Engagement
INITIATIVES
The only major American orchestra founded as a part of its municipality , the BSO has a special bond and commitment to the communities we serve .
In addition to exciting engagements with Andrea Bocelli at the CFG Bank Arena , and special appearances at Merriweather and Philadelphia ’ s Mann Center , more Marylanders had the opportunity to experience the magic of the BSO in their backyard . New this year , Symphony in the City programs centered around community celebrations and commemorations . Archbishop Borders students and families welcomed the Orchestra to a decorated cafetorium for a Día de los Meurtos concert , and the B & O Railroad Museum hosted the BSO and Artistic Partner Wordsmith for a Black History Month program featuring a world premiere commission , Network to Freedom , inspired by the Museum ’ s exhibit and history .
Community-based programming was a major theme of the summer . Star-Spangled Celebrations brought the Orchestra back to Oregon Ridge and Rash Field , the latter a part of the City ' s official celebrations with fireworks and drone display . This year ' s Music for Maryland tour brought our 23-county pledge to near completion , with " pay-what-youwish " programs hosted at high schools , HCBUs , and community centers in Caroline , Charles , Dorchester , Somerset , Talbot , Washington , Wicomico , and Worcester Counties , concluding a self-proclaimed Tour of Shore at the Convention Center in Ocean City , MD .
Through Kids Listen Free ( free access for children aged 7 to 17 to most subscription concerts ), an expanded Passport program ( season-long access for just $ 140 ), and robust Student Select , rush and complimentary ticket programs , price was once again never a barrier to attendance . We also launched a new partnership with the State , agencies and nonprofits to serve our veteran and active military community and their families .
Symphony in the City is how you build community and the BSO has been a catalyst for bringing Baltimore together , when we ’ ve needed them the most .
TONYA TERRELL , DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE COMMUNITY IMPACT , BGE , SERIES PRESENTING SPONSOR
Symphony in the City culminated in a June outdoor concert at Fort McHenry to honor families , port workers , first responders , small businesses , and community members impacted by the Key Bridge tragedy . With the Key Bridge site as our backdrop , nearly 3,000 community members shared in a concert experience and moment of silence , and nearly $ 15,000 was funneled to the Key Bridge Recovery Fund at the Baltimore Community Foundation
BY THE NUMBERS
17,618
PASSPORT , STUDENT SELECT , KIDS LISTEN FREE , OR COMPLIMENTARY VET TICKETS
1,528
ORCHESTRA MILES TRAVELLED FOR MUSIC FOR MARYLAND 2024 CONCERTS
45 %
OF ALL TICKETED OR ESTIMATED AUDIENCES
ATTENDED FOR FREE
2023-24 YEAR IN REVEW | 11