EDUCATION NEWS Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras
Photos courtesy of Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Celebrating 50 years of Youth Orchestras in Greater Baltimore
For 50 years, generations of young musicians have come together in Baltimore to rehearse, perform, learn from extraordinary teachers and conductors, and discover what it means to be part of an orchestra.
In 1977, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra( BSO) clarinetist Chris Wolfe founded the Greater Baltimore Youth Orchestras( GBYO). Over the decades that followed, GBYO grew into a multi-ensemble organization providing advanced orchestral training for young musicians in our community. Under longtime Artistic Director Jason Love, the program expanded to include international touring to Austria, Japan, Russia, the Czech Republic, and Estonia. In 2012, the GBYO reemerged as the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras( BSYO), an official program of the BSO.
Becoming part of the BSO created new opportunities for young musicians to learn from and build relationships with musicians, conductors, and guest artists. From its first season, BSYO students received mentoring from BSO musicians, performed at the Meyerhoff and Strathmore, attended BSO performances, and participated in special opportunities with visiting artists, most recently including Lang Lang, Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, and earlier this fall, Samara Joy.
In 2027, we celebrate 50 years of GBYO / BSYO and the thousands of students, families, conductors, coaches, volunteers, supporters, and alumni who have made this remarkable community possible.
BSYO in 2025, conducted by Chris Cicconi.
COME PLAY WITH US AGAIN
ONCE A MEMBER, ALWAYS PART OF THE ORCHESTRA
We are building a GBYO / BSYO alumni network to help former musicians reconnect with one another, with today’ s BSYO students, and with the Baltimore Symphony. Whether you played in GBYO in the 1970s or 1980s, toured with the organization in the 1990s and early 2000s, joined BSYO after its transition to the BSO, or graduated only recently, you are part of this 50-year story— and we want to be connected.
Sign up for alumni news and opportunities by emailing Education @ BSOmusic. org
On January 6, 2027, GBYO and BSYO alumni will be invited back to the Meyerhoff for a special 50th Anniversary Alumni PlayDate.
Alumni will have the opportunity to take out their instruments and once again experience the fun of making music together, this time while playing side-by-side with the musicians of the BSO. We are also inviting former GBYO and BSYO conductors to return to the podium, bringing together musicians and artistic leaders from different eras.
| Register for the Alumni PlayDate by emailing Education @ BSOmusic. org
EDUCATION AND FAMILY PROGRAMMING
Music Box: Jazz it Up!
For the youngest listeners, come clap, swing, and groove along to the rhythms and sounds of jazz, with the BSO Jazz Trio.
BLACKROCK CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Sat, Nov 14, 10 AM
JOSEPH MEYERHOFF SYMPHONY HALL
Sat, Nov 21, 10 AM & 11:30 AM
Music Box Concerts are made possible by the Sherman Family Foundation, with additional major support from the Zanvyl and Isabelle Krieger Endowed Fund.
MIDWEEK CONCERTS
The Nutcracker: A Magical Tale in Mt. Vernon
A reimagined version of The Nutcracker by Amy Hull Garner set in Baltimore, featuring iconic landmarks and figures in this exciting new interpretation, featuring dancers from the Baltimore School for the Arts.
JOSEPH MEYERHOFF SYMPHONY HALL
Tue, Dec 1, 10 AM & 11:30 AM Wed, Dec 2, 10 AM & 11:30 AM
Midweek Education Concerts are generously underwritten by M & T Bank, MSDE, and Peggy and Yale Gordon Trust. Additional major support is provided by the Patricia & Mark K. Joseph Music Education Fund for City Schools, the Zanvyl & Isabelle Krieger Endowed Fund for Education, and the Susan & Charles Shubin Endowment Fund.
ORCHKIDS
Left: GBYO in 2007, conducted by Jason Love. Below: GBYO in 2012, conducted by MaryAnn Poling.
Winter Spectacular
Celebrate the end of the year with BSO OrchKids students on display, playing holiday favorites.
JOSEPH MEYERHOFF SYMPHONY HALL
Fri, Dec 11, 6 PM
NOV-DEC 2026 | OVERTURE | 5