From the President
HAPPY NEW YEAR ! At the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra , the start of 2025 brings more thrilling performances , meaningful connections , and a continued celebration of our vibrant community .
Music Director Jonathon Heyward makes his much-anticipated return to the podium , launching the second half of the classical season with three unforgettable programs . First , The Planets takes us on a celestial journey through Gustav Holst ' s iconic masterpiece , paired with BSO Composer in Residence James Lee III ’ s exploration of Orion ’ s Nebula and Anna Clyne ’ s otherworldly saxophone concerto . On January 16-18 , Mozart ’ s Piano Concerto No . 20 and Lutosławski ’ s Concerto for Orchestra provide the musical context for the first of three Casual Conversations of the season , a concert format perfect for new listeners and curious BSO fans alike . To close out February , Jonathon and the Orchestra are joined by the incredible soprano Julia Bullock for not one but two works : Jessie Montgomery ’ s Five Freedom Songs and Mahler ’ s heavenly Fourth Symphony .
In addition to magical moments across the classical and pops series , special BSO events offer comfort and connections during the cold and dark winter season . Our third annual Lunar New Year celebrations return for the Year of the Snake with performances in Baltimore and , for the first time , at our North Bethesda home at The Music Center at Strathmore . Thanks to special guests , a world-premiere by Vietnamese composer Viet Cuong , and family-friendly pre- and post-concert cultural activities , the BSO ’ s Lunar New Year events are not to be missed . These efforts would not be possible without the support of our volunteer AAPI Advisory Council and the advisement of BSO Cellist , Bo Li . Learn more about Bo ’ s role and vision on page 4 .
February holds the finale of this season ' s Symphony in the City series , with a free community performance presented in partnership with the Reginald F . Lewis Museum in honor of Black History Month . Find out more details about the February 6 Symphony in the City program and hear from more partners on the importance of celebrating Black excellence and artistic voices on page 8 .
As we reflect on the past year and look ahead to all that 2025 will hold , I am filled with excitement and gratitude for all that is made possible by you — our subscribers , ticket holders , and members . Whether you join us in our homes at the Meyerhoff and Strathmore or at one of our community venues , we are deeply honored to share these experiences with you .
Mark C . Hanson
PRESIDENT AND CEO BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
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