Hooray for Rebellious Women
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s look at the accomplishments of several remarkable women who were the musical rebels of their time. We begin with a Benedictine nun: Hildegard of Bingen is one of the first known composers of Western music. Born in 1098, she spent much of her life in a hilltop monastery, […]
Celebrate This Talented Trio in February
The history of classical music is a rich tapestry, made all the more beautiful by the variety of influences woven into it. This month, let’s celebrate the legacies of several remarkable Black composers. You may or may not recognize their names, but you’ve probably been touched by their music. Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799) […]
Musical Mischief: When Composers Break the Rules
The start of a new year can feel dramatic. So let’s start 2026 with stories of classical works that brought real drama to the musical scene of their day. Here are a few musical mischief-makers and what they did to grab attention. Haydn’s “Farewell Symphony” After a long season at Prince Nikolaus Esterházy’s castle in […]
Holiday Favorites to Ring in the New Year
The New Year is a time for fresh starts, champagne toasts, and of course, fantastic music. As we prepare to bid farewell to the old and embrace the new, let’s highlight a few of the most beloved and iconic songs that get us all in the New Year’s spirit. Grab your party hat and check […]
Gobble, Gobble
Turkeys may have missed a chance to make their mark on history when the bald eagle beat them out for the honor of being our country’s national bird, but they’ve stilled earned a place of honor in our culture. And not always as an entrée. Here are a few musical works that feature these not-quite-majestic […]
Let the Gourd Times Roll
The wonderful world of gourds: it provides us with spooky jack-o-lanterns, home décor reminiscent of the harvest season, and a host of culinary delights (pumpkin pie, anyone?). But there’s so much more to the humble gourd, including a worldwide musical tradition. Are you familiar with any of these gourd-geous instruments? First up: the water gourd, […]
Steel, for Real
Take a moment to imagine the vibrant sound of the steel drums … does it put you in mind of a tropical vacation? We may think of the steel drums, or steelpans, as festive―and they are!―but their origin is quite a bit more serious. During the early 20th century, British colonial authorities had banned the […]
A Different Way to Experience Music
What do you experience when you listen to great music? Hearing a beautiful or powerful melody snags our emotions. When those bass drums are thumping, we can also feel the notes. Seeing the flash of instruments or the expression on a singer’s face adds to our experience. It’s a feast for the senses! But what if […]
Donna Bareis Amico Elected Board President
The Howard County Concert Odyssey is pleased to announce that Donna Bareis Amico has been elected President of the Odyssey’s Board of Directors. A member of the Board since April 2022, she succeeds Nancy Carol Mason, who served as Board President for many years, and who will continue serving on the Board as a Director. […]
Appreciating the Bagpipes
Though you may not be a fan of the bagpipes, there’s no denying that they’re a fascinating―perhaps even quirky?―musical instrument. In honor of Bagpipe Appreciation Day on July 27, let’s take a few minutes for some fun and surprising facts about an instrument with a complex reputation. Most Americans think of bagpipes as a Scottish […]