Overture Magazine - 2018-19 Season BSO_Overture_Sept_Oct | Page 6

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B A LT I M O R E S Y M P H O N Y O R C H E S T R A
NEWS OF NOTE
From Concept to Concert Hall
DESIGN
Designer Gabi Asfour’s
initial sketches for
the project.
SARTORIAL SYMPHONY
BSO musicians debut new orchestral
garments created in collaboration with
Parsons School of Design
D
uring the final subscription concert weekend of the
2017–18 season, the BSO musicians unveiled new
garments as part of a project that was spearheaded
by Marin Alsop and Parsons professor and designer
Gabi Asfour.
“I am so thrilled with the new garments that Gabi and his team
have created, which rework traditional aesthetics in a new, forward-
thinking way,” says Alsop. “Our partnership with Parsons has been
incredibly unique and educational, and I hope our project serves as
a model for other orchestras in the future.”
In 2012, Asfour began working with BSO musicians to develop
the new orchestral garments. Through extensive research of
traditional orchestral garments, formal wear, traditional tailoring
and innovative fabric technology, the ensembles were created with
a specific focus on functionality. The design team incorporated
hi-tech fabrics to enhance breathability and prevent overheating.
With input from OnPoint Manufacturing, Body Labs and Direct
Dimensions, all of the musicians underwent 3D body scanning in
order to enable precise body measurement for the garments.
“What excited me the most during this project was formalwear
needing to perform as active wear,” says Asfour. “My students and
I created several prototypes that led to the final outcome.”
The project was made possible, in part, through underwriting from
Mr. Tomio Taki and from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
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DEVELOPMENT
Asfour and his team
conducting the final fitting
with BSO musicians.
FINAL
Percussionist
John Locke and
Principal Second
Violinist Qing Li
model Asfour’s
designs.