The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra welcomed 120 guests to a sold-out Legacy Award Dinner on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Talbot Country Club, honoring internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves and celebrating the future of the Orchestra through a landmark fundraising effort.

The evening began with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, followed by a special performance by the MSO String Quartet. In tribute to Ms. Graves' extraordinary career, the quartet performed selections from the operas Carmen and Porgy and Bess, two works closely associated with some of her most celebrated roles.

Following a four-course dinner, guests participated in a live auction led by auctioneer Max Wolf of the Wolf Auction Group. Featuring exclusive travel, culinary, and cultural experiences, the auction generated more than $22,000 in support of the Orchestra.

Music Director Michael Repper then presented the Orchestra's ambitious 30th Anniversary Recording Project, "Imagine Utopia." The recording will feature Grammy-nominated composers David T. Little, Clarice Assad, and Robert Paterson, along with the Grammy-nominated Neave Trio. The project will include three world premiere recordings and serve as a lasting artistic statement celebrating the Orchestra's 30th anniversary season.

Inspired by Repper's vision, guests enthusiastically participated in a paddle raise to support the recording project. The effort raised an extraordinary $250,000, significantly funding the initiative and ensuring that the recording can move forward as planned. The paddle raise was launched with the announcement of a generous $100,000 gift, inspiring additional contributions from attendees and generating tremendous momentum for the project.

MSO Board President Jeffrey Parker reflected on Denyce Graves' extraordinary career and lasting impact on the arts before presenting her with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra's 2026 Legacy Award plaque and introducing her to the audience. Graves then reflected on her remarkable career spanning more than four decades on the world's leading opera stages. She spoke movingly about the privilege of carrying forward the great operatic traditions through the iconic roles she has performed and the responsibility artists have to inspire future generations.

She also discussed the importance of education in her life and career, describing it as one of the most meaningful and rewarding aspects of her professional journey. Graves shared her commitment to nurturing young artists through The Denyce Graves Foundation and her belief that education remains one of the most powerful tools for expanding access to the arts.

The evening concluded with closing remarks from MSO Vice President and event emcee Philip Davis, who thanked supporters for their generosity and commitment to the Orchestra's future.

"This evening celebrated both a remarkable artist and the future of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra," said Davis. "The overwhelming support demonstrated by our patrons ensures that the MSO will continue to present world-class performances, educational initiatives, and innovative artistic projects throughout the Delmarva region and beyond."

The Legacy Award Dinner serves as one of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra's premier annual fundraising events, supporting the Orchestra's artistic, educational, and community engagement initiatives.