Formerly The Londontowne Symphony Orchestra
We Are The Naptown Philharmonic Orchestra
The Naptown Philharmonic’s Strong Foundation:
We started as the Londontowne Symphony Orchestra in 2003 with a vision by the late Kathy Solano, a professional violinist who taught in the public school system for more than 30 years.
Kathy’s original vision:
- Creating a community orchestra in Central Maryland to provide high-quality classical and light classical music at an affordable price.
- Giving young people experience and education in an orchestral setting.
Throughout the years, the orchestra has lived up to that vision as it has grown in size, scope, and popularity. Now The Naptown Philharmonic strives to perform five concerts each season, with at least one of those geared specifically toward young people. Under the direction of Anna Binneweg since 2007, the orchestra has matured into the premier orchestra it is today.
The Naptown Philharmonic’s members include professionals, military musicians, private/public school teachers, extraordinary amateurs, and students. The orchestra reaches the community with chamber recitals, quartets, and quintets. As part of our Mission, the Naptown Philharmonic is committed to bringing quality symphonic music to students in the region. We offer the following programs and opportunities for outreach to support music education to students:
- Free Admission is offered for all students
- Playing with the Naptown Philharmonic – Qualified student musicians may audition to become a member of the Naptown Philharmonic.
- Master Classes – Members of the Naptown Philharmonic donate their time to facilitate master classes and workshops in our high schools
- Annual Young Artist Concerto Competition – The Naptown Philharmonic gives the winners of its annual Young Artist Concerto Competition the opportunity to perform as featured soloists with the orchestra during a Naptown Philharmonic concert.
Since its inception, the Naptown Philharmonic has been bringing Central Maryland residents the excitement and passion that only live music can create. You can help make the music happen by contributing to our effort. The Naptown Philharmonic continues to thrive because of the loyalty of our audience, our sponsors, and our generous donors.
Our Mission
Naptown Philharmonic Orchestra’s Mission is to provide high-quality, family-friendly, affordable classical and light classical concerts for the enrichment and enjoyment of Central Maryland residents of all ages and backgrounds. We also provide an opportunity for professional, student, and community musicians to learn and grow under professional and experienced leadership.
Our Vision
The Naptown Philharmonic Orchestra Vision is to be a fully integrated, leading community orchestra of Central Maryland by fostering diverse artistic collaborations, promoting inclusive concert experiences and providing equitable opportunities for our musicians, patrons and community.
We strive to enhance our position as Central Maryland’s premier semi-professional/community orchestra. We are delighted to serve the community through:
• Presenting quality orchestral music
• Highlighting the gems of the orchestral repertoire
• Working with, mentoring, and performing with local students
• Musicians and Board members volunteering in the community
• Featuring talented local soloists and outstanding orchestra
Naptown Philharmonic
Music Director/Conductor
Anna Binneweg
“Collaborative … Engaging … Audience-ingratiating …”
– Baltimore Sun
Dr. Anna Binneweg, Music Director/Conductor of the Naptown Philharmonic Orchestra, the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic, and the AACC Symphony Orchestra, captivates audiences worldwide with her boundless enthusiasm for music. With a career spanning prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center and international tours, Binneweg’s dynamic leadership ignites orchestral energy, making classical music accessible to all.
An esteemed educator, she’s led youth orchestras and served on national boards, while her collaborations include luminaries like Leonard Slatkin and Daniel Barenboim. With a doctorate in orchestral conducting from Northwestern University, Binneweg’s influence extends through academia and performance alike. Honored with the 2015 Annie Award for the Performing Arts, Binneweg continues to enrich our community through her passion for music. Learn more at annabinneweg.com.
