Sergiu Comissiona
[ Sergiu Comissiona ] had the dream and I had the money .
— JOSEPH MEYERHOFF
The building ’ s exterior was similarly dramatic . Its sloping 125-foot roof featured a study in curves . The sweeping egg-shaped brick auditorium lacked any clear facade and appeared dramatic from any angle . The new concert center ’ s design represented a ‘ coming of age ’ for the symphony and the cultural image of the city .
The building ’ s four-year construction timeline remained largely on schedule . According to his son Harvey , Joseph Meyerhoff visited the site every day and checked on its progress . Though he concentrated much of his energy on the hall ’ s construction , Meyerhoff continued to make great strides with Comissiona ’ s initial needs . Though the orchestra experienced its share of growing pains , the BSO maintained an active recording schedule , increased the size of the ensemble and the season , and embarked on two international tours ; one to Mexico and a historic 1981 trip to East and West Germany .
Originally called the ‘ Maryland Concert Center ,’ the hall ’ s price tag increased from an initial $ 15 million cost to $ 22.5 million during the construction period . But Meyerhoff stood by his project and increased his initial pledge to $ 5 million and ultimately $ 10 million to help offset the increased costs . This was in addition to Meyerhoff ’ s hefty annual operating and endowment gifts . The City of Baltimore kicked in the remaining $ 2.5 million in public funds despite some earlier resistance .
In May 1982 , four months before the Maryland Concert Center ’ s grand opening , the State Board of Public Works passed a resolution that renamed the project the ‘ Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall .’ It was never a part of the original plan and Meyerhoff was reluctant to accept the hall ’ s new name . But the decision brought the Joseph Meyerhoff name into the ranks of other famous Baltimore philanthropists , such as George Peabody , Enoch Pratt , and Johns Hopkins .
After a series of “ hard hat ” acoustical presentations during the summer of 1982 , the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall held its Gala Opening on September 16 , 1982 . A BSO Press Release , in advance of the Gala , stated , “ every public official in the State of Maryland and a score of American and foreign celebrities will witness Mayor Schaefer and Governor Harry Hughes cut the ribbon to dedicate the new hall .” The gala was broadcast on national Public Television in a program hosted by actor Tony Randall .
The evening ’ s program featured a world premiere , Housewarming , by composer Morton Gould along with Strauss ’ heroic tone poem Ein Heldenleben . In addition , virtuoso pianist and adopted Baltimorean Leon Fleisher performed Franck ’ s Symphonic Variations . After years of performing concerti for left hand only , this performance was highly anticipated and celebrated .
When Joseph Meyerhoff took to the podium that evening , the audience roared with applause . Meyerhoff told concertgoers , “ Actually , this dream was Sergiu Comissiona ’ s dream . He had the dream and I had the money .” The night was a resounding success and it marked the fulfillment of Comissiona ’ s wish list , presented to Meyerhoff twelve years earlier .
Meyerhoff always knew that the day would eventually come when Comissiona would leave the BSO . But it was only three months after that gala opening night that Comissiona announced that he would leave Baltimore and assume the full-time directorship of the Houston Symphony Orchestra . Comissiona told a surprised Meyerhoff that it was time for new blood at the BSO , a new conductor with another list .
Over the past 40 years , the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall has entertained and educated countless patrons and concertgoers . On its 10th anniversary in September 1992 , the Baltimore Sun reported that the Meyerhoff Hall had become “ a symbol of urban renaissance , of cultural commitment and of artistic achievement .”
A renowned , and symphonic music destination , “ The Meyerhoff ” is also the site of a world class speakers ’ series , numerous celebrity solo appearances , countless graduations , commercial film and television productions , community festivals , and much more . When the world fell silent during the COVID-19 pandemic , the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall remained alive . Though its doors were closed to the public during the 2020 – 21 concert season , the BSO streamed a weekly series of documentary-style concerts that featured standard favorites and works by lesser known and underperformed composers .
Though he passed away in 1985 , Joseph Meyerhoff left another enduring gift to the Orchestra and the citizens of Baltimore that continues to be felt today and tomorrow . The Joseph Meyerhoff Memorial Fund , established with a $ 5M testamentary gift , ensures the maintenance and major upkeep of the Hall in perpetuity , with the stated purpose that the Hall ’ s public spaces be kept in as near new condition as possible . With the ongoing support and participation of the Meyerhoff family , the BSO administration works in conjunction with the Baltimore Symphony Endowment Trust Building and Grounds Committee to ensure that Trust funds are spent properly and responsibly . Major projects supported by Trust funds include the HVAC system replacement that helped to keep the Orchestra operating through the COVID-19 pandemic with the highest quality air exchange , and replacement , beginning this year , of the Hall ’ s lobby and auditorium carpets — the latter requiring special acoustic fabric .
The Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall is much more than the home of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra . It ’ s the fruition of two men ’ s dreams to create a cultural and architectural beacon for the city and state . Its present caretakers are charged with maintaining those dreams and serving concertgoers and community members for the next 40 years and beyond . ●
Top : Baltimore City Comptroller Hyman Pressman , Joseph Meyerhoff , Maryland State Comptroller Louis Goldstein , and Sergiu Commissiona assist with the groundbreaking . Bottom : The Maryland Concert Center takes shape .
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