Announcements

2026

Bernard Ebb Judges On The Concert Hall Stage

March 3, 2026

Finding the Heart of the Song

Head judge Angela Sclafani brings a musical theater writer’s sense of narrative and emotion to Strathmore’s 2026 Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards.

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Eliades Ochoa

February 27, 2026

Q&A: Eliades Ochoa

At 78, Eliades Ochoa remains one of Cuba’s most beloved musical ambassadors. The  guitarist and vocalist first captured international attention as a member of the Buena Vista Social Club in the late 1990s, popularizing traditional Cuban son music worldwide. His latest album, Guajiro, showcases a more personal side of the legendary musician

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Lily Neill Strathmore Portrait Web

February 13, 2026

Leveraging a Lifelong Practice

Strathmore Artists in Residence alum Lily Neill (Class of 2007) shares how she built a career composing, performing, and teaching music for the lever harp.

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DR Ingrid 4

January 15, 2026

Building a Big Band

Daniel Jamieson assembled a 17-piece ensemble of world-class musicians for the Strathmore Jazz Orchestra's debut with Grammy winner Kurt Elling, designed not as a backup band but as full artistic partners.

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2025

Briana Lim And Jane Vourlekis

November 24, 2025

Full Circle

Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra students typically go on to attend college and carve out careers in various fields, their time as Strathmore musicians a fond memory. But for the first time in MCYO’s history, two alumni, Jane Vourlekis and Briana Lim, have returned to Strathmore as full-time staff members.

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Jayme Stone

November 21, 2025

Music Mentor

“It’s not a cookie-cutter kind of program,” he says. “There’s a lot of care and thought being put into the best use of resources and what is going to serve these artists. I wish that every artist could get this level of attention, support, and enthusiasm.” 

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Tea Harpist

November 15, 2025

Volunteers Strike a Chord at Afternoon Tea

Strathmore’s Afternoon Tea turns 40, celebrating decades of themed gatherings, live music, and devoted volunteers who’ve transformed the Mansion’s intimate Music Room into a beloved community tradition.

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Baila4life Dancers Holding Trophies On Stage

November 13, 2025

Dance for Life—and For Community

Baila4Life brings hundreds of MCPS students to Strathmore’s Concert Hall each year, transforming confidence and community through Latin dance under the vision of founder Ricardo Loaiza.

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Moco Pride Center

November 10, 2025

The Enduring Lessons of RENT

In this Q&A, Montgomery County Pride CEO Phillip Alexander Downie reflects on RENT’s urgent themes of resilience, chosen family, and community care ahead of the Windows Series’ free panel discussion.

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Windows Marketplace Strathmore

October 10, 2025

Inside Strathmore’s Windows Series

Strathmore's acclaimed Windows Series returns for the 2025-26 season with nine immersive pre-concert events that explore the cultural contexts and artistic traditions behind the Music Center's diverse programming.

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SYC Kids Working With Rachel Borzuch

Strathmore News Fall 2025

Young Leaders Find Their Voice

Launched in January, SYC Singing Ambassadors enables select SYC high school choristers to assist with younger ensembles, from leading vocal warm-ups to helping students navigate challenging sections of music. 

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Gift Shop Patrons Checking Out The Wares

Strathmore News Fall 2025

Where Art Meets Heart

This year, as the Shop at Strathmore celebrates its 40th anniversary, longtime patrons, volunteers, and staff reflect on how a modest corner grew into a vibrant haven of handcrafted artistry and community. 

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Bloom Table With Pablo

Strathmore News Fall 2025

The Power of Partnerships

Burtonsville Day showcases Strathmore’s commitment to bringing the arts directly to Montgomery County communities.

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Drawing For Art Attendees Showing Off Their Picks

Strathmore Magazine Fall 2025

The Art of Tradition

One family discovers that collecting original artwork is about more than decoration.

