BSO Academy

Overview

Symphonic Program

Overview

The BSO Academy brings together passionate adult instrumental musicians from all over the United States and the world, for an immersive musical experience with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. BSO Academy participants play side-by-side with the BSO muscians in rehearsals and performances for full orchestra, large and small chamber ensembles, instrumental workshops, and a solo recital with piano. BSO musicians lead sectionals, Masterclasses, and special topic classes. BSO Faculty perform a chamber concert and join participants for a celebratory Welcome Dinner. Guest presenters share insights on the music being perform and special topics of interest. BSO Academy participants enjoy lunches with the BSO musicians. Create your own experience by applying for one or more activities during the 9 day BSO Academy.
BSO Academy veteran scholarships are generously supported by:

"I was overwhelmed to be in the middle of a professional orchestral sound again. It brought back wonderful memories and emotions from decades ago. In the intervening years, no other orchestral experience has provided the sonic feedback I got from the BSO. This was a very good experience."

David Myford, Violin, 1st time BSO Academy Participant

Nicholas Hersh - BSO Academy Principal Conductor

Nicholas Hersh is Music Director of the Modesto Symphony, having been appointed in August 2023. Across the country, Nicholas has earned critical acclaim for his innovative programming and natural ability to connect with musicians and audiences alike, and he was the unanimous choice of the search committee in Modesto. In addition to his work in Modesto, Nicholas was named Principal Conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Academy, the BSO’s celebrated program for adult amateur musicians.

Hersh’s 2025-26 season includes his conducting debut with the New York Philharmonic and returns to the Houston and Colorado Symphonies, plus engagements with the Florida Orchestra, Reno Philharmonic, and Tucson Symphony.

His 2024-25 season included engagements with the Nashville, Madison, Omaha, and Tucson Symphony Orchestras; and the Florida and Apollo Orchestras. He continues to enjoy a regular relationship with the Budapest Festival Orchestra.

Recent engagements include the Detroit, Grand Rapids, National, New World, North Carolina, Phoenix, Portland (ME), Richmond, Utah, and Winston-Salem Symphony Orchestras; Louisiana and Rochester Philharmonics; and the Sarasota Orchestra.

Over a remarkable tenure as Associate Conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Hersh created the BSO Pulse series, through which he brought together indie bands and orchestral musicians in unique collaborations; he led the BSO in several subscription weeks, and concerts in and around Baltimore; and he directed the BSO’s educational and family programming. Hersh also maintains a close relationship with the National Symphony Orchestra, leading concerts throughout Washington, D.C. He stepped in to replace an indisposed Yan Pascal Tortelier, on subscription, to great acclaim.

Hersh is frequently in demand as an arranger and orchestrator, with commissions from orchestras around the globe for adaptations of everything from classical solo and chamber music to popular songs. His orchestration of Beethoven’s Cello Sonata Op. 69 was premiered by the Philharmonie Zuidnederland in January 2022, while his symphonic arrangement of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody continues to see worldwide success as a viral YouTube hit. He also serves as arranger and editor for the James P. Johnson Orchestra Edition.

Hersh grew up in Evanston, Illinois and started his musical training as a cellist. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Stanford University and a Master’s Degree in Conducting from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Hersh is also a two-time recipient of the Solti Foundation Career Assistance Award. Nicholas lives in Philadelphia with his wife, son, and two cats, and in his free time enjoys cooking and baking for family and friends.

2027 Symphonic Program

Apply for Group 1 or Group 2 of the Symphonic Program!

Optionally, apply and participate in both (Space permitting and for an extra fee).

Please note that due to instrumentation and space restrictions, placement in the applicant’s preferred group is not guaranteed. Applications received before January 8th, 2027 will receive priority consideration.

