Mark Gresham | 31 MAY 2019
BALTIMORE, MD— On Thursday afternoon, The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra suddenly announced that it is cutting its annual season from 52 to 40 weeks, beginning with the cancellation of all of its 2019 summer concerts after June 16.
According to Musical America,the announcement was made without comment or input from its musicians, who only learned of it at the end of their afternoon rehearsal, after it had been announced. Talks had been ongoing between players and management since the musicians’ last contract expired in September. