels welcoming, social, and fun.

The success of the first event marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Maryland Symphony Orchestra as it continues finding creative ways to connect with audiences throughout the region.

The series continues on Wednesday, October 21, with MSO Lite: Haunted Harmonies, an evening of hauntingly beautiful music and seasonal favorites performed in the signature MSO Lite style at Hub City Vinyl in downtown Hagerstown. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the performance beginning at 7:00 p.m. Guests can once again enjoy a full bar, an intimate atmosphere, and an energetic one-hour performance that reimagines what an orchestra concert can be.

Tickets for MSO Lite: Haunted Harmonies are $35 and are available now at tickets.marylandsymphony.org

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