Engagement
INITIATIVES
As 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 .
Through Kids Listen Free ( free access for children aged 7 – 17 to most subscription concerts ) and robust Student Select , rush , and complimentary ticket programs , the BSO continues to ensure that price is never a barrier to attendance . Wherever we perform , our " For All " strategy comes with us . Four Symphony in the City concerts , an expansive week of community-based Star-Spangled Celebrations including the Orchestra ’ s return to Rash Field as part of the City ’ s official celebrations , and more . Residents once again experienced their Orchestra in parks , churches , museums , libraries , and other traditional and adapted concert stages across Baltimore City and the entire state . In fact , the second leg of our three-year Music for Maryland commitment brought the Orchestra or smaller musician ensembles to eight Maryland counties with ten “ pay-what-you-wish ” or completely free concerts hosted largely at Maryland ’ s high schools , colleges , and universities . In recognition of an incredible new leadership gift , this year ' s summer touring marked the inaugural year of our Robert E . Meyerhoff and Rheda Becker Community Performances — a new designation for all BSO concerts performed beyond our home walls for the next five years .
Music is how we tell our stories . The BSO not only spreads sound across the state , it spreads hope .
GOVERNOR WES MOORE
In Session 2023 , the Moore-Miller Administration and the Maryland General Assembly awarded a special $ 500,000 operating grant to bring the BSO to all of Maryland . The Governor and First Lady made a special appearance in August 2023 as the BSO shared its fourth free Symphony in the City concert of the season in West Baltimore in partnership with Urban Oasis .
Engagement initiatives start within our own walls , and the BSO has changed the way we do business to offer a more compelling patron experience including pre-concert , post-concert , and standalone activities that also champion local artists , nonprofits , and small and minority vendors . Highlights of our inaugural “ Hall for All ” activation included a standalone Jazz Night , featuring the GRAMMY Award-winning Bill Charlap Trio in partnership with Keystone Korner ; United Way ’ s Emerging Leader ’ s United annual gathering ; and the 20th annual CityLit Festival .
BY THE NUMBERS
9,449
PASSPORT , STUDENT SELECT , KIDS LISTEN FREE , OR COMPLIMENTARY VET TICKETS
15,000
ESTIMATED MUSIC FOR MARYLAND ATTENDANCE ( INCLUDING RASH FIELD )
45 % OF ALL
TICKETED AUDIENCES WERE NEW TO SYSTEM
2022-23 YEAR IN REVEW | 13