The Season Opening Gala Concert with Hilary Hahn, originally scheduled for September 12, 2020 at 8:30 pm, has been rescheduled for Sunday, June 20, 2021 at 7 pm with a change of program and soloist to a celebration of Maestra Marin Alsop with special guest Renée Fleming.

One of the most beloved and celebrated singers of our time, soprano Renée Fleming brings her luminous voice to the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

Marin Alsop, conductor
Renée Fleming, soprano

Stay tuned for more information regarding full Gala and Sponsorship packages, or contact the Development department at 410.783.8074 or gala@bsomusic.org.

After much discussion, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel concerts for live audiences beginning in September through the end of November.

Ticketholders for these cancelled performances can click here to notify us about their tickets.

For more information, please visit bsomusic.org/fall2020.

After much discussion, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel concerts for live audiences beginning in September through the end of November.

Ticketholders for these cancelled performances can click here to notify us about their tickets.

For more information, please visit bsomusic.org/fall2020.

After much discussion, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel concerts for live audiences beginning in September through the end of November.

Ticketholders for these cancelled performances can click here to notify us about their tickets.

For more information, please visit bsomusic.org/fall2020.

After much discussion, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel concerts for live audiences beginning in September through the end of November.

Ticketholders for these cancelled performances can click here to notify us about their tickets.

For more information, please visit bsomusic.org/fall2020.

After much discussion, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel concerts for live audiences beginning in September through the end of November.

Ticketholders for these cancelled performances can click here to notify us about their tickets.

For more information, please visit bsomusic.org/fall2020.

After much discussion, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel concerts for live audiences beginning in September through the end of November.

Ticketholders for these cancelled performances can click here to notify us about their tickets.

For more information, please visit bsomusic.org/fall2020.

After much discussion, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel concerts for live audiences beginning in September through the end of November.

Ticketholders for these cancelled performances can click here to notify us about their tickets.

For more information, please visit bsomusic.org/fall2020.

After much discussion, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel concerts for live audiences beginning in September through the end of November.

Ticketholders for these cancelled performances can click here to notify us about their tickets.

For more information, please visit bsomusic.org/fall2020.

After much discussion, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel concerts for live audiences beginning in September through the end of November.

Ticketholders for these cancelled performances can click here to notify us about their tickets.

For more information, please visit bsomusic.org/fall2020.

The Hiplet Ballerinas bring their fusion of classical pointe technique, hip-hop and other dance styles to the Meyerhoff.

Please note: The BSO is not performing on this program.

Please note that this event was originally scheduled for Sunday, March 29, and then for Saturday, June 13. It has now been re-scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 3 pm. Current tickets will be valid on the new date.

After much discussion, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel concerts for live audiences beginning in September through the end of November.

Ticketholders for these cancelled performances can click here to notify us about their tickets.

For more information, please visit bsomusic.org/fall2020.

After much discussion, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel concerts for live audiences beginning in September through the end of November.

Ticketholders for these cancelled performances can click here to notify us about their tickets.

For more information, please visit bsomusic.org/fall2020.

After much discussion, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel concerts for live audiences beginning in September through the end of November.

Ticketholders for these cancelled performances can click here to notify us about their tickets.

For more information, please visit bsomusic.org/fall2020.

After much discussion, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel concerts for live audiences beginning in September through the end of November.

Ticketholders for these cancelled performances can click here to notify us about their tickets.

For more information, please visit bsomusic.org/fall2020.

Anna Rakitina, conductor
Jeremy Denk, piano

BEETHOVEN Zur Namensfeier Overture
BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 4
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 5

This celebration of the 250th birthday of Ludwig van Beethoven features Russian-born conductor Anna Rakitina leading the Orchestra in the most famous symphony of them all, Beethoven’s Fifth, with its iconic “Fate knocking at the door” theme. Pianist Jeremy Denk, MacArthur “Genius” Grant winner and one of America’s most fascinating artists, returns to play Beethoven’s popular Fourth Piano Concerto.

Travel back in time to Vienna in the 1820’s as this theatrical symphony concert by Classical Kids LIVE! tells the story of Beethoven’s genius through the eyes of young Christoph. During the last years of Beethoven’s life, he lives in the upstairs apartment of Christoph’s home, and the young boy learns to appreciate the great composer’s struggles while creating some of the most beloved music of all time.

Join us after each family concert for a buffet lunch in the Meyerhoff lobby, hosted by the Baltimore Symphony Associates. Luncheon tickets sold separately at BSOmusic.org/family.

The BSO Family Concerts will adopt a more relaxed atmosphere to welcome children on the Autism Spectrum and their families. With enhanced lighting and a quieter maker-space craft area, children affected by sensory anxiety can better enjoy the live concert experience.

