The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra launches Music Director Jonathon Heyward’s historic tenure in an expansive three-day celebration spanning our two year-round homes. Members of the Dance Theatre of Harlem join Jonathon and the Orchestra in a program that uplifts the performing arts through a powerful vision of ballet alongside captivating music.

For the first time ever, we open the 2023-24 season at The Music Center at Strathmore on Friday, September 22, 2023. On Saturday, September 23, 2023, the BSO's Gala returns in full form to the Meyerhoff with an after party for all to accompany the concert. Closing the weekend of celebrations, on Sunday, Jonathon Heyward leads the Orchestra in his first free community concert as part of the return of Artscape. Features special guests Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Jonathon Heyward in his debut performances as BSO Music Director. Tickets for the Artscape event are distributed by local charities and community organizations. Those interested in walk-up tickets to the performance may visit our visiting our box office beginning at 12:00 pm on Sunday. Complimentary tickets are available on a first come, first served basis, and ticket distribution ends once the concert begins.

For guests attending the Gala at the Meyerhoff, the party continues after the concert! We invite you to stick around for a post-concert after-party which is part of our signature fundraising event. Savor a dessert or a beverage from the cash bar and dance the night away to live music!

All Strathmore ticket holders are invited to join us for a reception to celebrate the season kick-off. Grab a dessert, enjoy the cash bar, and raise a complimentary champagne toast with Jonathan and BSO musicians.

The Gala Celebration is our signature fundraising event, all proceeds support education and engagement programs that amplify Jonathon Heyward's vision for our musical community.

Purchase Your Gala Concert Tickets

BSO 23-24 GALA SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES ARE OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT!

Supporting Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

Know Before You Go!

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s historic 2023 Gala Celebration at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall on Saturday, September 23 at 8 pm. This event Is rain or shine. We’d like to ensure you have a pleasant experience from the time you arrive until your evening with us ends, so there are a few things we’d like to share with you before your visit:

In preparation for this year's Artscape, a number of road closures will be in effect for the weekend of Sep 22–24. This will have additional effects on local street parking, so please pay close attention to posted signs. Finally, the Charm City Circulator's Purple Route will be undergoing route modifications in response to the closures. We encourage you to visit the Baltimore City Department of Transit's website for a full list of closures and restrictions. That link can be accessed here.

In accordance with the DOT Advisory, Gala guests coming from the North are encouraged to AVOID the Maryland Ave exit from I-83, and instead get off at the St. Paul Street exit, make a right onto Preston Street, and a left onto Cathedral Street to access either the Sponsor valet or the University of Baltimore Maryland Avenue garage.

For guests coming from the South – there will not be any street closures, but guests should allow extra time for congestion.

Learn More

Artscape Live Map

As a reminder parking is no longer available at the Cathedral Street Garage. The Symphony Center Garage is only available for BSO Gala Celebration sponsors and their guests.

The University of Baltimore is now offering $15 pre-paid parking available for BSO patrons at the Maryland Avenue Garage (1120 Maryland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201) which is located across the street from the Meyerhoff.

If you'd like to purchase parking to guarantee your parking space, please follow the steps below:

Click Here to create a Guest Login.
Once you've created your account, select the appropriate permit by clicking the corresponding radio button (Permit Description: Maryland Ave Garage / BSO Parking Permit – 9/23/2023).
Scroll to the bottom to agree to the rules and regulations and click "Next".
Register your vehicle by adding your plate number and state. Click "Next" to advance to the final page.
Review your information and select "Pay Now".
Select "Checkout" and enter your payment information to complete your purchase.

Upon Arrival, enter the garage at 1120 Maryland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201:

Using your parking confirmation email, locate your permit in the link provided (marked "Print/Scan QR Code Permit").
By clicking the link, via your mobile device, you will be able to access a QR code to scan at the entrance gate (this can also be printed at home).
Scan the QR code under the red light to lift the gate's arm for both entry and exit.

** Please take your ticket with you. You will need to use the QR code to reenter the garage through the pedestrian entrance on Biddle Street when returning to your car after the concert.

Additional parking options can be found here.

Pre-purchase a seat on BSO coordinated motorcoach buses to avoid Artscape street closures and traffic congestion. Seats are $8 per person, with park & ride stations at secure locations north and south of the Meyerhoff. Tickets can be purchased online, up to the time of the shuttle departure. Cashless payment only. Shuttles will run every hour, starting at 6:15 pm. Patrons taking shuttles should plan to be parked in the lot no later than 15 minutes prior to bus departure.

Shuttles will be operating as needed past the concert start at 8 pm, and will continue on an hourly basis post-concert until midnight. Note: cars will be towed starting at 6 am if left overnight in either lot.

SOUTH – Lot C at Camden Yards

NORTH – The Village of Cross Keys

Join us in welcoming Jonathon Heyward to the BSO family after his inaugural Gala concerts with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and bite-sized desserts in the Main Lobby at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

For guests attending the Gala at the Meyerhoff, the party continues after the concert! We invite you to stick around for a post-concert after-party which is part of our signature fundraising event. Savor a dessert or a beverage from the cash bar and dance the night away to live music!

All Strathmore ticket holders are invited to join us for a reception to celebrate the season kick-off. Grab a dessert, enjoy the cash bar, and raise a complimentary champagne toast with Jonathan and BSO musicians.

The BSO’s 2023 Gala Celebration’s Silent Auction is live! Everyone (whether you have a BSO ticket or not) is welcome to bid on art, experiences, dining packages, trips and more in support of the BSO’s mission. Special highlights include a rare opportunity to own a piece of history in Jonathon Heyward’s baton from opening weekend; the unveiling of renown street artist Reed Bmore’s Opus Instruments Series; a stay at a French Chateau; a trip to the Ravens Castle; and events with BSO musicians. Register and get your bid in today!

Explore the Silent Auction

Doors open at 6:30 pm on Saturday. This concert runs approximately 90 minutes. There will be no intermission.

We know things happen, but we want to continue to encourage early arrival to ensure you are seated in your designated seat at the start of the concert. Once the concert begins, late seating is at the discretion of the staff as we are to be mindful of our talented musicians. We only permit late seating during early moments that are least likely to interfere with the concert or at intermission.

We highly encourage early arrival to ensure you are able to take your seat to enjoy the full concert. Another perk to arriving early is beginning your concert experience with our refreshments. And, yes, you may take your drink and other snacks to your seat!

Skip the drink line and order ahead! The BSO is working with Noble app to enhance your concert hall experience. Patrons can download the Noble app on their smart phone and pre-order drinks ahead of time. Follow these three easy steps below:

Download – search NOBLE BAR in the App Store or Google Play Store
Order – purchase drinks in advance or from the comfort of your seat
Skip the line – Pick up your drink at the bar in the Meyerhoff lobby

Weapons are not permitted in the building. Please be advised that there will be thorough checks and security to ensure compliance. The Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall is a smoke-free zone. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.