RESOUNDING!
The Campaign for the BSO’ s Second Century
by Devon Maloney
In January, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra announced the launch of Resounding: The Campaign for the BSO’ s Second Century. The comprehensive Campaign aims to raise $ 65 million by December 2019 to ensure the financial viability of the BSO, which celebrated its centennial in the 2015 – 2016 season, through the institution’ s second 100 years and beyond.
Resounding will raise $ 50 million for the organization’ s endowment, $ 10 million for the BSO’ s Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras( BSYO) and OrchKids education programs and $ 5 million in expanded Annual Fund support.
“ The announcement of this Campaign brings me and our dedicated Board members and Campaign Committee members a feeling of great excitement,” says Barbara Bozzuto, BSO Board Chair and Resounding Campaign Co-Chair.“ The Campaign will help secure the best possible future for the BSO. Strengthening our endowment and expanding the reach of our stellar educational programming will ensure that the BSO continues to remain a cultural gem. The generous commitments secured to date are a true testament to the many people who love our orchestra and recognize the vital role that the BSO plays in the cultural fabric of our region.”
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As one of the premier orchestras in the country and around the world, and as the state’ s largest arts organization, the BSO sees growing its endowment as essential to its mission to promote artistic excellence, engage new and diverse audiences and expand music education opportunities for young people.
“ This Campaign will help us to sustain and advance the BSO, its exceptional musicians and our innovative concerts and programs that reach hundreds of thousands of people each year,” says BSO President and CEO Peter Kjome.
The Campaign has already achieved significant momentum, raising over $ 43 million towards its $ 65 million goal. As one of the most important campaigns in the BSO’ s history, it will provide key support as the institution embarks upon its second century.
“ With the leadership of our Board and visionary community leaders who continue to
Marin Alsop leads the BSO at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall( Above). OrchKids Bucket Band( Right).
demonstrate incredible passion for our great orchestra, we have made remarkable progress,” Kjome continues.“ With this generous support, two-thirds of the Campaign goal has been achieved. We are optimistic that these substantial commitments will help inspire the significant participation of many others.”
Part of the Campaign will raise $ 5 million to augment the BSO’ s Annual Fund and provide additional operating support while endowment funds are being secured and invested. In line with other orchestras, annual contributions account for approximately 60 % of the organization’ s operating budget. These gifts are fundamental to maintaining the BSO’ s world-class concerts and artistic programming.
The Campaign will also raise $ 10 million to advance the BSO’ s educational programs by expanding the reach of OrchKids and BSYO and supporting collaborative efforts between the two. Orchkids and BSYO provide an array of educational opportunities that enrich the lives of countless talented young students in the region.
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This Campaign will help us to sustain and advance the BSO, its exceptional musicians and our innovative concerts and programs that reach hundreds of thousands of people each year.
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— Peter Kjome