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. Below, we relive just a few highlights from the last 20 years.
Please share your favorite Music Center moments with us using this form! We'll be featuring some of your memories on our social channels in the coming months.
Celebrate with us all season long—including at our free Birthday Bash on February 8. More info to come!
The Music Center in it's early days, at sunset.
A HOME FOR THE ARTS
Under the leadership of our founder and CEO Emeritus, Eliot Pfanstiehl, Strathmore, the State of Maryland, Montgomery County, and Founding Partner Baltimore Symphony Orchestra broke ground on the Music Center in April 2001. The excitement was palpable as a long-held community dream became a reality.
"We wanted to create an exceptional performance venue and education center accessible to everyone in our community. The arts belong to all of us."
~Strathmore President and CEO Monica Jeffries Hazangeles
OUR FIRST GUESTS
Montgomery County Public Schools second graders were the inaugural audience for a performance in the Music Center’s now-iconic Concert Hall. An annual educational event, each NatPhil introduction to classical music is a unique and unforgettable experience for young attendees. Twenty years later, the same sense of wonder and excitement shines in the eyes of second and fifth graders.
THEMATIC PROGRAMMING
Throughout the 2016–2017 season, Strathmore’s Shades of Blues festival celebrated the tradition of the American art form known as “the blues” and its enduring influence on popular music. Through dozens of electrifying performances, in-depth education programs, film screenings, and visual arts exhibitions, we explored every facet of this rich and historic genre.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
In 2018, the Music Center and surrounding campus burst into life during the Kite Festival. Along with demonstrations and community kite flying events, a vibrant kite exhibition transformed the Music Center Lobby into a kaleidoscope of color and excitement, captivating participants of all ages.
MAJOR DEBUT PERFORMANCES
Strathmore proudly expanded our support of new and emerging works throughout the last decade, including the world premiere of I Am Anne Hutchinson, which paired with I Am Harvey Milk in 2016. These two incredible works by and starring Broadway’s Andrew Lippa also starred the legendary Kristin Chenoweth.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY ARTS
Puppets Take Strathmore was an awe-inspiring high-art puppetry theater festival for adults that united national and local artists in a whirlwind of creativity. The celebration culminated in a dynamic performance of 10 shortform puppetry acts, with interstitial music by the DC duo The Sweater Set.
EXPANSION
In 2019, Strathmore unveiled the Bernard Family Foundation Pavilion, enhancing the Music Center with new dining spaces, an escalator, and flexible event spaces. This addition has become a hub for a variety of activities, bringing even more energy and versatility to our campus.
