endeavor , made possible by a $ 500,000 appropriation in the State ’ s FY2024 operating budget , received generous support from Governor Moore , Senate President William “ Bill ” Ferguson , Speaker Adrienne Jones , Senator Guy Guzzone , Delegate Benjamin Barnes , and members of the Maryland General Assembly . The BSO ’ s journey between July and August included stops in eight counties , from Harford to Garrett , with performances taking place in partnership with local public high schools , colleges , and universities .
At our Meyerhoff home in Baltimore , an expansive Summer with the Symphony season , supported by Sandy Spring Bank , offered a diverse range of musical experiences . Family-friendly concerts included the enchanting Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ In Concert , featuring the full-length film accompanied by the Orchestra , face painting , and a costume contest ( July 15 and 16 ). The season also featured The Music of Whitney Houston ( July 14 ) where we premiered our post-concert karaoke night with attendees inspired by “ The Voice ”.
Beyond orchestral performances , the BSO presented an exciting lineup of nonorchestral events . In addition to the music of Abba and a 50 th anniversary celebration of Pink Floyd ' s Dark Side of the Moon , the Meyerhoff became the hub for technologists , gamers , and entrepreneurs for one exciting week in August . “ AI in A Minor ” ( August 9 ), curated in partnership with Mindgrub Technologies , delved into the impact of artificial intelligence on artistic expression through interactive exhibits , musical performances , and thought-provoking panel discussions ( read more on page 4 ).
In addition to AI in A Minor , the BSO hosted Upsurge ’ s EquiTech Tuesday happy hour , swiftly followed by the world premiere of a Heroes : A Video Game Symphony . We celebrated this world premiere event with a lobby activation featuring the Flute Choir of the Baltimore Gamer Symphony Orchestra , MICA ’ s Game Design Program , Dice Dungeons , and a cosplay contest .
The Orchestra presented its fourth Symphony in the City concert of the season , this time in West Baltimore in partnership with The Urban Oasis . A series made possible by
Soloist Amanda Cole — The Music of Whitney Houston
presenting sponsor BGE , Symphony in the City brings the Orchestra to Baltimore ’ s parks , churches , libraries , schools and more . The August 3 rd Urban Oasis concert was particularly exciting thanks to special surprise guests , including Senator Antonio Hayes and Governor Wes Moore .
In fitting tribute to a summer made possible by extraordinary gifts , the BSO ’ s annual Donor Appreciation concert served as the grand finale to summer 2023 . The concert opened with a poignant tribute to the generous supporters and sponsors who sustain the BSO , including the debut of the latest original jingle by BSO Bassist Jonathon Jensen bringing special moments and stories to life . Incoming Music Director Jonathon Heyward was then welcomed with roaring applause , before leading the Orchestra in repertoire that included Tchaikovsky ' s Romeo and Juliet compositions . The evening ended with the debut of a new AfterWords with Heyward conversation on the stage of the Meyerhoff , followed by an ice cream social .
The BSO ’ s summer programming was a tantalizing precursor to the upcoming 2023 – 24 Season , which promises a wealth of
BSO performing at Urban Oasis
AI in A Minor
Start Spangled Spectacular — Rash Field
musical experiences both inside and outside the concert hall .
As the curtains fell following the 2023 summer season , the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra continued to be a beacon of artistic excellence , unity , and community engagement , drawing inspiration from the power of music to create unforgettable moments for Marylanders everywhere . While we will certainly miss the warm reception of music enthusiasts throughout the State , we look forward in great anticipation to the upcoming season — and for the triumphant return of Summer with the Symphony in 2024 .
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