STAR-SPANGLED 250! AT OREGON RIDGE
SYMPHONY IN THE CITY AT THE MEYERHOFF – A CITY-WIDE CELEBRATION OF MLK DAY
We were proud to partner with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to commemorate a milestone anniversary for our nation and Maryland. The arts strengthen communities, and we were committed to providing the support needed to bring Star-Spangled 250! to life. Many of us will remember that July 3 evening for years.
Baltimore County Executive and BSO Honorary Director, Kathy Klausmeier Kathy Klausmeier
New partnerships significantly expanded our reach through chamber music. As part of the Ovation Series, chamber ensembles performed for subscribers, donors, and new friends at cultural institutions including Round House Theatre, the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Steinway Piano Gallery in Bethesda, and the Maryland Center for History and Culture. Senior centers in Montgomery County warmly welcomed musicians for curated programs. In collaboration with EGC Productions, a special program Censored Voices: Silent No More at National Presbyterian Church highlighted music by composers who experienced censorship and repression. Supported by the BSO’ s AAPI Advisory Council, visiting pianist Yekwon Sunwoo also participated in a special community concert at Bethel Korean Presbyterian Church, in addition to sharing a masterclass with piano students at The University of Maryland.
Chamber music also carried the BSO’ s impact around the world. In fall 2025, a five-member BSO delegation traveled to China for a four-city cultural exchange tour commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Baltimore- Xiamen sister city partnership and helping launch the Seventh China-U. S. Sister Cities Conference. The tour was celebrated with a special send-off performance at Baltimore City Hall.
STAR-SPANGLED 250! AT OREGON RIDGE
For nearly 50 years, the BSO has marked Independence Day with a concert and fireworks at Oregon Ridge Park. In recognition of the nation’ s Semiquincentennial and Maryland’ s MD Two Fifty commemoration, Baltimore County saw an opportunity to turn this tradition into a centerpiece of its celebration. We expanded our plans to two concert nights, created additional access for military personnel and veterans, and brought back“ O, Say Can You Sing?”, a community vocal competition for local singers to perform the national anthem with the Orchestra. Baltimore County paired its vision with investment. When severe weather forced day-of cancellation of the July 4th evening, the County honored its commitment, helping offset increased expenses despite the loss of second-night ticket revenue.
SYMPHONY IN THE CITY AT THE MEYERHOFF – A CITY-WIDE CELEBRATION OF MLK DAY
Thanks to the ongoing support of Presenting Sponsor BGE, a special Symphony in the City event welcomed thousands of community members to the Meyerhoff for a free celebration of Dr. King’ s enduring legacy through music, reflection, and civic engagement. Led by Music Director Jonathon Heyward and presented in partnership with Mayor Brandon M. Scott’ s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment, CharmTV, and the Morgan State University Choir, the performance featured a musical setting of Dr. King’ s iconic“ I Have a Dream” speech. Preconcert activities featured spoken-word performances, an interactive reflection room, and a Dream Wall filled with messages from Baltimore City Public Schools students. Together, the City and the BSO created a powerful experience that honored Dr. King’ s vision while bringing Baltimoreans together through the arts.
2025-26 YEAR IN REVIEW 15