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Rochelle Rice Cut

Strathmore News Spring 2025

W'AIR Are They Now? Rochelle Rice, Class of 2015

Rochelle Rice, Artist in Residence (AIR) Class of 2015, is a singer, songwriter, and podcaster whose connection to Strathmore has only deepened since her residency. Now serving as program director for the Artistic Advancement Fellowship, Rochelle reflects on the lasting impact of her residency and Strathmore’s commitment to supporting artists throughout their careers.

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Invitational Gallery Bo Woo David Stuck Women Looking At Art

Strathmore News Spring 2025

An Invitation to Shine

Emerging visual artists find confidence and support at Strathmore’s Invitational Gallery 

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2024

White Gold From Art Flows

September 12, 2024

Their Own Words: Welcome to Art Flow(s)

A new exhibition in the Mansion Galleries invites you to immerse yourself in an artistic flow generated by three women who are bound in friendship, enriched by art, and dedicated to patronage of the arts. 

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James Baldwin

September 10, 2024

James Baldwin's Legacy Lives On

Lauren Campbell, Strathmore’s vice president of education and community engagement, emphasizes Baldwin’s continued relevance. His words and ideas, she says, “have proven to be prophetic and resonate deeply with the challenges of our current time. His voice is so present today—it feels incredibly important to shine a light on that.” 

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Monuments By Craig Walsh Photo By Jim Saah

September 6, 2024

Celebrating Community & Climate Heroes

Strathmore’s outdoor installation, Monuments, returns this fall with “Forces of Nature,” transforming trees into illuminated sculptures at dusk. Starting on September 6, projections bring the faces of six community change makers to life on the leaves, honoring their dedication to climate justice through their work in welfare programs and environmental collaborations. 

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Music Center Under Construction

September 4, 2024

The Music Center Turns 20

In 2005, the Music Center at Strathmore opened its doors, launching an exhilarating journey filled with countless unforgettable moments. Over the past two decades, it has become a vibrant cornerstone of Montgomery County, nurturing talent and celebrating the universal language of music. Relive just a few highlights from the last 20 years.

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Jordan Jinosko With Donors In The Music Center

August 17, 2024

From Facebook to Philharmonic

Noting the challenges emerging artists face trying to break into the orchestral scene, Jinosko says, “The way that Kristofer was willing to take a risk with my music—not only programming my music . . . but also commissioning another piece for me—has led to so many opportunities in my career that I can’t even quantify.” 

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Neko Case In Black Clothing Partially Obscured By Shadow

August 10, 2024

Q&A with Neko Case

Neko Case has long been a force in the indie rock and alt-country scenes, known for her powerful voice and evocative songwriting. As she prepares for her upcoming performance at Strathmore on October 9, we chatted with Neko about storytelling and her creative process. 

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Hamilton Leithauser Performs At AMP 720X405

July 15, 2024

Beyond the Music

Aligned with Strathmore’s commitment to broad access and inclusivity, AMP’s smaller size was also designed to attract audiences who might not typically engage with concert halls.

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Nistha Raj Wearing A Yellow And Gold Tunic In Front Of A Gray Background

June 5, 2024

W'Air Are They Now? Nistha Raj

With training in Western and Indian classical music, violinist Nistha Raj’s compositions blend tradition with innovation, transcending cultural boundaries to unite global audiences.

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Arts And Social Justice Fellowship Reception In The Mansion

May 26, 2024

Artists Inspiring Artists

The distinct and transformative nature of Strathmore’s Arts and Social Justice Fellowship (ASJF), with core partner Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, is what attracted mentors to the program—a concept each artist wished had existed when they were students. 

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Bloom Concert Outdoor Audience

May 15, 2024

Good Hope Grooves

Strathmore's Bloom at Good Hope concerts in Silver Spring uplift the community and musicians alike.

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Exhibition Opening Reception Crowd Gathers In The Lobby

March 27, 2024

A Crafty Spin on Classic Rock

Garner only began experimenting with embroidery about two years ago. “I’m not afraid to learn a whole new material or process if I think that’s what I’m excited about,” he says, “if that’s the project I want to do.”  

