Music Matters
A Message from Music Director Marin Alsop
MARIN ALSOP
I had long planned on approaching
2020 as a year devoted to experiences of joy . The 250th anniversary year of Beethoven ’ s birth , the centerpiece of this artistic exploration would be the composer ’ s iconic “ Ode to Joy ,” reimagining his Ninth Symphony as a 21st-century call for unity , justice , and empowerment in nearly a dozen local languages around the world , including right here in Baltimore .
While not the defining factor I had originally envisioned , it remains appropriate that 2020 was the Beethoven anniversary year . With his declining , very slow progression into deafness , Beethoven felt more and more isolated from the people around him . We can all relate to this now , but we can also overcome – to find optimism , joy , and faith in our lives and in humanity . That is the power of music .
I am proud that we have used this time to explore new ideas and take advantage of the access it has created to reach out even more widely .
Thinking differently – that is what our OrchKids program has been doing for a dozen years , taking our cues from the kids and what they need . OrchKids remains on the front line , fighting to support Baltimore ’ s students and families hardest hit by the pandemic . I encourage you to read more about this journey and the inspirational resiliency of our young people on the opposite page .
The 2020-21 season is already proving an evolution from what was originally envisioned , but again an opportunity to rethink and experiment . I look forward to returning to the podium for the digital series , BSO Sessions , and to collaborating with our superb musicians and many others , including my former Peabody conducting student , new Assistant Conductor Jonathan Rush , to share powerful , transformative music while also intentionally and consistently lifting up new voices . An appropriate homage to the $ 25 tickets of my inaugural season , it also feels fitting that the digital experiences of my culminating season will also be available for just $ 10 or less .
I hope you will join us for these celebratory moments and continue to welcome the BSO — and above all else , music — into your lives in new ways .
14 BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA