FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Friends,
With the holiday season upon us, I am reminded that we have so much to be thankful for.
We started the season with two major institutional announcements. First, a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with our world-class musicians, that combines a 12 % increase in minimum musician pay with new schedule flexibility and groundbreaking audition policies. I am deeply grateful to our musician colleagues for the energy and brilliance they bring to every performance, and for their embrace of important contract changes that position us to further expand audiences and lead the field. Second, a three-year extension of Music Director Jonathon Heyward’ s contract, assuring his dynamic artistic leadership and vision through the 2030 – 31 Season. Jonathon’ s star continues to shine with the BSO, and his new contract reflects his commitment to pushing artistic boundaries, deepening community connections, and inspiring audiences across Maryland.
In celebrating these important milestones, I am also reminded of the important role of the BSO’ s Board of Directors. Board members generously give their time, expertise, passion, and philanthropic support, and for the past six years, the Board has been led by one of our best: Barry F. Rosen. In November, Barry will step down as the Board Chair. I had the honor of working closely with Barry since arriving at the BSO in 2022, and encourage you to“ meet” Barry by reading the profile on his 50 years( and counting) with the BSO on page 42.
We can all be thankful for the magical programs coming to the Meyerhoff, Strathmore, The Clarice at the University of Maryland, John Hopkins School of Medicine Turner Auditorium, and more stages across the state during this holiday season. Whether you’ re drawn to the elegance of Baroque classics, the dazzling spectacle of Cirque aerialists, the family tradition of watching Elf in Concert, or a multimedia experience of music from Final Fantasy, our holiday programming is designed to bring joy and wonder to audiences of all ages. And speaking of all ages, look out for our Symphony Explorers concerts across the season, with behind-the-scenes experiences just for kids.
Finally, of course, all of us at the BSO remain deeply grateful to you— our donors, patrons, and community members. Thank you for making the BSO a part of your life, and we can’ t wait to see you at these incredible events and beyond in the New Year!
MARK C. HANSON President and CEO Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Jonathon Heyward
George Li
PAGE 10 NEWS OF NOTE
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SYMPHONY EXPLORERS PROGRAM
PAGE 42 RECOGNIZING BARRY ROSEN
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