the real potential to amplify key institutional values while helping to develop and pursue a compelling artistic vision . Drawing from my prior search experience , the BSO needs to remain both patient and opportunistic given the unpredictable nature of music director searches . Led by our musician colleagues , we will all likely know when the next artistic leader of the Baltimore Symphony is standing in front of us on the podium , and it will be important to act at that moment in the process to ensure success . I look forward to supporting the incredible work of our search committee and eventually introducing our next music director to the entire city and state !
How did you first get started in the world of classical music ? I was four years old when my mother handed me an eighth-size cello . She needed a cellist to round out the Hanson family trio ( mom on piano and older sister on violin ), and my parents knew that learning an instrument from an early age would plant a love and appreciation for classical music . I am so grateful to my parents for the opportunity to play in school and youth orchestras , as well as chamber ensembles consisting of childhood friends who are still a part of my life . I have dedicated my career to promoting and supporting the performance of classical music to ensure every child ( and adult ) has similar opportunities .
What ’ s your view on the role of an orchestra within its community ? I believe that orchestras can and should play a central part in every community since our performances bring people together for reflection , inspiration , and recharging , and uniquely contribute to how we process what is happening within the world . Live music experiences , not to mention youth arts programs , contribute to a richer existence and quality of life . I hope to build ever greater support for and excitement about OrchKids , the groundbreaking BSO school music program founded by Music Director Laureate Marin Alsop , that is nurturing promising futures for nearly 2,000 Baltimore City youth .
What do you see as the role of the arts , classical music , and orchestras over the next decade ? As the demands of an increasingly complex and isolating world separate us from one another , classical music can serve as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity . The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will play an increasingly important role in convening people from diverse backgrounds and showcasing the artistic contributions of voices that must be heard . The future will also require more from the BSO as a vehicle for youth development , cultural collaboration , and economic impact .
What do you love about classical music ? Amidst a live performance , I ’ m often struck by the beautiful combination of expected and unexpected musical moments brought to life by some of the world ’ s most collaborative , dedicated , and talented artists . Music can transport us to cherished memories of the past and never-before-seen experiences of the future .
“ The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will play an increasingly important role in convening people from diverse backgrounds and showcasing the artistic contributions of voices that must be heard .”
— MARK HANSON
What ’ s your all-time favorite piece and why ? Elgar ’ s “ Nimrod ” from Enigma Variations . Ever since I had the privilege of performing this movement as an encore throughout Spain as a member of a New England Conservatory youth orchestra , I have been moved beyond words by its strong emotion and remarkable beauty . Whenever I hear a performance , I remember the reactions of Spanish audience members young and old , particularly those who were were hearing Nimrod for the first time !
What musical instruments are in your home ? My wife Christina plays my cello much more frequently than I do ( she also has a cello from her conservatory days but prefers my older instrument ). Other instruments found in our home are featured in our sons ’ family band and include a drum set , piano , keyboard , and electric / acoustic guitars . Moving these instruments will be the most complicated part of our move across the country !
Musical talents aside … do you have any hidden talents or hobbies ? Both with friends and our family of five , I love to explore mountain trails on bike and waterways by kayak or sailboat . Our favorite place for kayaking is Maine ’ s Penobscot Bay , specifically around the island of Islesboro , and now we can ’ t wait to explore the Chesapeake Bay by boat ! When it comes to mountain biking , I ’ ll need help identifying a replacement ride for an annual December tradition started in Northern California — riding to the top of Mount Tamalpais at night on bikes brightly decorated with holiday lights !
What ’ s your guilty pleasure ? I freely admit to enjoying more than my fair share of ice cream within our house .
Moving from treats to the main course , what ’ s your favorite type of cuisine ? My wife ’ s side of the family has cultivated a love for Armenian / Middle Eastern food , especially if homemade ! The whole family loves eating Armenian dishes such as lahmajoun ( meat pizza ), choreg ( sweet bread ), and creamy kadayif ( dessert ) from a church cookbook co-edited by my mother-in-law .
What are you reading right now ? Daniel James Browns ’ The Boys in the Boat : Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1926 Berlin Olympics . Our oldest son ’ s interest in rowing has led me to finally read this riveting story of teamwork , hope , and perseverance .
What ’ s on your bucket list ? Visiting Jerusalem again where I was born in 1973 during one of my father ’ s archeological digs . My older sister was born there , as well , during a previous dig , and the entire family spent my second-grade year on a sabbatical in Tubingen , Germany , due to my father ’ s work as an academic . In fact , both of my parents are retired academics with my dad having taught at Harvard Divinity School ( Hebrew Bible / Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations ) and my mother at University of Massachusetts , Amherst ( Early Childhood Education ).
And just so we know how to get on your good side to start the day , how do you take your coffee ? With 1 % milk but even powdered creamer is better than nothing at all .
MAY-JUN 2022 / OVERTURE 11