Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Releases Schedule for Summer Season

Baltimore, Md. (March 27, 2015) - The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra today announced its 2015 summer programs. This summer's concerts will include the annual Star-Spangled Spectacular at Oregon Ridge Park, comedian and singer Seth MacFarlane, Vivaldi's The Four Seasons and Dvo?ák's New World Symphony. Calendar and concert information is below. For more info, please visit BSOmusic.org.

The summer season begins with Baltimore's favorite Fourth of July tradition: Star-Spangled Spectacular at Oregon Ridge Park (Cockeysville, Md.) on July 3 & 4, featuring patriotic favorites that culminate in a brilliant fireworks display. BSO Assistant Conductor Nicholas Hersh leads the BSO in selections such as Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever and more. Each concert begins with the National Anthem, sung by the winner(s) of the BSO's eighth annual "O, Say Can You Sing?" singing competition. (Full details about the competition, including audition information, will be announced at a later date.)

On July 16 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, creator of the TV series "Family Guy," and actor, comedian, singer and songwriter Seth MacFarlane brings his popular show to Baltimore for one evening only. MacFarlane combines his smooth singing talents with his love of musicals, big band and classic artists in a performance that is an entertaining mix of comedy and music.

On July 23 at the Music Center at Strathmore and July 24 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, BSO Concertmaster Jonathan Carney leads the orchestra in Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, a set of four violin concertos each varied to resemble its respective season. Program repertoire also includes Handel's Selections from Water Music.

Maestro Tito Muñoz leads the BSO and violinist Ariel Horowitz for Dvo?ák's Symphony No. 9, "From the New World" on July 30 at Music Center at Strathmore and July 31 at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Maestro Muñoz is a protégé of former BSO music Director David Zinman. Eighteen-year-old violinist and winner of the Silver Medal and Audience Choice Award at the Stulberg International String Competition (2013) Ariel Horowitz performs Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto. Also on the program is Barber's The School for Scandal Overture.

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Summer 2015 Events Calendar

Star-Spangled Spectacular

Friday, July 3, 2015 at 8 pm - Oregon Ridge Park

Saturday, July 4, 2015 at 8 pm - Oregon Ridge Park

Nicholas Hersh, conductor

Red, white and blue - and patriotic fun, too! Join the BSO for our annual holiday celebration featuring Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever and many more while watching a dazzling display of fireworks. Plus, hear the BSO's "O, Say Can You Sing?" contest winner perform The Star-Spangled Banner.

Gates open at 5 p.m. and concertgoers can enjoy delicious eats from local food trucks. Free parking is available at the Verizon lot on Shawan Road with shuttle to the park. Permits for onsite parking can be purchased for $12 in advance from the BSO Ticket Office or for $15 at the gate.

Tickets are general admission lawn seating and are available through the BSO Ticket Office, BSOmusic.org or 410.783.8000 or at the park gate. Advanced tickets are $18 for adults and $9 for children under 12. If purchased at the gate, tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12.

Concertgoers are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnics for a full evening of entertainment with the BSO.

An Evening with Seth MacFarlane
Thursday, July 16, 2015 at 8 pm - Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall

In a special, one-night-only concert, "Family Guy" funny man and Grammy-nominated artist Seth MacFarlane brings his smooth singing talents and irreverent humor to Baltimore showcasing his love of Big Band and American Songbook standards.

Presale tickets for subscribers and donors are available from Friday, March 27 through Monday, March 30. General admission tickets go on sale at 10 am Monday, March 30. Tickets start at $25 and are available through the BSO Ticket Office, 410.783.8000 or BSOmusic.org.

Vivaldi's The Four Seasons

Thursday, July 23, 2015 at 8 pm - The Music Center at Strathmore
Friday, July 24, 2015 at 7:30 pm - Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall

Jonathan Carney, leader and violin

VIVALDI: The Four Seasons
HANDEL: Selections from Water Music

Vivaldi's vivid depiction of the seasons comes to life as BSO Concertmaster Jonathan Carney expertly weaves his sound through the varied textures of this perennial favorite. This all-Baroque program ends with selections from Handel's revered Water Music, a work that premiered on the River Thames at the request of King George I.

Tickets start at $25 and are available through the BSO Ticket Office, 410.783.8000 or BSOmusic.org.

Dvo?ák's New World Symphony

Thursday, July 30, 2015 at 8 pm - The Music Center at Strathmore
Friday, July 31, 2015 at 7:30 pm - Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall

Tito Muñoz, conductor
Ariel Horowitz, violin

BARBER: The School for Scandal Overture

MENDELSSOHN: Violin Concerto

DVO?ÁK: Symphony No. 9, "From the New World"

Bold, thrilling and moving all at once. Premiered 120 years ago upon Dvo?ák's arrival in the U.S., his Ninth Symphony is emblematic of a foreigner's portrayal of the life and times of early America. Experience a perfect collision of folk tunes and gypsy flavor from Dvo?ák's native Bohemia and his impressions of an exciting turn of-the-century life in the "New World."

Tickets start at $25 and are available through the BSO Ticket Office, 410.783.8000 or BSOmusic.org.

While current at the time of publication, this calendar is subject to change. Updated calendars are issued regularly. For the most recent version, please contact the BSO Public Relations Office.