“
THE ORCHESTRA ALSO NEEDS
A CONDUCTOR WHO INSPIRES US ,
BOTH INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY . ”
Greg Mulligan – First Violin
“ The orchestra also needs a conductor who inspires us , both individually and collectively ,” said First Violin Greg Mulligan . “ In a survey of the musicians after each guest conductor , we look at his or her ability to effectively communicate compelling musical interpretations in determining whether there is creative chemistry and collective inspiration between the conductor and the ensemble .”
We also know that the music director is responsible for so much beyond the concert hall , too . An orchestra ’ s personality is defined by the Music Director ’ s vision . But we don ’ t exist in a bubble — an orchestra is successful when the personality of the orchestra compliments the personality of its home .
“ Baltimore is resilient , and the arts have the power to strengthen us . A representative of our state and a leader in our communities , this music director should have the ability to empower our youth , to inspire creativity , and to connect us all — to rally Maryland through music ,” said Search Committee Chair and Johns Hopkins University Provost Sunil Kumar .
The BSO ’ s two homes in Baltimore City and Montgomery County are also among the most richly diverse communities in the state of Maryland , composed of 69 % and 56 % people of color respectively ( compared to national average of 39 %). Having proudly been the first major American orchestra to appoint a woman as music director , it is important that we approach a search for Marin Alsop ’ s successor with equity and intention .
“ Marin Alsop has provided access and possibility for more and more women and conductors of color ,” said Moir . “ She completely changed the industry when she became Music Director of the Baltimore Symphony , and that is now rightfully cemented in the BSO ’ s priorities — to conduct a search that looks at everyone in the industry equitably .”
With these traits in mind , over the next three years , we ’ ll be introducing the best conductors from around the world to our board , staff , musicians , and — just as importantly — to all of you to find the right chemistry on and off the podium .
The first is that we ’ re telling you about it . You may know that the New York Philharmonic ’ s Jaap van Zweden recently announced his last season , but did you know that a search is already well underway ? The music director search is among the most tight-lipped stories of our industry . A rotating cast of guest conductors allows an orchestra to always be considering their next leader , opening the door for an expedited change when the time comes .
This brings us to our second reason . When you already know who you like , why would you need to see 14 candidates in one season ? The BSO has welcomed talented guest conductors to our stages for years . But , there is also so much new and amazing talent out there , on a global scale , established and up-and-coming , remarkable conductors who have never before conducted the Baltimore Symphony — it would have been irresponsible not to . We ’ re making a commitment to leave no stone unturned ; to look at everyone . And consider us just getting started with those first 14 guest conductors . We anticipate at least half a dozen new potential candidates , many making their BSO debuts , in the 2022 – 23 season .
This makes the Baltimore Symphony home to one of the most expansive music director searches in the country .
“ The citizens of the Baltimore area are going to have a truly extraordinary opportunity ,” said Henry Fogel , former President of the League of American Orchestras . “ The guest conductors who have been assembled for the next two seasons while the Orchestra searches for a replacement for Marin Alsop is an unbelievably exciting lineup . The huge array of talent offers conductors with innovative ideas , a wide range of musical personalities , and interpretive approaches . The one thing that they all have in common is extraordinary talent .”
Follow Along ! //
Unlike any search before , we ’ re providing backstage access . The second season of our docuseries BSO Sessions is an introduction to potential candidates paired with powerful performances under their batons . With an episode dedicated to each conductor , the 14-episode series is ongoing at BSOmusic . org / OffStage . Throughout Overture magazine , you ’ ll find a new section entitled “ From the Podium ,” designed to introduce our audience members to conductors and the vision behind their program . And look for special opportunities to meet and hear from our guest conductors throughout the season — from the stage , in pre- and post-concert conversations , and beyond .
It ’ s a big role to fill , and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Maryland won ’ t be the right fit for everyone . Like any job , it ’ s a two-way search . But we ’ ll give you a hint : if you recognize a name from a past concert , that ’ s a good sign . It means there was chemistry and a reason to come back . ■
One of the Most Expansive Searches in the Country //
This season , 88 % of our guest conductors on the classical series are a potential candidate for our next music director , and more than half of those conductors ( 8 of 14 ) are making their BSO debuts this year . This is extraordinary for two reasons .
JAN-FEB 2022 / OVERTURE Seth Low 11, Cello