Im-promp-tu: adj, made or done without previous preparation

Baltimore Symphony Musicians lead interesting lives on and off the stage. Each issue of Overture—the BSO's program book at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall—features a behind the scenes look at the musicians of the BSO. Search the gallery below for your favorite musicians.

Eddie's Garden

EDWARD PALANKER has been playing the clarinet for 58 years. He’s been gardening even longer.

Qing Li

Qing Li shares the story of the violin that launched her American Dream.

Ivan Stefanovic
Separated but not forgotten—BSO Assistant Principal Second Violinist Ivan Stefanovic waited almost 20 year to return to his Serbian homeland.

David Fedderly
BSO Principal Tuba David Fedderly still remembers the magic of getting his first tuba. As the owner of Baltimore Brass, he shares that magic with players of all ages.

David Coombs
Contrabassoonist David Coombs is a self-taught webmaster whose efforts keep the BSO’s website worth coming back to.

Symphony Chicks
The BSO’s “Symphony Chicks” donned running shoes and orange baseball caps to compete as a relay team in the Baltimore Marathon.

Michael Lisicky
Oboist Michael Lisicky has set the bar high for being Santa.

Katherine Needleman
Principal oboist Katherine Needleman welcomes the arrival of Baby Izzy.

Eric Stahl
For BSO bassist Eric Stahl, proud owner of eight vintage Volkswagens, greasy car work offers a welcome contrast to performing in tux and tails.

Christmas at Hopkins
In their annual caroling visit to Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, BSO musicians spread holiday cheer—and lift kids’ spirits.

Ellen Pendleton Troyer
Violinist Ellen Pendleton Troyer, on why she loves to perform for young audiences.

Brian Prechtl
BSO Percussionist Brian Prechtl spends his “free” time coaching his three children in their many athletic endeavors.

Madeline Adkins
Associate Concertmaster Madeline Adkins is the youngest of eight children – six are professional string players...