Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Launches New Website, BSOmusic.org, Monday, September 24

Launch of BSO's new online home advances orchestra's e-commerce initiatives

Features include streaming video, improved user experience, behind-the-scenes content, and new, bold design

Baltimore, Md. (September 21, 2007)-The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) will unveil its new website, BSOmusic.org, midday Monday, September 24. The launch of the completely re-designed and re-engineered site coincides with the start of the BSO's groundbreaking 2007-2008 season, which begins September 27 under the direction of new Music Director Marin Alsop. Created by Chicago-based, award-winning web developers Lynch², along with a team of BSO staff and Orchestra musicians, BSOmusic.org is on the cutting-edge of performing arts websites, designed to strengthen online marketing efforts, bolster online ticket and merchandise revenue, aid in audience development initiatives and improve BSO patrons' online experience. With a fresh, bold design and vibrant new celadon and orange color scheme, BSOmusic.org replaces the Baltimore Symphony's previous domains, baltimoresymphony.org and BSOatStrathmore.org, both of which will automatically to forward visitors to the new site as of September 24.

As the BSO's new online home, BSOmusic.org will function both as a point-of-sale for patrons and as a tool for audience development and education. The site advances the organization's e-commerce initiatives by providing a low-cost, targeted tool to promote the organization's products, mainly orchestral concerts as well as outreach and education programs, while also allowing for cross-promotional opportunities. Features include easy-to-navigate pages and a streamlined shopping and check-out process, which will include cross-selling options to promote BSO concerts based on patrons' purchases.

Exclusive content, including personalized interviews with guest artists, web videos and behind-the-scenes looks at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra are among the sites distinguishing features. Multimedia content includes a series of "webumentaries" featuring Marin Alsop. Produced by the Grammy and Emmy Award-winning production team from the Baltimore-based production house Protagonist Films, each "webumentary" delves into an upcoming concert, and spotlights Maestra Alsop discussing her thoughts on concert programs throughout the 2007-2008 season. The two-to-four minute web-based films are a cornerstone of "What's on Marin's Mind," a section of the website featuring Marin Alsop's unique perspective on BSO programs and classical music in general.

Similarly, another section of the website is dedicated to featuring the 92 musicians of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, both onstage and off. Working collaboratively with BSO staff, Orchestra musicians have and will continue to develop and manage dynamic content for the "Musicians' Corner," including stories, profiles, snapshots from international tours and musician-led interviews with guest conductors and soloists. Professional biographies, complemented by personal profiles and contemporary headshots will spotlight the Orchestra's musicians. The musicians' headshots were recently updated by BSO violist Christian Colberg, also a gifted amateur photographer, whose avant-garde photography highlights the personalities of each of his subjects, often in whimsical or humorous ways.

The launch of the new website underscores the Baltimore Symphony's efforts to utilize technology to reach new and current audiences. Since the start of 2007, the BSO has offered its first digital download through iTunes (Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring) and has also announced a partnership with XM Satellite Radio to broadcast eight BSO concerts throughout the 2007-2008 season. Also during the 2007-2008 season, the BSO will re-launch its children's website, BSOkids.com.

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's new site has been made possible by generous sponsorship from T. Rowe Price and the William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund.

About the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is internationally recognized as having achieved a preeminent place among the world's most important orchestras. Acclaimed for its uncompromising pursuit of artistic excellence, the Baltimore Symphony has attracted a devoted national and international following while maintaining deep bonds throughout Maryland through innovative education and community outreach initiatives.

The BSO will make musical history at the start of the 2007-2008 season, when Maestra Marin Alsop leads her inaugural concerts as the Orchestra's 12th music director, making her the first woman to head a major American orchestra. Maestra Alsop's concerts will mark the dawn of a new era for the BSO, as she brings her highly praised artistic vision, her dynamic musicianship and her commitment to accessibility in classical music to BSO audiences.

About Lynch²
Lynch² provides web design, engineering and hosting solutions for a wide variety of clients including some of the country's leading corporations and organizations. The company manages sites with eRube®, their custom website development and management tool that facilitates fast project development and easy long-term maintenance. Lynch² clients include Calphalon, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, A.T. Kearney, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Nashville Symphony, NASCAR driver Jeff Burton, Wyndham - RCI, Marriott Vacation Club, Sharpie and many more. www.lynch2.com

About Protagonist Films
Baltimore-based commercial production house Protagonist Films has recently produced projects for clients such as Southwest Airlines, ESPN, Black & Decker, AOL/Time Warner Cable, Arizona Lottery and United Way, to name a few. Director/Owner James Bartolomeo has also filmed two TV commercial campaigns for the BSO in recent years.  Staff includes Director James Bartolomeo, Executive Producer Gregg Simonton and Director of Production Jennifer Koestler.  www.protagonistfilms.com

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