What an orchestra can do....

The BSO Academy is underway in Baltimore.  This unique program affords adult musicians the opportunity to play alongside word-class performers of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.  The Academy operates with a camp-like atmosphere (with the very adult addition of cocktail parties!), giving adult amateurs the opportunity to leave behind their workaday lives and immerse themselves in the experience of performing in major concert hall under the baton of conductor Marin Alsop.



I think the Academy is a brilliant bit of marketing, and moreover, one way of forging deeper connections between an orchestra and its community.  Although this sort of program might be preaching to the choir, it may also entice people whose musical passions have gone into remission.  Perhaps these participants will continue to explore their own musical journey, as well as support the orchestra.  It also appears to not be pandering.  The repertoire is challenging--this year's line up includes Hindemith's Symphonic Metamorphosis, which is not a walk in the park.  My fingers cry a little bit when I think about the last time I played this.  


I guess what I like most about this entire project is that it turns the usual marketing model on its head--instead of strategizing what can put "butts in seats," this type of endeavor seem born out of consideration of what can--and should--an orchestra--be doing for its community.  

What can an orchestra do that no other type of arts institution do?  

You can hear what it is like to participate in The Academy in this interview from last year: http://www.wqxr.org/programs/artsfile/2010/jul/23/


Below, the BSO's own description of the activities lined up for the participants:


"In addition to orchestra rehearsals, sectionals, master classes and personal lessons, there will be chamber music rehearsals and enrichment classes led by BSO musicians, activities with Maestra Alsop and lectures led by local experts. Chamber music groups created at the beginning of the week with Academy participants and BSO musicians will perform in an intimate concert on Friday, June 17 at Falvey Hall on the MICA campus. The following day, Academy participants and BSO musicians will perform Bernstein's "Overture to Candide," Ravel's "Alborada del gracioso," Mahler's "Symphony No. 2, mvmt. 1," Rimsky Korsakov's "Capriccio espagnole," and Hindemith's "Symphonic Metamorphosis" together at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in a finale concert." (from the BSO Academy website)