Our Musicians
Violin I
Paul Bagley, concertmaster
Mary Dean
Eileen Eaton
Caryn Getsinger
Danielle Glick
Kathy Laskin
Ray Neibauer
Nancy Purdy
Peyton Reynolds
Leon Turkevich
Violin II
Kristin Bakkegard, principal
Jim Armstrong
Anne Beskid
Evan Bevere
Annaliese Drechsler
Jasmine Gollup
Emily Jones
Sara Moran
Ashlynn Vilcheck
Kristen Vinyard
Kristen Witmer
Viola
Cameron Raecke, principal
Lorraine Combs
Katie Crouse
Chris Gosper
Diane Hornyak
Rebecca Jenei
George McNally
Cooper Mitchell
Jessa Sablan
Amelia Schrecker
Dana Marie Semos
Barbara Wieder
Cello
Diana Curtis, principal
Bryan Barrett
David Denekas
Elizabeth Marino
John Patterson
Ursula Pieper
Linda Testerman
Julie Wood
Double Bass
Broc Mertz, principal
Ethan Jones
Margaret Justice
Gabriel Noon
Flute
Kerry O’Dell, principal
Richard Dalton
Nicole Nikolov
Judy Sammel, piccolo
Oboe
Heidi Schultz, co-principal
Stephanie Ying, co-principal
Luke Zegowitz
English Horn
Heidi Schultz
Clarinet
Lynda Dembowski, principal
Karyn Hodgson
Braylee Parry
Steven Toth
Jennifer Campbell, bass clarinet
Bassoon
Deanna Sala, principal
Alicia Bourassa
Scott Cooper
William H. Thayer, contrabassoon
Horn
Myrlon Pressly, principal
Debra Curry
Cindy Curtis
Diana Ogilvie
Katie Wells
Trumpet
Jeremy Meeks, principal
Patrick Gleason
Ralph Shields
Stephanie Shields
Bill Sturgis
Allyson Wesley
Trombone
Dave Dochterman, principal
David Crisler
Don Naumann
Alan Potter
Elan Mizrahi, bass trombone
Tuba
Paul Dembowski, principal
Piano
Helen Smith Tarchalski, principal
Harp
Wendy Willis
Timpani/Percussion
Jeremy Ulrich, principal
George Huttlin
Greg Pascuzzi
Glenn Scimonelli
Nichole Shipley
Maria Alldred
Nirvan Sengupta
Executive Leadership
Officers 2024-2025
Diane Nichols, President
Commander, United States Navy
Dee Dee Miller, President-Elect
Realtor, Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Christopher Grant, Secretary
Attorney at Law
Deborah Turner, Treasurer
Pension Consultant
Board of Directors 2024-2025
Benjamin Gilbert, MBA
Former CEO, Hygeia Home Health, LLC
Matilda Jane Kraemer
Part time Adjunct Faculty for Continuing Education and Workforce Development Department, Anne Arundel Community College Annie Award recipient
Frank Sapienza
Partner, Drug & Chemical Advisory Grp, LLC
Sally Schaefer
Enrollment Advisor, School of Nursing, Walden University (Retired)
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Anna Binneweg, Music Director/Conductor
Professor of Music, Anne Arundel County Community College
John Patterson, Operations Committee Representative and Cellist, Naptown Philharmonic Orchestra
Operations Committee
Anna Binneweg
Music Director/Conductor
Eileen Eaton
Strings Personnel Manager
Cindy Curtis
Winds/Brass/Percussion Personnel Manager
Katie Wells
Librarian
Ursula Pieper
Assistant Librarian
Diane Hornyak
Assistant Treasurer
MARKETING TEAM
Debra Curry
Myrlon Pressly
Elvia Hernández Thompson, Communications Director
FOUNDER
Kathy Solano
In The News
Naptown Philharmonic Orchestra tunes up ahead of Broadway themed performance
“The Naptown Philharmonic Orchestra is performing a mixture of world-famous musical theater compositions at its Broadway Legends concert Sunday. What sets this 22-year-old orchestra apart from others is that its players range from high schoolers to people past the traditional retirement age and all ages in between. The set list will feature music from classics like ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ and the modern sensation “Hamilton.'” Read more
7 things to do in Annapolis: A tale of two orchestras at Maryland Hall
“How many cities can claim two orchestras? How many people get a chance to see them perform on the same stage on the same weekend? The Annapolis Symphony and the Naptown Philharmonic take the stage Friday through Sunday in a rare convergence of schedules that offers a chance to compare and contrast.” Read more
Naptown Philharmonic Brings Broadway to Annapolis with Show-Stopping Concert
“The Naptown Philharmonic will transport audiences to the magic of Broadway at their February 2, 2025 concert featuring timeless hits from Candide, Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton, Mamma Mia!, and Tick Tick Boom! The performance, led by conductor Dr. Anna Binneweg, promises an afternoon filled with beloved show tunes and exceptional talent.” Read more
Welcome Naptown Philharmonic
“The Londontowne Symphony Orchestra closed its 20th season tonight by revealing its new name, the Naptown Philharmonic Orchestra, symbolizing a new direction as a source of affordable and fun classical and popular music in the Annapolis area.” Read more
Londontowne Symphony Orchestra’s Season Finale Takes the Audience to the Wild Wild West!
The Londontowne Symphony Orchestra will take the audience on a musical journey to the majesty of the American West at its Season Finale concert. The inspiring music will include the Cowboys. Listen to the podcast
Supporting The Naptown Philharmonic Orchestra
The Naptown Philharmonic Orchestra relies on the generosity of supporters like you to continue bringing the thrill and emotion of live music to our community. Your contribution, whether financial or through volunteering your time, is vital to our mission.
As a 501(c)(3) corporation, the Naptown Philharmonic offers several avenues for financial support: Annual Gifts, the Naptown Philharmonic Endowment Fund, and the Musical Chairs program.
Annual Gifts and Musical Chairs help meet immediate needs, while the Endowment Fund ensures long-term stability, potentially offering donors financial benefits.Thank you for being a part of our journey and helping to sustain the music we love.
