A RESPONSIBLE RETURN TO THE HALL

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is excited to welcome audiences back for the 2021-22 Season. We are also committed to a responsible return, creating an environment in which we all may confidently discover what it means to be together again.

To ensure the health and security of our patrons, musicians, staff, volunteers, and community at large, and in consultation with public health officials, the BSO has implemented the following protocols to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

Effective November 4, the BSO will accept either proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative PCR test result for COVID-19 on a sample collected within 72 hours of the performance or event. Full vaccination is defined as being 14 days after the final dose. Proof of vaccination or negative PCR test result for COVID-19 is required for admittance to all indoor BSO performances and events.

Patrons may provide proof of vaccination or negative PCR test result for COVID-19 on a smartphone or through a physical copy of the vaccination record or test result, alongside a matching photo ID. For children under the age of 18 a school ID, passport, or any other official government ID will be accepted. While proof of vaccination or negative PCR test result is still required, if the minor does not have an ID, an accompanying adult must confirm the validity of the minor’s vaccination or negative test verification. Additionally, patrons can now provide proof of vaccination or negative PCR test result for COVID-19 through the My Bindle App. Rapid antigen tests will not be accepted.

Children who are not fully vaccinated must show proof of a negative PCR test result for COVID-19 on a sample collected within 72 hours of the performance of the event to attend. For information on BSO education and family programs this fall, please click here.

In keeping with public health and local government guidelines, facemasks, worn properly over the nose and mouth, will be required at all times for indoor BSO events until further notice.

Also effective November 4, limited concession sales will return at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

The BSO continues to closely monitor federal, state, and local guidelines, and may change or update these policies as needed. In addition to pledging regular communication, we also ask patrons to please check back prior to attending to confirm current protocols.

While the BSO is following recommended practices, these protocols do not offer absolute protection against contracting COVID-19. Those purchasing or attending BSO events voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. In accordance with the BSO’s code of conduct, the BSO reserves the right to require attendees who do not follow our guidelines, or who are disrespectful to staff, artists, volunteers, or other patrons, to leave an event immediately without a refund.

For the protection of audience members, staff, and musicians, if you feel sick, please stay home

RESPONSIBLE RETURN FAQ CANCELLATIONS AND CONCERT MODIFICATIONS

2021-22 SEASON RESPONSIBLE RETURN MEASURES

To provide a responsible return to live music from our extraordinary orchestra, the following measures will be implemented for the 2021-22 season.

Before you arrive:

  • Ticketing: We encourage patrons to select e-tickets as a form of delivery method when purchasing tickets. For information on e-tickets please contact Patron Support at 877.276.1444.

When you arrive:

  • Security: Additional points of entry and exit with security guards and ushers at each point will be available at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.
  • Programs: The BSO will not be reissuing used copies of Overture between concerts. We encourage all patrons to keep and bring back their personal copy of Overture for all concerts during the publication period, or, to view our digital notes at https://www.bsomusic.org/overture.

Inside our halls:

  • Vaccinations or Proof of a Negative PCR Test Result for COVID-19 Required: In addition to requirements for patrons, all BSO musicians, staff, and volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In accordance with federal and state law, appropriate legal exemptions that do not pose a significant risk of substantial harm to others in the workplace or any other undue burden on the employer will be considered
  • GBAC Certification: The BSO, along with our partners at Strathmore, is Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR™ accredited, ensuring a high-level cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention program to minimize risks associated with infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
  • Indoor Air Quality: The Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and The Music Center at Strathmore both have state-of-the-art HVAC systems that decrease recycled air and increase fresh air exchange and ventilation; and, use MERV-13 filters, high-efficiency air filters that remove pollen, allergens, and airborne germs.
  • Touchless Facilities: New at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall this fall, restroom facilities are now completely touchless.

For patrons who are not comfortable returning to the concert halls, the BSO offers pay-per-view streaming of most Classical and Pops concerts. The livestreams are available for a limited time on BSOmusic.org/OffStage. Providing a behind-the-scenes look at the BSO’s Music Director Search, Season 2 of BSO Sessions is also now available for purchase at BSOmusic.org/OffStage. Livestream access is a complimentary benefit for all subscribers.

Subscribers have the benefit of free no-hassle ticket exchanges all season long. In addition, tickets can be donated back to the Orchestra for a tax-deductible contribution and subscription order refunds will be available upon request through the start of the season.

For more information call 410.783.8000 or 877.276.1444.

RESPONSIBLE RETURN FAQ

Full vaccination means that either 14 days have passed since receiving the second dose of FDA or WHO authorized double-dose vaccines or that 14 days have passed since receiving the sole dose of FDA or WHO authorized single-dose vaccines.

PCR test stands for polymerase chain reaction test. This is a diagnostic test that determines if you are infected by analyzing a sample to see if it contains genetic material from the virus. A PCR test can be taken at home or at a medical facility. A sample collected within 72 hours of the performance or event and sent to a lab must be negative to gain admittance. Rapid antigen tests will not be accepted.

Patrons may provide proof of vaccine or a negative PCR test by presenting any of the following at the door, alongside a matching photo ID (e.g. driver’s license, passport, or a school photo ID):

  • Vaccination card (which includes name of person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided, and date last dose administered)
  • A photo of a vaccination card (see above) as a separate document; or, as stored on a phone or electronic device
  • Use of a BSO-approved digital vaccination through My Bindle App
  • Copy of a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of the performance or event date which includes the name of the person who took the test and the date of the result

For children under the age of 18 a school ID, passport, or any other official government ID will be accepted. While proof of vaccination or negative PCR test result is still required, if the minor does not have an ID, an accompanying adult must confirm the validity of the minor’s vaccination or negative test verification. Additionally, patrons can now provide proof of vaccination or negative PCR test result for COVID-19 through the My Bindle App. Rapid antigen tests will not be accepted.

