The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) in Easton, Maryland, honored two major cultural leaders with its 2025 Legacy Awards at a sold-out Gala Dinner The MSO presented its National Legacy Award to Deborah Rutter, former President of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, fired by the White House fascist leader, and its annual Legacy Award to Maestro Julien Benichou, former Music Director of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and current Principal Conductor of the Washington Opera Society.
In presenting the awards, MSO Chairman Jeffrey Parker stated, “Deborah Rutter has inspired all of us in America’s arts community as the long-time leader of our national arts center, and Julien Benichou dramatically raised the professional quality of our orchestra, and expanded its season and its supporter base.”
In her speech, Rutter emphasized the need to “continue to support the artist wherever they feel welcome, supported, empowered and unencumbered to share their art and express their creative talent.” She called on artists and leaders alike to embrace their roles as citizen artists, a concept she co-developed with Yo-Yo Ma during her time at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, advocating for artists to engage deeply with their communities and to consider the broader impact of their work.
