BSO Academy

Friday, June 21 - Saturday, June 29, 2024

"The Academy refreshes my inspiration and drive to continue to make music despite my job, family and life obligations. It brought back my belief in myself as a musician." - BSO Academy Participant

The BSO Academy brings together passionate adult instrumental musicians from all over the United States and the world, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Academy participants play side-by-side with the BSO in rehearsals and performances, and experience musical enrichment classes, lectures, chamber music coachings, sectionals and other special events led by BSO musicians and experts in the field. The Academy provides an immersive experience for adult non-professional musicians who desire an intensive learning experience.

Orchestral Track

BSO Academy Conductor, Nicholas Hersh

Repertoire:

Group 1

Tchaikovsky - Francesca da Rimini
Mahler - "I Have a Gleaming Knife" from Songs of a Wayfarer
Mahler - Symphony No. 4: I. Bedächtig, nicht eilen

Group 2

Mahler - Symphony No. 4: II. In gemächlicher Bewgung, ohne Hast, III. Ruhevoll, poco adagio, IV. Sehr behaglich
Tchaikovsky - Finale from Swan Lake

Repertoire subject to change

Chamber Track

BSO Academy Chamber Orchestra Conductor, Jonathan Carney

Repertoire:

Mendelssohn - Symphony No. 1
Haydn - Symphony No. 104

Repertoire subject to change

All tracks include:

Welcome dinner with BSO musicians
Instrument-specific workshops
Classes led by BSO musicians
Special topics in musicology, wellness, and more led by guest lecturers
Lunches with BSO musicians
Performance on the Meyerhoff stage, free and open to the public
Opportunity to collaborate with BSO Pianist-in-Residence, Lura Johnson, as part of the Solo with Piano Recital
Take private lessons with BSO musicians for an additional fee
Perform in large ensembles (string orchestra, flute ensemble, clarinet ensemble, double reed choir, brass choir, or percussion ensemble) led by BSO musicians

Additional components of each track:

Orchestral Track

Side-by-side rehearsals with BSO musicians
Virtual workshops with BSO musicians prior to the Academy
Sectionals led by BSO musicians

Chamber Track

Perform and rehearse under BSO Concertmaster Jonathan Carney
String sections led by BSO principals
Perform in a chamber group alongside a BSO musician

Please note that you may elect to perform in a chamber group even if you are not in the chamber track. Placement in a chamber group is dependent on instrumentation needs and we cannot guarantee a spot to everyone who signs up.

As of February 2023, the former Cathedral Street Garage is closed. Parking will be available at a discounted rate of $5 per day at the Symphony Center Garage, located at 1030 Park Avenue. $5 vouchers must be purchased in advance and can be picked up upon registration. You may also consider street parking. Parking for those with mobility issues can be arranged with the Academy staff. Please note that overnight parking is PROHIBITED at the Symphony Center Garage.

The BSO Academy does not require an audition to be accepted. However, a basic knowledge of reading music is required, and the program is most enjoyable for participants who can comfortably play or follow along with the level of the selected repertoire and contribute to conversations about the techniques used to play the repertoire. Many participants are not able to play every single note in a difficult passage. You don’t have to! The entire BSO is sitting with you and will cover the parts that are beyond your ability. The BSO faculty will guide you with suggestions on how to simplify or otherwise make it through a tough passage. We welcome a short recording of your playing if you are not sure if this program is right for you and would like our advice.

Questions? Contact 410-783-8055