BSO Opens Doors as Part of Citywide Free Fall Today

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) welcomes the public to experience a live orchestra rehearsal firsthand today, October 21 at 10 a.m. at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall for Free Fall Baltimore. The community is invited to observe Music Director Marin Alsop as she leads the orchestra in rehearsal of Strauss's tone poem, Ein Heldenleben: A Hero's Life. This unique opportunity is offered through the BSO's participation in Free Fall Baltimore, a citywide initiative which aims to expose the community to the area's plentiful and diverse arts scene. The event is free and interested attendees must register in advance at BSOmusic.org/freefall by Monday, October 20 at 12 p.m. Please see below for complete event details.

In preparation for the upcoming weekend's concert program, the orchestra will be rehearsing Strauss's presumed autobiographical Ein Heldenleben ("A Hero's Life"). Last performed by the BSO in March 2006, this is the first time Music Director Marin Alsop will lead the orchestra in this stunning piece. Also on the program are Christopher Rouse's Rapture and Scriabin's rarely performed Poem of Ecstasy. Audience members will witness the behind-the-scenes collaboration and preparation that takes place in the rehearsal setting, and observe interactions between conductor, soloist and orchestra members.

Advance registration is required and must be completed at BSOmusic.org/freefall - reservations will not be accepted by telephone. This event is general admission and no tickets will be issued. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. Admission after 10 a.m. will be at the discretion of BSO staff.

Marin Alsop is an inspiring and powerful voice in the international music scene, a music director of vision and distinction who passionately believes that "music has the power to change lives." She is recognized across the world for her innovative approach to programming and for her deep commitment to education and to the development of audiences of all ages.

Marin Alsop made history with her appointment as the 12th music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO). With her inaugural concerts in September 2007, she became the first woman to head a major American orchestra. Her success as the BSO's music director has garnered national and international attention for her innovative programming and artistry. Her success was recognized when, in 2013, her tenure was extended to the 2020-2021 season.

Alsop took up the post of principal conductor of the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra in 2012, and became music director in July 2013. There, she steers the orchestra in its artistic and creative programming, recording ventures and its education and outreach activities. She also holds the title of conductor emeritus at the Bournemouth Symphony in the United Kingdom, where she served as the principal conductor from 2002-2008.

In the summer of 2014, Maestra Alsop served her 23rd season as music director of the acclaimed Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music in California. In September 2013, she made history as the first female conductor of the BBC's Last Night of the Proms in London. When Musical America named Maestra Alsop the 2009 Conductor of the Year, they commented, "[Marin Alsop] connects to the public as few conductors today can."

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