This week on Spotlight On Maryland, Gina Crash spoke with Mark Hanson, President & CEO of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, (BSO), about what's new & exciting at the BSO, OrchKids and the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra, (BSYO).
The BSO is the state's largest arts organization & the only American orchestra with year-round venues is 2 distinct metro areas: The Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore & the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda.
In July 2022, the BSO made musical history by announcing that Jonathon Heyward would succeed Music Director Laureate and OrchKids Founder Marin Alsop as the Orchestra's next Music Director. Maestro Heyward begins his 5-year contract in the 2023-2024 season in September. Mark Hanson spoke about this historic appointment and the great chemistry Jonathon has with the orchestra. He also spoke about how they both have cello in common. They both started playing the instrument as young children and it inspired their careers in music.
Mark discussed the 10th anniversary of the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra that just embarked on their first international tour! He also talked about the 15th anniversary of OrchKids, the BSO's program for students to develop musical and social skills that now works with 7 schools in Baltimore City and serves kids from Pre-K through 12th grade.
Last but certainly not least, Mark talked about how the BSO & the University of Maryland's Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center and UMD's School of Music recently announced a partnership marking a significant investment in the cultural and civic landscape of Prince George's County, Maryland.
For more information about the BSO, visit bsomusic.org. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Click below to listen to the interview.