Patrons can provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test result for COVID-19 through the My Bindle App. Rapid antigen tests will not be accepted.

Bindle provides a secure wallet for your COVID health records and an easy way to privately share your COVID health status with others. No one will have access to your personal health information but you.

The My Bindle App is available for download on any Apple or Android mobile device. Simply visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and search for “My Bindle.”

After you open the My Bindle App for the first time, it will walk you step-by-step through the profile setup process. Please note the following:

Setup of the My Bindle App is a three-step process where you will:

  1. Build your profile.
  2. Verify your health status by adding a certificate.
  3. Create the entry pass that you will use for admission.
  • The My Bindle App only allows one profile and entry pass per device. Each member of your party who wishes to use the app must have their own mobile device and profile setup.
  • Your My Bindle entry pass can also serve as your photo ID. When creating your profile, please upload a photo that clearly shows your face.

Instructions for using the My Bindle App:

  • Download the My Bindle App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and complete your profile setup per the instructions on the screen.
  • Visit the My Certificates page to upload your proof of vaccination or negative PCR test results. Please follow the instructions on the screen and answer all health questions accurately.
  • Once you have verified your health status, visit the My Passes page to create your venue entry pass –
    • Click on the search icon and search for “Meyerhoff” to locate the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.
    • Select the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall venue and then Create Entry Pass.
    • Based on the health information you provided, the system will verify that you meet the BSO’s requirements for entry.
    • If you have provided proof of vaccination, then you will only need to create one entry pass (valid through the listed expiration date). If you are providing negative PCR test results, then you will need to create a new entry pass prior to each concert you plan to attend.
    • When you arrive at the concert hall entrance, please open your My Bindle App and visit the My Passes page to load your entry pass. You must display your entry pass from within the My Bindle App for proper verification.

For more information about Bindle or assistance with setting up your My Bindle App, please visit the Bindle FAQ page.

Yes, in order to protect your privacy, we will not keep copies of guests’ vaccination and test records.

As the ticket purchaser, it is your responsibility to ensure your party understands our policy. This includes any guests who attend performances with tickets you have purchased. All persons attending indoor BSO performances must show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test.

We are not currently planning for seating at BSO concerts within the Meyerhoff or Strathmore concert halls to be socially distanced.

Tickets can be exchanged for future BSO performances and ticket refunds are available by request for those who cannot attend due to the vaccination requirement. Subscribers have the benefit of free no-hassle ticket exchanges all season long. In addition, tickets can be donated back to the Orchestra for a tax-deductible contribution. To request a ticket change or refund, please contact the Patron Support office at patronsupport@bsomusic.org or 877.276.1444.

The BSO’s concessions policy extends to the Georgia and Peter Angelos Governing Members Lounge at the Meyerhoff and the Comcast Lounge at Strathmore. As of November 4, food will not be available at BSO events at either venue. The BSO plans to make its donor lounges available for pre-concert and intermission seating and conversation. We will also be offering a more robust line up of virtual BSO Member events alongside a limited series of exclusive pre- and/or post-concert conversations in compliance with the latest concessions policy. For more information, visit BSOmusic.org/MemberEvents.

Please contact the Patron Support office at patronsupport@bsomusic.org or 877.276.1444.

CANCELLATIONS AND CONCERT MODIFICATIONS

Please be advised of the following concert cancellations and modifications:

  • The Season Opening Concert with Itzhak Perlman on September 11 continued as planned; however, and in keeping with our concessions policy at the time, the full VIP Opening Night experience was delayed until June 10, 2022, for the Anne-Sophie Mutter Performs Beethoven concert, featuring conductor Sir Andrew Davis. VIP ticket holders have been contacted directly. For more information, please contact Patron Support.
  • The September 17 and 18 performances of Toy Story in Concert will be rescheduled for later dates in Summer 2022. Current tickets will automatically be transferred to the new performance dates. If you are unable to attend on your new date, you may request a ticket exchange or refund by contacting Patron Support.
  • Eligibility for Kids Listen Free (formerly Young and Free) will be limited to children who can demonstrate proof of vaccination or proof of a negative PCR test result for COVID-19 on a sample collected within 72 hours of the performance or event. Full vaccination is defined as being 14 days after the final dose until further notice. For more information on Kids Listen Free, click here.
  • In-person Family and Midweek Education performances of Thrills and Chills! in October are cancelled. Ticketholders for the October 30th Family performance will be automatically refunded. In lieu of in-person performances, the Midweek Education performance of Thrills and Chills! will be available for free on demand via BSOOffStage. In honoring the intention of the BSA’s gift, all 2021-22 Midweek Concerts that are not presented in-person will be available virtually on-demand for free. More information will be shared when available.
  • To welcome children under the age of 12 back into the concert hall, the BSO performs its first in-person and indoor performance for families, Winter Wonderland, on December 4. A digital Midweek version of Winter Wonderland will also be available for free to educators throughout Maryland in early December, followed by subsequent Midweek Concerts throughout the year. Additional in-person family friendly holiday programming includes Cirque Nutcracker and Holiday Spectacular.

For patrons who are not comfortable returning to the concert halls, the BSO offers pay-per-view streaming of most Classical and Pops concerts. The livestreams are available for a limited time on BSOmusic.org/OffStage. Providing a behind-the-scenes look at the BSO’s Music Director Search, Season 2 of BSO Sessions is also now available for purchase at BSOmusic.org/OffStage. Livestream access is a complimentary benefit for all subscribers.