Group 1

Repertoire:

Tchaikovsky Capriccio Italien

Barber Essay No. 2

Mahler Symphony No. 1
Langsam, Schlepped

Group 2

Repertoire:

Mahler Symphony No. 1
Kräftig bewegt, doch nicht zu schnell
Feierlich und gemessen, ohne zu schleppen
Stürmisch bewegt

Khachaturian Waltz from Masquerade

Khachaturian Sabre Dance

BSO Academy participants will be imbedded in the BSO for an intensive week of symphonic music making including:

Four rehearsals
Final concert on Saturday, June 26th, 2027, on stage at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.
Sectionals for your instrument led by a BSO Musician
Preparatory Virtual Overview of the music with Maestro Hersh prior to the Academy
Preparatory video demos for your instrument with BSO musicians, prior to the Academy
Large size, printed music for your assigned parts sent by mail in May.

Additional Program Content

The following activities are included in the tuition:

Masterclasses & Special Topic Classes led by BSO Musicians
Performance Workshops – String Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Double Reed Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble.
Special Presentations about topics of interest, led by leading experts
Lunches with BSO Musicians
Faculty Chamber Concert & Welcome Dinner

2027 Chamber Program - Choose your Chamber Experiences

Additional Activities to Enhance your Academy Experience!

BSO Academy participants play with BSO leaders for an intimate experience of music making that requires playing their own part. Chamber orchestra string sections will be led by a BSO musician. Each Chamber Ensemble will be led by a BSO musician who will play and coach the group.

Participants in the Chamber program will choose two from the following options.

Choosing all three options is available for an extra fee.

Please note that due to instrumentation and space restrictions, placement in the applicant’s preferred group is not guaranteed.

Applications received before January 4th, 2027 will receive priority consideration.

Chamber Orchestra A:
Repertoire:
Beethoven Symphony No. 1
Chamber Orchestra B:
Repertoire:
Bizet Symphony No. 1
Chamber Ensemble (quartets, quintets etc.)
Repertoire:
To be determined by each Chamber Ensemble

Chamber orchestras will include a sectional led by the conductor or a BSO musician

Chamber ensembles will be formed by the BSO Academy Program Advisor from those who apply. Pre-formed groups are welcome to apply. Coaches can be requested but are not guaranteed.

Additional Program Content

The following activities are included in the Chamber program tuition:

Preparatory Virtual Overview of the music with Maestro Tatiana Perez-Hernandez prior to the Academy
Masterclasses & Special Topic Classes led by BSO Musicians
Performance Workshops – String Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Double Reed Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble.
Special Presentations about topics of interest, led by leading experts
Lunches with BSO Musicians
Faculty Chamber Concert & Welcome Dinner

Any of these chamber experiences can also be enrolled in a la carte without the additional program content.

2027 Add-Ons

Additional Activities to Enhance your Academy Experience!

All placements are subject to enrollment and capacity.

Second Orchestral Group Placement

This option allows participants to have the option to play in both Symphonic groups.

Chamber Orchestra Placement

Participants can participate in the Beethoven Chamber Orchestra and/or the Sibelius Chamber Orchestra.

Solo Recital with Piano

Perform in a solo recital for your fellow BSO Academy participants. This is a fabulous opportunity to collaborate with our BSO pianist-in-residence, Lura Johnson. Includes a 15-minute rehearsal and a 6 min performance.

Private Lesson with a BSO Member

Private lessons with BSO Musicians are a popular add-on experience for BSO Academy! Prior to the academy, a list of faculty and sign-up form is distributed to participants along with a payment portal.

CPD Credit for Educators

For Music Educators: the Maryland State Department of Education offers CPD Credit to all teachers! To find out more, email education@bsomusic.org

Click here to view the Completion for Credit Form from the Maryland Department of Education
To make this program accessible, we offer a special HEAVILY discounted rate to teachers participating in the Academy for CPD credit!

Auditor

Auditors may observe Academy programming, except for private lessons. Auditors may sign up to take a private lesson with a BSO Member.

