The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Reimagines the Meyerhoff Experience as part of a New Digital Infrastructure

Enhancements supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Digital Accelerator Program advance a more connected, modern “Hall for All”

Media Contact:
Whitney Clemmons Brown
Director of Communications
wbrown@BSOmusic.org
410-783-8072

For Immediate Release
February 10, 2026

BALTIMORE, MD — The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is proud to broaden the audience experience at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall through a series of strategic digital and capital improvements that enhance the patron experience, strengthen content creation and distribution, and support the Orchestra’s long-term operations. Central to this work is the BSO’s participation in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Digital Accelerator Program for Arts and Culture, a national program supporting technology-driven transformation at leading cultural institutions.

As one of nearly 200 organizations selected nationwide, the BSO is leveraging its Digital Accelerator grant to expand audience engagement and improve operational efficiency through a new digital infrastructure. At the Meyerhoff, these enhancements include newly installed large-scale digital screens – with customizable back-end management systems – in the main lobby and box office lobby, as well as a fully digital Donor Wall. Each serves as a visible, dynamic tool that connects audiences to live concert content, real-time information, and the people who make the Orchestra’s work possible. The Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program for Arts and Culture supports leadership development and technology investments that help nonprofit cultural organizations grow audiences, increase fundraising, drive revenue, and operate more effectively in service of their missions.

“As we look to the future of the BSO, investing in digital tools and digital-forward thinking is essential to how we welcome audiences, share our story, and operate as a modern cultural institution,” said Mark C. Hanson, President and CEO of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. “The support from Bloomberg Philanthropies allows us to make meaningful upgrades now while building best practices that will serve our musicians, patrons, and community well into the future.”

Digital signage rollout is part of a broader, multi-year modernization effort underway at the Meyerhoff, as part of its “Hall for All” initiative. Alongside front-of-house digital enhancements, the BSO is actively upgrading back-of-house and operational spaces to better support musicians, staff, and visiting artists during long rehearsal and performance days.

Recent renovations include the Zamoiski Room and the Musicians’ Lounge, two essential Orchestra-level spaces redesigned with accessibility improvements, updated lighting, AV integration, dedicated catering support, and comfortable, functional furnishings. These upgrades reflect the second phase of a multi-year renovation of more than 31,000 square feet of operational space across three levels of the Hall, with early and ongoing projects prioritizing musicians’ well-being and artistic excellence.

Designed by Ziger|Snead Architects and constructed by The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, the original builder of the Hall, these improvements are carefully phased to minimize disruption during an active performance season. Energy efficiency considerations are integrated wherever possible, alongside ongoing investment in the Hall’s essential mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

Guided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), acoustic and infrastructure studies, and supported by public and private funding, including State of Maryland capital grants, distributions from the Joseph Meyerhoff Memorial Fund, and the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Digital Accelerator Program, the BSO’s modernization efforts reflect a long-term commitment to stewardship, access, and artistic vitality.

For more information, please visit BSOmusic.org.

About the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

For over a century, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has been recognized as one of America’s leading orchestras and one of Maryland’s most significant cultural institutions. The Orchestra is internationally renowned and locally admired for its innovation, performances, recordings, and educational outreach initiatives including OrchKids.

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs annually for more than 275,000 people throughout the State of Maryland. Since 1982, the BSO has performed at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, and since 2005, with the opening of The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, MD, the BSO became the nation’s first Orchestra performing its full season of classical and pops concerts in two metropolitan areas.

In September 2023, Jonathon Heyward officially launched his tenure as Music Director, bringing fresh energy and vision to the BSO. His appointment marked a historic moment as he became the first African American to lead the orchestra, following Music Director Laureate and OrchKids Founder Marin Alsop. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras.

More information about the BSO can be found at BSOmusic.org.

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