Edward Polochick, conductor and harpsichord
BSO Symphonic Chorale

HANDEL Messiah

Edward Polochick leads the BSO Symphonic Chorale in this holiday favorite, Handel’s Messiah, featuring the iconic “Hallelujah” Chorus.

Nicholas Hersh, conductor
Troupe Vertigo

Troupe Vertigo’s acrobats, jugglers and high-flying aerialists join the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for this spectacular twist on Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic.

Dr. Henry Panion III, conductor
Yolanda Adams, vocalist
Morgan State University Choir,
     Dr. Eric Conway, director

Singer, actress and television star Yolanda Adams has sold nearly 10 million albums worldwide and is known as the “First Lady of Contemporary Gospel.” She’ll join the BSO in some of her greatest hits, while the Morgan State University Choir performs Gospel Christmas favorites.

Andy Einhorn, conductor
Baltimore Choral Arts Society,
     Anthony Blake Clark, director

Broadway musical director Andy Einhorn leads the BSO and the Baltimore Choral Arts Society in an exciting holiday program, highlighted by festive favorites, the ever-popular tap-dancing Santas, an audience sing-along and a few musical surprises. The Meyerhoff Symphony Hall lobby is transformed into a winter wonderland, with pre-concert performances, an opportunity for family photos and holiday cookies and ornaments for sale.

Marin Alsop, conductor
The Percussion Collective
Felicia Moore, soprano
Kelley O'Connor, alto
Karim Sulayman, tenor
Ryan Speedo Green, bass-baritone
Baltimore Choral Arts Society,
Anthony Blake Clark, director

CHRISTOPHER THEOFANIDIS Drum Circles
MOZART Requiem

Making its BSO debut, the Percussion Collective has most recently been stunning audiences in Europe and Asia and will perform Peabody professor Christopher Theofanidis’ Drum Circles. Also on the program is Mozart’s dramatic Requiem, one of his greatest achievements despite the fact that he didn’t survive to complete it. Baltimore Choral Arts Society will join Marin Alsop and the Orchestra for this magnificent masterpiece.

Jack Everly, conductor
Capathia Jenkins, vocalist
Tony DeSare, vocalist and pianist

Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra were two undisputed masters of “The Great American Songbook.” Capathia Jenkins and Tony DeSare bring them back to the stage for performances with the BSO that include “Come Fly With Me,” “The Lady is a Tramp” and other standard classics representing these two legendary singers.

Cristian Măcelaru, conductor

JAKE HEGGIE Moby Dick Suite
GINASTERA Variaciones concertantes
ELGAR Enigma Variations

Conductor Cristian Măcelaru leads Elgar’s popular Enigma Variations and the beautiful Variaciones concertantes, Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera’s most famous work. The program opens with Jake Heggie’s Moby Dick Suite from his 2010 opera on Melville’s iconic novel.

Cristian Măcelaru, conductor

GINASTERA Variaciones concertantes
ELGAR Enigma Variations

Guest conductor Cristian Măcelaru leads the orchestra in Edward Elgar’s popular Enigma Variations and Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera’s beautiful Variaciones concertantes, his most famous work. Delve into the histories of these variations and discover the mysteries of Elgar's masterpiece.

Hannu Lintu, conductor
Simon Trpčeski, piano

PROKOFIEV Russian Overture
TCHAIKOVSKY Piano Concerto No. 1
STRAVINSKY Petrushka (1947 version)

Finnish conductor Hannu Lintu leads an all-Russian program including the colorful, witty and melodious Russian Overture and Tchaikovsky’s passionate Piano Concerto No. 1, featuring the fiery virtuoso Simon Trpčeski. Stravinsky’s unforgettable tragi-comic puppet reigns over his vivid portrait of a Russian fair in Petrushka.

Marin Alsop, conductor
Alban Gerhardt, cello

JUDIT VARGA JUMP!
BRETT DEAN Cello Concerto
RAVEL Daphnis et Chloé, Suite No. 2
STRAUSS Der Rosenkavalier Suite

Marin Alsop leads the second suite from Ravel’s gorgeous ballet music for Daphnis et Chloé, with its evocative portrait of dawn’s arrival, followed by the Viennese waltz-filled Suite from Richard Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier. German cellist Alban Gerhardt performs a new Cello Concerto, written expressly for him by famed Australian composer Brett Dean. We’ll also hear JUMP! by Hungarian composer Judit Varga, renowned in Europe for her film scores.

Eun Sun Kim, conductor
André Watts, piano

TEXU KIM Spin-Flip
RAVEL Piano Concerto for the Left Hand
TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 5

The New York Times has hailed conductor Eun Sun Kim, the newly appointed Music Director of the San Francisco Opera, as “a major star.” Joining her is world-renowned pianist André Watts, who will perform Ravel’s demanding Piano Concerto for the Left Hand, noted for its expressively lyrical melody. Kim also leads Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, widely considered his most beloved.