2026 Academy Dates

Saturday, June 19: Chamber Program Begins

Saturday, June 19: Solo Recital with Piano

Sunday, June 20: Symphonic Program Begins
BSO Academy Faculty Concert & Welcome Dinner

Tuesday, June 23: Chamber Ensembles Concert

Friday, June 25: Chamber Orchestras and Performance Workshops Concert

Saturday, June 26: Final Symphonic Concert and Reception

2027 Tuition & Fees

Apply Today

Application fee – $130
***nonrefundable fee, in order for your application to be considered you must pay this fee upon application submission***

Symphonic Program Tuition – $1850
- If accepted, a deposit of $500 is due by January 18th in order to confirm your participation in the 2027 BSO Academy
- The remaining $1350 is due by March 5^th

Chamber Program Tuition – $1850
- If accepted, a deposit of $500 is due by January 18th in order to confirm your participation in the 2027 BSO Academy
- The remaining $1350 is due by March 5^th

Educator Tuition – $1100
- If accepted, a deposit of $500 is due by January 18th in order to confirm your participation in the 2027 BSO Academy
- The remaining $600 is due March 5th

Add-On Additional Fees

These are fees added to your balance if you would like to add to your BSO Academy experience by participating in additional activities.

If accepted, these are due by April 5^th.

Second Orchestral Group Placement – $750
Add a Chamber Ensemble to Symphonic Program – $700
Add a Chamber Orchestra to Symphonic Program - $700
Private Lesson Fee – $150
Solo Recital with Piano Participation – $130

Auditor Tuition-contact education@bsomusic.org to discuss options.

Timeline

Early December: Application opens
January 8: Priority Enrollment ends
Mid January: Notiﬁcation of Acceptances
*If there are remaining vacancies in sections, applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until sections are full- deposit due date will be adjusted appropriately*
January 18: $500 Deposit due
March 5:Total Tuition Balance due
April 5: Remaining additional fees for Add-Ons due
June 19-26: 2027 BSO Academy Week

Refund Policy

The BSO Academy Week tuition and associated fees are non-refundable except in the case of a medical emergency or other extreme circumstance as determined by the BSO Education Department. No reduction in fees can be made for late arrival or early departure, so please plan travel accordingly.

Financial Assistance

A limited amount of funding is available for participants who demonstrate ﬁnancial need due to extreme circumstances or other ﬁnancial hardship and for instrumental needs for the program.

Requirements

The BSO Academy does not require an audition to be accepted! A basic knowledge of reading music is required, and participants should be able to comfortably play or follow along with the level of selected repertoire and be able to contribute to conversations about techniques necessary to perform the repertoire. For chamber music placement, a short video may be requested.

We encourage all to apply! Many participants are not able to play every single note in a difficult passage – you don’t have to! The BSO Academy places you side-by-side with a pro, who will cover the parts beyond your ability. The BSO faculty will guide you with suggestions on how to simplify and practice difficult passages.

Reach out to education@bsomusic.org if you are not sure if this program is right for your level.

FAQ

We traditionally partner with several local area hotels: Hotel Indigo, Hotel Monaco, Hotel Revival, The Royal Sonesta and Ulysses. Rates and parking details for the upcoming Academy Week will be distributed to participants well in advance via email.

Please note that due to limited demand in past years, we do not offer shuttle service from hotels to the Meyerhoff. Those with mobility issues should plan accordingly and be in touch with the Education Department so we can help with any potential accessibility needs.

While your day may look slightly different depending on what program you choose, here’s what a sample day at the BSO Academy might look like!

9:00 AM-10:00 AM	Individual Practice time
10:00 AM-11:30 AM	Sectionals with BSO Musicians
11:30 AM-1:30 PM	Lunch and Learn! Grab lunch with your fellow participants and learn about topics such as Music History, Wellness at your instrument, etc
1:45 PM-3:15 PM	Classes with BSO Musicians. Topics such as: Dynamic Section Playing for Strings, English Horn workshops, Brass Boot Camp, The Miraculous Metronome and many more!
3:30 PM-5:00 PM	Chamber Music Rehearsals or Workshops
5:30 PM-7:00 PM	Faculty Chamber Music Concert + BSO Academy Welcome Dinner for Participants and BSO Musicians

Not sure if the BSO Academy is right for you?

Reach out the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Education and Community Engagement department by emailing education@bsomusic.org! We are very happy to help and answer any questions you may have about the suitability of the program for you!