The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra offers a lot to look forward to. From performances by cellist Yo-Yo Ma, to the Off the Cuff and OrchKids programs that reach out to a wider audience, to a full playlist of pops, Maestra Marin Alsop has given a little thought to everything.
Gala, Yo-Yo and the spirit of Bernstein
Famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma will be performing as guest soloist in the BSO’s annual season-opening Gala Concert Saturday at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The gala is the orchestra’s largest fundraising benefit of the season, and very few tickets remain. Ma will be performing Tchaikovsky’s “Rococo Variations” as well as Bernstein’s “Three Meditations” from his “Mass.”
“To me, Yo-Yo Ma truly embodies Leonard Bernstein’s legacy,” said Maestra Marin Alsop. “He is not only the consummate artist, he is steadfast in his mission to bridge various musical genres and develop public appreciation for all types of music.”
The fun-loving, wise-cracking artist, considered to be the world’s greatest cellist, is, according to Alsop, the perfect featured performer for this gala.
“In this year of Bernstein, I think it’s only fitting that [Yo-Yo Ma] be part of our celebration.”
OrchKids tunes into self-esteem
Maestra Marin Alsop considers the symphony’s community outreach “huge on every level,” stressing the need to reach out to every demographic, including adults.
“But especially for children,” she said adamantly. “I think what happens is our school systems are very short-sighted, and they cut back on the arts.”
This year, under Alsop’s artistic leadership and direction, the OrchKids program will highlight the BSO’s vision to expand the orchestra’s relevance within the city’s broad, diverse community.
As an after-school program, OrchKids will provide music education, instruments and mentorship to Baltimore’s neediest children. Partner organizations, including the Peabody Institute, the Baltimore School for the Arts and The Family League, will contribute its own expertise and resources to the program.
“The BSO looked to Peabody [Preparatory] as a source of teachers for the program and expertise in music education for young people,” said Richard Selden, Peabody’s director of marketing and communication. “We will be there as the program grows.”
In its first year, and with multiple funding sources, Alsop herself has committed $100,000 as a four-to-one matching gift in the hope of inspiring additional community support.
“I believe the arts are what enable kids to connect to their inner creative force, their inner imagination,” Alsop said. “Playing an instrument can give a kid a tremendous sense of self-esteem, [but] most importantly, it gives them a sense of accomplishment.”
While a small endeavor initially, Alsop hopes to see OrchKids grow to be an enormous, impactful and important community program.
SuperPops season promises a thrilling run
In his sixth season as BSO principal Pops conductor, Jack Everly has programmed what he calls a “fasten-your-seatbelts” SuperPops lineup.
“This [season] is diverse and probably our best yet,” said Everly. “Our audiences wish to be moved and amused, and we want them to understand the BSO is the place to come if they want that. We do it on a grand scale.”
Indeed, this grand scale includes the SuperPops opener in October devoted to the classic tunes of Billy Joel. Conducted by Everly, the show features the talents of Michael Cavanaugh, Tony-nominated vocalist, pianist and star of the Broadway hit, “Movin’ Out.”
“To this day, Billy Joel has said that Michael Cavanaugh on piano should be playing [Joel’s] music,” Everly said. “The show will feature, Cavanaugh, his band and the entire orchestra, [and] all arrangements are completely new.”
“Cirque de la Symphonie” returns with stunning aerial feats, strongmen, contortionists and juggling acts performing to the music of the BSO.
Patti Austin will pay a visit in a salute to the work of jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald, as well as Doc Severinsen and his band performing with the BSO in a tribute to “The Rhythm of Life.”
By popular demand, Everly’s own “Holiday Spectacular” returns for a fourth season this December with extended show times.
“We’re thrilled that Maryland audiences have given their blessing by saying this is the experience they want,” Everly said. “It amuses and entertains, and it’s our orchestra that’s doing it.”
‘Off the Cuff’ concert series is up close and personal
This season, the BSO’s “Off the Cuff” presentation of a new, four-concert series will highlight Maestra Marin Alsop’s commitment to demystifying classical music while making it relevant and personal to each listener.
“I think this new series is for people who are interested in going more into [the] depth of the music,” said Alsop. “As opposed to a math problem, there is no right or wrong to enjoying the arts.”
To that end, Alsop will wear the caps of both conductor and host/lecturer for a new Saturday night series that, throughout the course of the season, will feature Tchaikovsky’s “Pathetique Symphony No. 6,” “Brahms’ Symphony No. 1,” Elgar’s “Enigma Variations” and “Bartok’s Dance Suite,” and Aaron Copeland’s “Symphony No. 3”.
Each program will begin with the maestra’s commentary from the stage offering an in-depth look at each of the masterpieces. During the commentary, musical examples will be performed by the BSO, concluding with each particular work performed in its entirety.
“My goal, ultimately, is that everyone in the community can feel comfortable coming to concerts,” Alsop said, “that the concerts are a resource [both] available and accessible.”
