Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Announces Expanded 2025 Summer Season Across Four Exciting Venues

Media contact:
Whitney Clemmons Brown
Director of Communications
wbrown@BSOmusic.org

The BSO brings more music and more musical memories to more venues

Photo courtesy of the BSO. Photo credit Cameron Gutierrez.

BALTIMORE, MD (April 16, 2025) — The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is excited to welcome the 2025 summer season including SummerFest at the BSO, its signature summer concert series. This year, SummerFest expands its footprint with performances at the BSO’s musical home in North Bethesda, The Music Center at Strathmore, alongside an increased lineup of concerts and special events at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Additional summer celebrations include returns to Oregon Ridge Park and Boordy Vineyards in Baltimore County.

From July 2 through August 9, the BSO’s summer season creates a vibrant atmosphere perfect for music lovers of all ages. Whether enjoying summer block-party energy at the Meyerhoff, a refined musical evening at Strathmore, a family-friendly concert under the open sky at Oregon Ridge, or a glass of wine with live music at Boordy Vineyards, audiences can choose from a wide range of accessible experiences that celebrate community, connection, and the joy of music in every setting.

“Summer with the BSO is about more than great music, it’s about creating shared musical memories,” said BSO President and CEO Mark C. Hanson. “Whether you’re taking in a performance under the stars or beating the summer heat at one of our concert homes, each moment offers a chance to connect with the music, with one another, and with the incredible energy of our community.”

BSO Summer 2025 Highlights:

SummerFest
Patriotic Pops 

Wednesday, July 2, 7:30 PM | Meyerhoff

Saturday, July 5, 7:30 PM | Strathmore

Nicholas Hersh, conductor

Celebrate Independence Day weekend with a Star-Spangled Spectacular featuring American favorites, selections from Wicked and Star Wars, plus Tchaikovsky’s thunderous 1812 Overture.  

Special Pay-What-You-Wish pricing available.

 

Robert E. Meyerhoff and Rheda Becker Community Concert
Star-Spangled Spectacular

Thursday, July 3, 8 PM | Oregon Ridge Park

Nicholas Hersh, conductor

Gather with family and friends for an Independence Day celebration and beloved Baltimore County tradition. Music lovers can enjoy an evening of patriotic favorites, American classics, and a dazzling fireworks finale sponsored by Atlas Restaurant Group.

Powered by PNC Bank

 

SummerFest
National Geographic Live: The Untold Story of Sharks

Thursday, July 10, 7 PM | Meyerhoff

Join Dr. Jess Cramp as she uncovers pioneering women in shark science, shares her own conservation efforts, and dives into the vibrant waters of the South Pacific. Please Note: The Orchestra does not appear on this program.

 

SummerFest
JAWS In Concert 

Saturday, July 12, 7:30 PM | Meyerhoff

Sunday, July 13, 3 PM | Meyerhoff

Sarah Hicks, conductor

In celebration of the 50^th Anniversary of “JAWS,” John Williams’ iconic score comes to life as the film plays on the big screen. “JAWS” is a trademark and copyright of Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

 

Robert E. Meyerhoff and Rheda Becker Community Concert
Notes from Italy at Boordy Vineyards 

July 17, 7 PM | Boordy Vineyards

Cosette Justo Valdes, conductor

Overtures by Rossini and Strauss are paired with Boccherini’s Cello Concerto and Mendelssohn’s “Italian” Symphony in a program that celebrates Italy.

Powered by PNC Bank

 

SummerFest
Gershwin, Featuring Rhapsody in Blue 

Saturday, July 19, 7:30 PM | Meyerhoff
Sunday, July 20, 3 PM | Strathmore

Moon Doh, conductor | Drew Peterson, piano

A night of Gershwin’s greatest hits including An American in Paris, Cuban Overture, Rhapsody in Blue, and selections from Porgy and Bess.

 

SummerFest
Nas: Illmatic Live with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra [SOLD OUT]

Wednesday, July 23, 7:30 PM | Meyerhoff

Steven Reineke, conductor
Nas, featured guest artist

The GRAMMY® Award-winning hip-hop icon joins the BSO for a powerful, one-night-only orchestral performance of his landmark debut album Illmatic blending lyricism and symphonic sound in a genre-defying collaboration.

 

SummerFest
Harry Potter Family Day

Saturday, July 26, 9:30 AM (pre-concert activities) 11 AM (concert) | Meyerhoff

Step into the wizarding world of Harry Potter as the BSO musicians bring the music selections from these classic films to life. This family concert introduces the instruments of the orchestra through the spellbinding score of John Williams, and more.

 

SummerFest
John Williams Blockbuster

Saturday, July 26, 7:30 PM | Meyerhoff

John Williams’ iconic music defines movie magic. Join the BSO for an epic evening tribute to his greatest film scores.

 

Robert E. Meyerhoff and Rheda Becker Community Concert
Sunset Serenades at Boordy Vineyards 

July 31, 7 PM| Boordy Vineyards

Nicholas Hersh, conductor

Featuring graceful works by Shostakovich, Tailleferre, Dvořák, and Strauss, it’s an evening of beauty, charm, and rich musical color.

Powered by PNC Bank

 

SummerFest
Tchaikovsky Spectacular

Saturday, August 2, 7:30 PM | Meyerhoff

Paolo Bortolameolli, conductor
Maxim Lando, piano

An evening of Tchaikovsky’s most powerful and romantic works.

SummerFest
Simply Charming Mozart

Friday, August 8, 7:30 PM | Strathmore
Saturday, August 9, 7:30 PM | Meyerhoff

Nicolas Ellis, conductor
Geneva Lewis, violin

Enjoy Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik, Violin Concerto No. 3, and the majestic “Prague” Symphony.

Tickets start at $25 for adults and $21 for children, with pay-what-you-wish pricing available for select performances. For the full schedule, ticket purchases, and VIP upgrade options, visit BSOmusic.org/Summer. For complimentary press tickets, please contact the BSO Press Office.

 

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall |1212 Cathedral Street | Baltimore, MD 21201

The Music Center at Strathmore | 5301 Tuckerman Lane | North Bethesda, MD 20852

Oregon Ridge Park and Lodge | 13555 Beaver Dam Road | Cockeysville, MD 21030

Boordy Vineyards | 12820 Long Green Pike | Hydes, MD 21082

About the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

For over a century, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has been recognized as one of America’s leading orchestras and one of Maryland’s most significant cultural institutions. The orchestra is internationally renowned and locally admired for its innovation, performances, recordings, and educational outreach initiatives, including OrchKids.

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs annually for more than 275,000 people throughout the State of Maryland. Since 1982, the BSO has performed at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, and since 2005, with the opening of The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, MD, the BSO became the nation’s first orchestra performing its full season of classical and pops concerts in two metropolitan areas.

In July 2022, the BSO made history with the announcement that Jonathon Heyward would succeed Music Director Laureate and OrchKids Founder Marin Alsop as the Orchestra’s next Music Director. Maestro Heyward began his inaugural season in September 2023.

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras.

More information about the BSO can be found at BSOmusic.org.  

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