Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is a world class group that does not get the recognition it deserves in its own home town. While i enjoy listening to recorded music, there is nothing like a live concert. Just being able to watch the musicians play adds so much to my enjoyment of the music. The BSO's programs are varied and interesting and they make an effort to appeal to a wide range of listening tastes. The hall is pleasant and comfortable and you can get delicious desserts and snacks before the concert and during intermission. There is a bar and a nice gift shop also. Check it out! more

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is one of the best-kept secrets of Charm City. Although the music hall itself is very modern and minimalist when compared to the Baroque styling of other cities' performance halls, the BSO makes the most of the space and the crowds. A favorite program of mine that has run in the past is their "Shaken Not Stirred" series on Fridays and Saturdays; come early for an ice-cold martini and a little cocktail conversation before the Mozart and Beethoven get underway. If you're a student, try getting rush-tickets at the box office by showing your student ID the night of a performance. It's a long shot, but for cheap symphony tix, it's worth the risk! more

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is a fantastic ensemble playing a wide variety of music--from classical favorites to pop songs. They have a good variety of guest performers and programs, and I've never been disappointed any time that I've gone. Parking around Symphony hall can be a challenge, particularly if there's an event at the Lyric Opera House as well--if you can get the prepaid garage tickets, that is probably the best way to go. more

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is a delightful place to start for an evening in Baltimore. I have never experienced a bad show with them in the five years I have been going to see them play. I would highly recommend the BSO to anyone interested in classical and instrumental music. They are also located conveniently in Baltimore City. more

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is magnificent. I prefer to see them perform when they have "theme" nights...for example, they have done an evening of nothing but movie themes. They are wonderful on any occasion, but that is my personal favorite. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in classical and/or instrumental music. Even those who do not would probably enjoy this once in a while, but definitely not as a regular activity. more

Since 1916, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has offered Maryland residents high-quality classical music performances. Heading into their 90th year, the BSO has gone through some bumpy times--from serious financial difficulties, a turnover in all of the management positions within a couple of seasons, and now the announcement of a new music director that hit a sour note with the members of the orchestra. All of this should be irrelevant--the orchestra continues to play better than ever and so the drama behind the scenes should be so much background noise. If this were the case, I would have given the BSO five stars. And to be fair, you certainly can't do much better in Baltimore than the BSO if you're looking for a classical performance. But as the leader in the area, and even in the world, the BSO could and should be doing much better in so many areas. Their community outreach programs (once recognized nationally with an NEA grant) have diminished to near non-existence. They have cut education programs back dramatically--schoolchildren can no longer even see the whole orchestra play during class field trips. Evening performances, while well-executed, are poorly attended and seem stagnant as a result. Musical choices are equally stagnant. Even the once ground-breaking Symphony With a Twist series seems no different than the usual fare, which the BSO tries to mask with window decorations. An evening at the symphony is certainly enjoyable for classical music lovers. But classical music lovers are a dying breed and the BSO is only trying half-heartedly to stem the tide. For many years now, the BSO's focus has been external--trying to prove their status as a world-class orchestra. They would do better to remember their roots as a municipal orchestra and turn back to their community. more