Dear Friends,

Nearly two years ago, we came together – musicians, Board leadership, community representatives, and members of management – to assist the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in the search for our next Music Director.

Over the course of a truly extraordinary 2021-22 season, we had the opportunity to experience a dozen superb conductors from around the world lead our Orchestra. During each engagement, those of us on the search committee looked for the highest level of musicianship, informed first and foremost by musician feedback. It was equally as important for us to find a music director who would be a visionary leader with the potential to connect to the community, be visible in the world at large, and be an advocate for music and musicians.

Our bar was high, but it has been met. Impressing audiences and donors alike, we are excited to announce Jonathon Heyward as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s next Music Director, the holder of the Harvey M. and Lyn P. Chair!

Formerly a student of the Charleston, South Carolina Public School System, Jonathon had a cello placed in his hands at the age of 10. Today, Jonathon is the Chief Conductor of the Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie in Germany, and at 29-years old has already conducted some of the most important orchestras in the world. He recently led two successful engagements with the BSO including a Benefit Concert for Ukraine in March 2022. Jonathon begins his five-year contract in the 2023-24 season. Read today’s full announcement here.

Appointing Jonathon Heyward as music director is equally inspirational and aspirational. We are inspired by his artistry, passion, and vision for the BSO, as well as by what his appointment means for budding musicians who will see themselves better reflected in such a position of artistic prominence. At the same time, his is a star on the rise, and the heights we can achieve together are truly limitless.

Congratulations to the entire BSO community on this historic appointment! Mark your calendars for May 2023 to join us for Jonathon Heyward’s BSO debut as Music Director Designate and look out for more opportunities to get to know our incoming artistic leader.