Baltimore Symphony Associates' Announces 35th Annual Decorators' Show House, "Symphonic Suites," May 7-30

The Ritz-Carlton Residences will be the site of popular annual fundraiser featuring Maryland's leading designers

Baltimore, Md. (March 2, 2011) - The Baltimore Symphony Associates (BSA) will host its 35th annual Decorators' Show House, "Symphonic Suites," at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Inner Harbor, Baltimore from May 7-30. The Decorators' Show House is the BSA's annual fundraiser to benefit the Baltimore Symphony's educational programs. Typically located at a historic home in the Baltimore region, this year's event bucks tradition and will take place in two luxury condos of The Ritz-Carlton Residences. Show House hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Monday, May 30th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and are available through the BSO Box office,
BSOmusic.org and all Graul's Markets, Budeke Paint Stores and Chas Spa and Salon on Key Highway. Tickets are $30 at the door. Guests may also purchase specialty goods and crafts and at the onsite boutique. Many of the accessories and furnishings used in the designed spaces and gently used consignment items are also available for purchase and a Cafe offers refreshing light lunches. On-site valet parking is available at no extra cost. See below for detailed information.

Located along the waterfront of Baltimore's historic Federal Hill, The Ritz-Carlton Residences has an expansive view of the harbor as well as the sights of the city's downtown area. The luxury residential community includes a movie theater, spa, a billiards room and a private marina and soon to be announced full-service restaurant.

"The Decorators' Show House traditionally takes place in a historic home, so this new site offers fresh possibilities," said Decorators' Show House chair and longtime BSO volunteer Marge Penhallegon. "I can't wait to see how our talented designers gain inspiration from The Ritz-Carlton Residences' beautiful harbor view and elegant setting. This year's event is truly not to be missed!"

"On behalf of RXR Realty, the developers of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, I am delighted to have been selected as the location of this year's Decorators' Show House," said Joseph Graziose, Senior Vice President of RXR Realty. "It is an honor to showcase our incredible community while benefiting Baltimore's premiere orchestra."

The BSA's most popular annual fundraiser will display new trends in fabric and design for home décor, inspired by the harbor landscape. Approximately 25 designers will collaborate to redesign the vestibule, foyer, kitchen, living room, dining room and patio spaces of two of the luxury condos. More than 10,000 people visit the Decorators' Show House every year to gain inspiration from some of Maryland's top interior decorators, including muralist Pat O'Brian, Regina Bello, owner of The Monogram Shop in Mt. Washington, Laura Kimball of LCK Interiors in Perry Hall, Betty Reeves of Harford Community College, and Hunt Valley's Margaret Campbell Walsh of MCW Interiors are of few of the featured designers.

All of the proceeds of the fundraiser will go to the Baltimore Symphony's (BSO) educational programs. The Decorators' Show House follows in the more than 80-year tradition of the BSO's commitment to give back to the community through its educational and music outreach programs.

About the Baltimore Symphony Associates
The Baltimore Symphony Associates (BSA) continues its long tradition of volunteers in service to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra reaching back to 1942 when it began as the Women's Committee. More than 200 current members use their time, energy and financial support to benefit the education programs of the BSO. The BSA manages the Symphony Store at the Meyerhoff, hosts several fundraising events, serve as ushers at education programs and sponsors several pre-concert lectures each season.

About the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's Education and Community Engagement
For more than 80 years, the BSO has maintained a vibrant educational presence throughout the state of Maryland, supporting the local community not only through concerts, recordings and nationally acclaimed radio programs, but also through its commitment to actively giving back with its education, outreach and mentorship programs. The BSO performs approximately 30 education concerts and open rehearsals each year for more than 60,000 area students in pre-school through 12th grade. Cornerstone initiatives include BSO on the Go, a program that brings BSO musicians
into schools for free and interactive music education workshops, and "Side by Side" concerts, which allow student musicians to rehearse and perform a full-length concert alongside BSO musicians. In addition to its comprehensive youth education programs, the BSO serves adult music lovers through audience education programs such as pre-concert lectures and post-concert discussions. In 2008, the BSO launched OrchKids-a during and after school music education and life enrichment program for Baltimore's at risk youth. It recently expanded and now serves nearly 300 students at Lockerman Bundy Elementary School and New Song Academy, both public schools in West Baltimore.

COMPLETE EVENT INFORMATION
Baltimore Symphony Associates Decorators' Show House - The Ritz-Carlton Residences
May 7-30, 2011
801 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD 21230

Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays
from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Monday, May 30th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets are $25 in advance and are available through the BSO Box office at 410.783.8000, BSOmusic.org or several ticket outlets including all Graul's Markets (Ruxton, Mays Chapel, and Hereford), and all Budeke Paint Stores (Fells Point, Woodholme, Timonium, Columbia, and Putty Hill) and Chas Spa/Salon on Key Highway. Tickets are $30 at the door.