ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVES
Pictured: Associate Conductor Jiannan Cheng leading BSO Brass in the national anthem for the Orioles at Camden Yards.
Photo credit: Peyton Stoike
As the only major American orchestra founded as a part of its municipality, the Baltimore Symphony shares a unique bond with the communities we serve.
That commitment was reflected throughout the year. Through Symphony in the City, Assistant Conductor Jiannan Cheng made her BSO debut in a free concert at Turner Auditorium on the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine campus, and a partnership with the City of Baltimore brought a special Martin Luther King, Jr. event back to the Meyerhoff for the first time in 18 years.
The Orchestra returned to Boordy Vineyards for two evenings of outdoor concerts under the stars. Musicians performed the national anthem for hometown fans at Oriole Park at Camden Yards and M & T Bank Stadium, surprised travelers at Penn Station with holiday music, and brought music to children and families at Kennedy Krieger Institute.
BY THE NUMBERS
22,698
Passport, Student Select,
Kids Listen Free, and / or Complimentary Vet tickets ensuring price is never a barrier to attendance
14 BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The BSO also continued its Music for Maryland initiative, a long-term commitment to sharing pay-whatyou-wish performances in every corner of the state. In the fall, Jonathon Heyward led his first BSO Music for Maryland concert at UMBC’ s Linehan Hall, later returning in the spring to receive an honorary degree and deliver the University’ s 2026 commencement address. In January, the Orchestra welcomed the Annapolis community, along with state legislators, to a performance at St. John’ s College marking the opening of the 2026 legislative session. During the summer, the Orchestra and smaller ensembles traveled to Harford, Worcester, Queen Anne’ s, and Talbot Counties. The enthusiastic response included an immediate invitation from the Mar-Va Theater in Pocomoke City to return for its centennial celebration in 2027.
Estimated miles travelled by BSO
850 musicians for 2025-26 Music for Maryland concerts
44 % of all ticketed audience members were new to system