Lisa Steltenpohl
Musician Spotlight by Jacob Jahiel
Lisa Steltenpohl
PRINCIPAL VIOLA PEGGY MEYERHOFF PEARLSTONE CHAIR
Lisa Steltenpohl knows a thing or two about leadership — not only as BSO Principal Viola — but also as a dedicated servant to her community . She is a member of the BSO Players ’ Committee , sits on the board of her union ( Local 40-543 ), spent a year as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate ( CASA ) for minors in the foster care system , and now devotes much of her time to volunteering for Thread , a Baltimore nonprofit providing person-to-person academic , career , and personal mentorship to youth and young adults ages 15 – 25 .
“ I ’ ve been a Thread volunteer for a little over six years ,” Steltenpohl says . “ This is an organization actively working to improve the community and make a real impact . I feel honored to be a part of it .” Though her actions have benefited countless individuals , it has also yielded unexpected personal rewards : “ My family lives outside of Baltimore , so this community has become my family .”
“ It ’ s so obvious how much Lisa cares for young people ,” says Alisha Thompson , Thread Community Manager . “ She also finds ways to connect Thread with the arts , offering tickets to young people so they can see the BSO as a place where they truly belong . It ’ s incredible to watch .”
Steltenpohl plays with a bow made by the famed French maker Eugène Sartory ( 1871 – 1946 ), one of several BSO musicians who perform on instruments on loan from another community leader with a soft spot for Baltimore ’ s youth : Music Director Laureate and OrchKids Founder Marin Alsop . " It ' s a privilege to play on a bow from the Alsop Family Collection ," Steltenpohl notes . " This kind of support enhances my confidence and artistry on the BSO stage , support I hope to echo through my involvement with organizations like Thread , where the same passion and dedication I bring to music can uplift and inspire others ."
Learn more about Thread at Thread . org .
Mitro Hood
MAR-APR 2025 | OVERTURE | 5