Annual Gifts
• Can be made on a monthly or yearly basis
• Help us maintain a balanced budget
• Support our mission of presenting professional, memorable symphonic music
• Enable varied programming across Anne Arundel County and Central Maryland
• Strengthen our region’s arts and cultural community
• Fulfill our commitment to you
Donors receive recognition in our concert program and on our website as well as invitations to periodic special events.
Musical Chairs
Musical Chairs is a new signature giving program designed to provide sponsorship for principal and section members of the Naptown Philharmonic from patrons who would like to invest in the future of live music and honor our talented musicians.
As a community-supported orchestra in the Mid-Atlantic region that is gaining area-wide recognition, the Musical Chairs program will help ensure that the Naptown Philharmonic continues to offer high quality performances.
Sponsors may choose a specific instrument to support. Benefits include recognition in concert programs as well as the opportunity to participate in special events. Our goal is to provide donors with a closer knowledge and connection to the orchestra from the inside out.
Chairs may be designated in your name, your family name, or in the name of another organization. Chairs may also honor the memory of a loved one.
Sponsorship Levels
Conductor’s Chair $2500
Concertmaster’s Chair $1500
Orchestra Principal Chair $1000
Orchestra Section Chair $500
A big Thank You to the following donors who are currently supporting a Musical Chair this season!
Conductor/Music Director Chair – The Stillinger Family
Concertmaster Chair – Willard and Logan Hottle
Violin II Principal Chair – Turner/Woessner Family
Viola Principal Chair – Phyllis and Ted Buff
Cello Principal Chair – Jeff and Susan Schaub
Bass Principal Chair – Al Del Negro and Patrisha Creevy
Oboe Section Chair – Janet Little
Available Chairs
Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon
Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba
Piano, Harp, Timpani, Percussion
Another Way to Give
Did you know that an IRA Charitable Rollover (also known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution or QCD) allows individuals aged 70 1/2 or older to make income tax free gifts from a qualified IRA plan directly to a charity of their choosing, even if filing using the standard deduction?
It is a little-known process that allows this type of gift to count toward the donor’s Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), if applicable, and is excluded from the donor’s income.
The maximum annual exclusion for 2025 is $108,000 for an individual.
Naptown Philharmonic Orchestra is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that qualifies for this type of tax-free gift made directly from a qualified IRA plan in the form of a QCD. If you are interested in this, please contact your tax advisor AND your IRA custodian for advice and to complete the required distribution form indicating NPO or any other charity or charities that you would like to support. Our EIN number is 75-3125994.
Endowment Fund
- The Naptown Philharmonic Orchestra Endowment Fund is operated through the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC).
- Growth of the Fund ensures long-term financial stability for the orchestra.
- Donations to the fund are managed by Mason Advisory Investment Services.
- Fund management follows CFAAC’s Investment Policy Statement.
- Investments are made via the CFAAC’s Long-Term Growth pool.
Invest in the Naptown Philharmonic Endowment Fund here.
Volunteer Your Time
Our team welcomes people with the time and heart to help us grow! We need help with every performance, greeting the audience, taking tickets, and planning and executing special receptions and other events. Interested? Contact us!
Our Donors
SEASON SPONSORSHIP
$7,500 and up
Anonymous
Arts Council of Anne Arundel County
Virginia Cretella Mars Foundation
CONCERT SPONSORSHIP
$5,000 – $7,499
Dr. Albert Del Negro and Patrisha Creevy
Maryland State Arts Council
John and Linda Patterson
CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE
$2,500 – $4,999
Frank Sapienza
Stillinger Family
BENEFACTOR
$1,000 – $2,499
Phyllis and William (Ted) Buff
Al Del Negro
Willard Hottle
Janet Little
Rotary Club of Annapolis
Jeff and Susan Schaub
Debbie Turner/Woessner Family
AFFICIONADO
$750 – $999
—
SUSTAINER
$500 – $749
Kerry Clinton
Linda Orff
Myrlon Pressly
PATRON
$250 – $499
Anna Binneweg
Mel Kessler
Elizabeth Marino
DeAnna (Dee Dee) Miller
CONTRIBUTOR
up to $249
Carolyn Armstrong
Barbara & John Church
Katie Crouse
Debra Curry
Cynthia Curtis
Tracy Draper
Annaliese Drechsler
Don Dunlap
Michael Dunn
Phylis Eagle-Oldson
Eileen and Robert Eaton
Jack Evans
Lynne Forsman
Caryn Getsinger
Valerie Gutterson
Diane Hornyak
Carl Ihli
Regina Leake
Stephanie Mumford
Diane Nichols
Ray Niebauer
Nicole Nikolov
Kelly Norsworth
Ursula Pieper
Constance Ramirez
Judith Sammel
Thomas Sawyer
Charlotte Schmickle
Rhoda Sherman
William Thayer
Leon Turkevich
Michael Vilcheck
Sibyl Wisch
Kristin Witmer
Our Grantors
Past Events
