Best Places To Get Your Classical Music Fix In Baltimore
During the summer, gazebos and outdoor bandstands often resonate with the strands of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" or the stirring thunder of the 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky. Classical music's origins are rooted in European musical theory that evolved from liturgical and court traditions. From its beginnings with the Medieval Gregorian chant, classic music is responsible for the practice of writing music through symbols. Baltimore has a rich heritage of classical music performances that is kept alive by musicians performing in venues of various sizes, from full orchestra to small chamber music ensembles.
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
1212 Cathedral St.
Baltimore, Md. 21201
(410) 783-8000
www.bsomusic.org
Internationally recognized, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is a Charm City treasure that is known for its dedication to professionalism in music. From its beginnings in 1916, the orchestra, which was established by municipal government, has been a consistent force in the city's cultural life. In 1942, it became a private institution. Much of its reputation stems from the work of Joseph Meyerhoff, who served as the president of the orchestra for 18 years, starting in 1965. A Grammy-winning orchestra, it performs year-round at two venues – the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore and at The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda.
Bach Concert Series
Christ Lutheran Church
701 S. Charles St.
Baltimore, Md. 21230
(410) 941-9262
www.bachinbaltimore.org
On the first Sunday of each month from October through June, the Bach Concert Series is presented by the Christ Lutheran Church. The free performances feature orchestral and chorale selections performed by professional musicians who are well versed in the Baroque-style works of J.S. Bach. Programs often incorporate cantatas composed by Bach for the organ. As part of its commitment to instilling a love of classic music in the younger generations, the church also offers concerts designed for children.
Baltimore Chamber Orchestra
11 W. Mount Vernon Place
Baltimore, Md. 21201
(410) 685-4050
www.thebeco.org
Since 1984, the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra has offered a rich musical program performed for its intimacy. Comprised of 40 of Baltimore's best and brightest musicians, the orchestra generally performs for groups under 1,000 people. Recent seasons of the orchestra's performances have been recorded and released on CDs. The group has toured throughout the country and at venues as far away as China. The organization also offers the Live Wire String Quartet, which brings classic music into the Baltimore City Public Schools.
Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University
1 E. Mount Vernon Place
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 234-4800
www.peabody.jhu.edu
One of the most recognized and historic organizations dedicated to the musical arts, the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University was founded in 1857. Both a preparatory educational institution and a conservatory, it offers free noon recitals on Thursdays, presenting performances by students. In addition to programs for youth, the institute offers adults programs as well in music and dance. Peabody Preparatory offers an excellent instructional program for more than 2,000 school students each week.
Baltimore Choral Arts Society
1316 Park Ave.
Baltimore, Md. 21217
(410) 523-7070
www.baltimorechoralarts.org
Soon to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the Baltimore Choral Arts Society performs around the city and the Maryland region. The 2013-2014 season features Tom Hall conducting the orchestra, chorus and soloists in a Bach B Minor Mass at the Kraushaar Auditorium on Sunday, Oct. 27, beginning at 3 p.m. Enjoy Christmas with Choral Arts at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, beginning at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 10. At 3 p.m., Sunday, March 9, 2014, Tom Hall leads the musicians and chorus in an exploration of music – From Madrigals to Musicals.
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