Jack Everly, conductor
André De Shields, vocalist

The 2019 Tony Award-winning Featured Actor in a Musical (for Hadestown) André De Shields returns to his hometown to perform with the BSO in a program that includes popular American songs and Broadway hits.

Everybody loves a hero, and heroes come in all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life. Some are larger than life and others are people you meet every day. From fictional superheroes like the Avengers to Olympic athletes, these heroes make an impact on history and on our future. Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks and Baltimore’s own Elijah Cummings will be portrayed through music and the BSO’s OrchKids will be featured on the program.

Join us after each family concert for a buffet lunch in the Meyerhoff lobby, hosted by the Baltimore Symphony Associates. Luncheon tickets sold separately at BSOmusic.org/family.

The BSO Family Concerts will adopt a more relaxed atmosphere to welcome children on the Autism Spectrum and their families. With enhanced lighting and a quieter maker-space craft area, children affected by sensory anxiety can better enjoy the live concert experience.

Kwamé Ryan, conductor
Jonathan Carney, violin
Dariusz Skoraczewski, cello

BRAHMS Concerto for Violin and Cello
SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 10

The BSO’s Concertmaster Jonathan Carney and Principal Cello Dariusz Skoraczewski perform Brahms’ Double Concerto, a beautiful ode to friendship lost and friendship regained. This magnificent work was Brahms’ successful effort to restore his once close friendship with violinist Joseph Joachim. Conductor Kwamé Ryan leads the Orchestra in Shostakovich’s powerful Tenth Symphony, known for its dramatic effect and captivating beauty.

Markus Stenz, conductor
Kate Eastwood Norris, narrator
Amelia D'Arcy, soprano
Women's Voices of the University of Maryland Concert Choir,
     Edward Maclary, director

SHOSTAKOVICH Incidental Music to Hamlet
MENDELSSOHN A Midsummer Night’s Dream*

Conductor Markus Stenz brings us an entertaining program of music inspired by Shakespeare’s plays. Mendelssohn’s marvelous Overture and Incidental Music to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, begun when he was 17, captures all the whimsy and fantasy of this beloved comedy with its tale of lovers and clowns lost in a forest enchanted by fairies, and will feature two vocal soloists. Shostakovich’s Incidental Music to Hamlet, written for a satirical production of the play in Moscow in 1932, displays the young composer’s irreverent humor in his music at that time.

*In collaboration with Folger Theatre

Mario Venzago, conductor
Louis Lortie, piano

ROSSINI William Tell Overture
CHOPIN Piano Concerto No. 1
SCHUMANN Symphony No. 3, “Rhenish”

Effervescent conductor Mario Venzago returns for a program of 19th-century classics including Rossini’s rousing William Tell Overture. Renowned French Canadian pianist Louis Lortie performs Chopin’s stunning First Piano Concerto, written when the composer was only 20. The program also includes Schumann’s most popular symphony, the sweeping “Rhenish” Symphony, with its unforgettable portrait of the imposing Cologne Cathedral overlooking the Rhine.

Marin Alsop, conductor
Ning Feng, violin
Dancers from Baltimore School for the Arts

TCHAIKOVSKY Romeo and Juliet, Overture-Fantasy
PAGANINI Violin Concerto No. 1
ELLINGTON Sophisticated Lady
ELLINGTON Night Creature

Chinese violinist Ning Feng, winner of the International Paganini Competition and a much sought-after soloist, will join Marin Alsop for Paganini’s First Violin Concerto, an exciting combination of technical wizardry and beautiful melodies. Also on the program is the sophisticated big-band-flavored jazz of Duke Ellington in his Night Creature, featuring Baltimore School for the Arts dancers.

Marin Alsop, conductor
Ning Feng, violin

PAGANINI Violin Concerto No. 1

Chinese violinist Ning Feng, winner of the International Paganini Competition and a much sought-after soloist, will join Marin Alsop for Paganini’s First Violin Concerto, an exciting combination of technical wizardry and beautiful melodies.

Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, conductor

Explore how music and dance work together to highlight culture, tradition and storytelling in ways that will surprise and excite you! From Bhangra dance from India to Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and the Russian Ballet, to today’s hip-hop and the funk music of Bruno Mars, experience the joy of dancing that unites people everywhere.

Join us after each family concert for a buffet lunch in the Meyerhoff lobby, hosted by the Baltimore Symphony Associates. Luncheon tickets sold separately at BSOmusic.org/family.

The BSO Family Concerts will adopt a more relaxed atmosphere to welcome children on the Autism Spectrum and their families. With enhanced lighting and a quieter maker-space craft area, children affected by sensory anxiety can better enjoy the live concert experience.

