BSO ACADEMY
The Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall became a hub of musical activities when the 11th Annual BSO Academy Week took place from June 24 to July 1 . This year we welcomed 90 participants , including four members of the BSO administrative staff , ranging in ages from 17 – 80 from across 20 states , as well as Canada and China . Over 200 events took place , filling every corner of the Meyerhoff .
The week began on Saturday with rehearsals for chamber music and chamber orchestra , the latter directed by BSO Concertmaster Jonathan Carney . Lura Johnson presented a recital program , showcasing 11 participants performing solo works .
On Sunday , chamber music & chamber orchestra rehearsals continued , followed by an exciting BSO faculty chamber music concert . After the concert , members of the Orchestra , Academy participants , and staff took a walk to Sammy ’ s Trattoria for a welcome dinner to officially herald in the start of the Academy .
Activities continued Monday with sectionals coached by BSO musicians . Additionally , our BSO musicians taught classes , private lessons , and led large ensembles throughout the week . On Tuesday night , eight chamber groups , each with a BSO member , performed . The chamber orchestra and large ensembles performed on Friday night .
After seven rehearsals , true magic happened in a culminating performance on the glorious Meyerhoff stage on Saturday evening . This concert featured Maestro Nicholas Hersh leading the BSO musicians and Academy members in a blockbuster lineup of challenging masterworks by Verdi , Prokofiev , Debussy , and Respighi .
This year ’ s BSO Academy was met with critical acclaim from both our BSO musicians and Academy participants . Many participants noted that the experience was “ inspiring ,” “ transformational ,” and “ life-changing ,” with one participant noting “ It has made me a better player and provided an important purpose to life ,” while another says “ It gives me my life ! Every year ! But especially this year ! It makes my blood flow and brings me indescribable happiness .” The celebration reached its pinnacle with the announcement of the Dana John Schwartz Percussion Fund and a heartfelt retirement tribute to BSO musician John Vance , marking a poignant conclusion to this exceptional week of music and camaraderie .
ALL-NEW ovation series
To our Members , Subscribers , and Passport holders , we ’ re bursting with excitement to share the all-new Ovation Series with you ! The wide range of options allows you to shape your experience however you like — from chamber music concerts , to lectures , meet and greets , and more !
With more than 30 events , here ’ s a tip for making the most of this opportunity : the BSO experience is different when you know the people on stage , so don ’ t miss Meet the BSO and Afternoon Teas with Jonathon Heyward . Our favorite part : insider info you can only hear in person !
— Jennifer Barton , Vice President , Patron Engagement Strategies , and Adrienne Shevchuk , Director of Events & Engagement
SEP-OCT 2023 / OVERTURE 9