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Josanne Francis Helping A Student Play The Steelpan

March 24, 2024

From AIR to Educators

Teaching excites Francis thanks, in part, to Strathmore’s AIR program. Although she already had an undergraduate degree in music education, “AIR is really where I felt my identity as a teaching artist blossom,” she says. 

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Michael Wu Teaching An SCC Group

March 20, 2024

Creating Connections

In his own words, Strathmore Children’s Chorus Artistic Director Michael Wu explores the transformative power of singing.

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Fred Ebb And Cathy Bernard

March 15, 2024

Legacy & Lyrics

“The Bernard/Ebb Songwriting competition truly complements the range of Strathmore initiatives that support and nourish artists moving towards professional careers,” says Joi Brown.

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Drawing For Art Danni Dawes

March 7, 2024

A Brush with Opportunity

For the first time since the onset of the pandemic, Strathmore is presenting Drawing for Art, an exhibition and special event.

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Terence Blanchard Fire Shut Up In My Bones

February 20, 2024

Terence Blanchard's Opera Odyssey

This April, audiences at Strathmore will have the chance to experience an opera that has not only made history but may also usher in a new era for the genre that serves a broader audience.

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Emmet Cohen Web - Gabriela Gabrielaa

February 8, 2024

Meet Jazz Pianist Emmet Cohen

We spoke to the award-winning jazz pianist (and self-proclaimed YouTube superfan) about his fast-paced journey to international acclaim. 

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2023

Student Drawing During Spring Break Camp 1920X1080

December 11, 2023

Strathmore's Community Commitment

From its tuition-free Latin Strings and Percussion program in three Gaithersburg schools to its free concerts at Silver Spring’s Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center, Strathmore is on a mission to ensure that the arts are accessible to everyone. 

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Mrs Claus Afternoon Tea In The Mansion

December 6, 2023

Mrs. Claus & More

Pop by the Mansion at Strathmore on a Tuesday and Wednesday, and you’re likely to find Janey Richards checking in tea guests at the front desk. However, you might also spot Richards drawing on her theatrical background to perform at specialty teas. This December, she’ll reprise her role as Mrs. Claus for the holidays, a tradition she’s upheld for more than a decade. 

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Bloom Map

December 6, 2023

Bloom Map

Bloom is about helping the arts thrive and making sure everyone has the chance to experience them. This map shows approximate locations of current Bloom programs.

TAKE A LOOK
Air Play Siblings With Large Purple Kite

October 10, 2023

Q&A: Air Play

We interviewed Bloom and Gelsone, the self-described master clowns, about their gravity defying show, which will have its final Strathmore performance on the Music Center stage in November. 

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Museum Shop Holiday Market Shoppers

October 16, 2023

Museum Shop Holiday Market History

Strathmore's annual marketplace in the Mansion offers a wonderland of one-of-a-kind treasures, with every purchase supporting local nonprofits and cultural institutions.

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ASJF Project On Black Polo Players

September 28, 2023

Empowering Voices

This summer, 10 high school students from around the region culminated their six-month Arts and Social Justice Fellowship with a showcase of their individual projects.

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Christian Douglas Min

September 27, 2023

W'Air Are They Now?

We caught up with Christian Douglas ahead of his arrival in DC with the national tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, playing at The Kennedy Center through September 24.  

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Think Big Cafe Students Creating Art

September 13, 2023

Sparking Critical Thinking

Strathmore’s Think Big Café, a collaboration with Montgomery County Public Schools and Glenstone Museum, emphasizes creativity and learning.

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Allison Miller River Project

September 6, 2023

Making the Leap to Center Stage

When all is said and done, these high-touch campaigns send the message to artists that “we believe in them and are willing to help them stretch to reach the spotlight,” Brown says. 

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Strathmore Music Center Concert Hall

June 6, 2023

Best Seats in the House

With renowned acoustics and great sightlines all around, you can’t go wrong choosing a seat in the Music Center. Even so, we all have our favorites. Get the inside scoop from a few Strathmore insiders.

Helenlouise Pettis And AIR

March 30, 2023

Driving: A Metaphor for Life

Channeling her inner teacher, HelenLouise discovered she could fulfill her life’s purpose by investing in Strathmore programs that cultivate young artists and musicians—the Invitational Gallery at the Mansion and the Artist in Residence (AIR) program.

MCYO Philharmonic

March 17, 2023

Students Shine

“We won’t have a future filled with the arts if we’re not investing in arts experiences for our children today.” Through a myriad of education programs at Strathmore—including exceptional student performance ensembles—that vision is being realized every day.  

Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, Shahzad Ismaily trio

March 17, 2023

Singing Our Shared Humanity

Singer-songwriter Arooj Aftab joins instrumentalists Vijay Iyer and Shahzad Ismaily for a transcendent performance in the Music Center. From the first time they shared a stage with their largely improvised, nearly telepathic performance style, they haven’t looked back. 

Exhibition Tour by Jim Saah

March 17, 2023

The Art of Installation

Our goal has always been to install art carefully, so it speaks a visual language and allows viewers to connect, be enriched, or be entertained. 

2022

Allison Miller Playing The Drums

December 23, 2022

What the Water Gives Us

Get a behind-the-scenes look into Allison Miller’s inspiration for Rivers in Our Veins and how she drew inspiration from 5 American rivers.  

AMP Cocktails At The Drink Rail

December 23, 2022

(Re)discover AMP

The new season at AMP brings fantastic artists and a fresh food and drink menu. Discover what’s new, or if you haven’t been, find out what you’re missing!  

Sweet Honey in the Rock

SEPTEMBER 7, 2022

A Sweet Celebration

Two of Sweet Honey’s current members, Christie Dashiell (2014) and Rochelle Rice (2015), are alumnae of Strathmore’s Artist in Residence (AIR). We interviewed Dashiell and Rice about their experience performing as part of this legendary ensemble.

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Nature By Maya Lee

SEPTEMBER 7, 2022

Nature-Infused Arts

Announcing our nature-infused arts series, an exploration of artistic work about the natural world by artists who honor and advocate for the earth.

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2021

Teachers And Students At Spring Break Camp 1920X1080

June 10, 2021

Innovating for Impact

How Spring Break Camp’s new format inspired deeper—and more diverse—connections in our community and beyond.

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2020

Be Steadwell In Monuments At Strathmore

September 14, 2020

Monuments Featured Artists

Monuments: Creative Forces celebrates 6 artists whose past, current, or ongoing work is changing the shape of our community in essential ways. 

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Yoko K Sen In Monuments At Strathmore

August 21, 2020

Creative Forces of Nature

In October 2020, Strathmore welcomed you back to our campus with an outdoor art installation that highlighted artists’ essential work as contributors to the community.

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Deer Strathmore Masks

April 20, 2020

Covid-19 Updates

As you plan your visit to Strathmore, please rest assured that we are taking many careful steps to help protect you and keep our venues clean and safe. Read statements from our President and CEO here.

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2019

Manual Cinema At Strathmore

November 25, 2019

Low Tech, High Concept

Manual Cinema blends artistry, puppetry, and live music to celebrate the life and poetry of Gwendolyn Brooks. Get a BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK at the development of this dynamic work in Low Tech, High Concept from StrathmoreNews.

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Cabaret At AMP By Strathmore

November 25, 2019

How A Musical Garden Grows

We’re celebrating 15 years of the AIR program! Alumni share how it—and one magical Betty Scott—impacted their musical careers in HOW A MUSICAL GARDEN GROWS from StrathmoreNews.

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Ronald K Brown Min

November 8, 2019

Dynamic Duo

Ronald K. Brown and Arturo O'Farrill's newest joint work sparks "New Conversations."

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INVEST IN THE ARTS

Your generosity brings distinctive programming and renowned artists to Strathmore’s stages and galleries and ensures that everyone in our community can experience the joy and wonder of the arts.

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Youssou Ndour Performs At Strathmore 413X330