Thanks for the Music
As you’re preparing for Thanksgiving visitors and looking ahead to the December holidays, don’t forget your Turkey Day playlist! In the spirit of the holiday, we invite you to explore these works that were inspired by gratitude. Aaron Copland’s opera, The Tender Land, includes a piece called “The Promise of Living” that’s tailor-made for Thanksgiving. […]
Remembering Two Women of Note
The Atlantic Reed Consort came to Ellicott City in November 2023, and two of the works performed were written by remarkable women composers of the late 19th/early 20th century. Let’s learn more about these two trailblazers! Born in 1893, Lili Boulanger came from a very musical family. Her father and sister were also composers, her […]
U.S. Army Brass Quintet Performs for Appreciative Audience
The Howard County Concert Odyssey was delighted to host the U.S. Army Brass Quintet on Sunday, September 17, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Ellicott City, Maryland, in a free concert. The Quintet delighted the large crowd with their wonderful performance. The U.S. Army Brass Quintet has gained a reputation as one of the most highly […]
Military Bands: An Entertaining Tradition
When you think about it, isn’t it a little strange that the U.S. military – the preeminent military force in the world – is also so well known for great entertainment? Strange or not, we’re grateful for the tradition. Every branch of our military nurtures musical talent through multiple ensembles, and they perform a variety […]
Happy Birthday, August Composers!
Did you know Leonard Bernstein’s birthday is this month? And Claude Debussy’s birthday as well? Let’s break out the cake and ice cream and celebrate a few of the classical greats! Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, August 12, 1644 Starting off with a composer from way back in the Baroque era, Biber was considered one […]
Canine Crescendos: Classical Works Inspired by Dogs
As we power our way through the so-called dog days of summer, it seems only fitting to reflect on canine influences in classical masterpieces. After all, dogs are an important part of life for many of us today. Surely canine companions have found their way into the hearts of at least a few composers? As […]
Songs of Independence
Are you ready to celebrate? When it comes to a soundtrack for the Independence Day, we tend to rely on a few classics such as the 1812 Overture and “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” Oldies are definitely goodies, but there are other patriotic songs out there too, just waiting to hop onto your playlist. Here […]
Got That Swing?
Duke Ellington said it best: “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.” Especially if you’re looking to dance! How did it all get started? Well, it’s rooted in African-American music ensembles that incorporated interesting new rhythms, courtesy of jazz greats like Louis Armstrong and Coleman Hawkins. It didn’t really take off […]
Rave Reviews for James Harp Piano and Opera!
On Sunday, May 7, 2023, the Howard County Concert Odyssey presented James Harp – Piano and Opera at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ellicott City. This early Mother’s Day gift received rave reviews and requests for an encore performance next year. The marvelous talent of James Harp, and the voices of sopranos Colleen Daly and […]
Welcoming Diane Lichtenberger to Our Board
We are pleased to announce that music educator and soprano Diane Lichtenberger is joining the Howard County Odyssey Board of Directors for a two-year term. A graduate of the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, Diane contributed to the musical education of youth in our community for more than three decades. She spent much of […]