Lawrence Loh, conductor

Take a walk down the red carpet with some of the best-loved film music of all time performed live by the BSO including Max Steiner’s romantic Gone with the Wind, Howard Shore’s fantastical The Lord of the Rings, John Williams’ Star Wars and E.T., Miklós Rózsa’s inimitable Ben-Hur and much more.

Peter Oundjian, conductor
YaoGuang Zhai, clarinet

MOZART Clarinet Concerto
BRUCKNER Symphony No. 7

Mozart wrote his last concerto for the clarinet. Among his greatest works for a soloist, Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto will showcase the BSO’s Principal Clarinet YaoGuang Zhai. Conductor Peter Oundjian also leads the Orchestra in Bruckner’s magnificent Seventh Symphony. A work filled with heart-stirring melodies, this is one of Bruckner’s most beloved symphonies.

Marin Alsop, conductor
Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano

DEBUSSY Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
RAVEL Piano Concerto in G Major
GERSHWIN Variations on “I Got Rhythm”
RESPIGHI Roman Festivals

The brilliant pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet returns to the BSO and shows off his phenomenal talent for mixing jazz with classical keyboard feats. Maurice Ravel’s love for George Gershwin’s music influenced his Concerto in G Major, a blend of French lyricism and jazz exuberance. Thibaudet pairs this with Gershwin’s vivacious “I Got Rhythm” Variations. Under Marin Alsop’s baton, the program also features Debussy’s sensuous Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun and Respighi’s spectacular Roman Festivals, a feast of kaleidoscopic color and sheer volume.

The end begins. Part one of the epic finale Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ is here! CineConcerts invites audiences back to witness the beginning of Harry’s most important battle yet, with the full film accompanied live by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Harry, Ron and Hermione set out to track down the secret to Voldemort’s power!

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s20)

Julian Rachlin, violin and conductor

VIVALDI The Four Seasons
MOZART Divertimento in D Major
PIAZZOLLA The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires

As a teenager, Julian Rachlin was a phenomenal violin prodigy. In this chamber orchestra program, he plays the roles of violinist and conductor in two versions of “The Four Seasons.” Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons from Italy vividly set the model for descriptive music. The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires by Argentina’s brilliant master of the tango Astor Piazzolla makes a fiery, mesmerizing contrasting work. The program also includes Mozart’s charming Divertimento in D Major, written when he was only 16 for outdoor entertainment in Salzburg.

David Charles Abell, conductor

Tony, Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim is celebrated in this tribute to his music, including his extraordinary Broadway shows from A Little Night Music, to Follies and Sweeney Todd. Three Sondheim specialists join the BSO for this performance.

Marin Alsop, conductor
Augustin Hadelich, violin

BERNSTEIN Symphonic Suite from On the Waterfront*†
BARBER Violin Concerto
RACHMANINOFF Symphonic Dances

Grammy Award-winning German-American violinist Augustin Hadelich joins Marin Alsop and the Orchestra in Barber’s Violin Concerto. The program also includes a suite from Leonard Bernstein’s only independent film score, On the Waterfront, and concludes with Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances and its unforgettable solo for saxophone.

*Todd Hitchcock, Director of Programming at the AFI Silver Theatre, will give a pre-concert talk at The Music Center at Strathmore about On the Waterfront at 6:30 pm on Thursday, June 3.
†The Parkway Theatre in Baltimore will screen matinee performances of On the Waterfront during this weekend.

Juanjo Mena, conductor
Yefim Bronfman, piano

MOZART The Magic Flute Overture
SAINT-SAËNS Piano Concerto No. 2
BRAHMS Symphony No. 1

Spanish conductor Juanjo Mena is paired with one of the world’s most esteemed pianists, Yefim Bronfman. Bronfman performs Saint-Saëns' Second Piano Concerto, written in only seventeen days and known for its splashy arpeggios and beguiling grace. The program opens with Mozart’s Overture to The Magic Flute and closes with Brahms’ monumental First Symphony with its heroic striving first movement and its triumphant finale.

Marin Alsop, conductor
Morgan State University Choir,
Dr. Eric Conway, director
Joélle Harvey, soprano
J'Nai Bridges, mezzo-soprano

ANGÉLICA CASTELLÓ World Premiere
MAHLER Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection”

Mahler’s Second Symphony, “Resurrection,” is a vast, cinematic canvas depicting a last judgment with an uplifting message of forgiveness and hope. The Morgan State University Choir and two operatic singers join Marin Alsop and the BSO for this thrilling season finale. The program also includes a world premiere by sound artist and composer Angélica Castelló, co-commissioned by the BSO and the Space Telescope Science Institute, which celebrates the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, the new infrared space observatory.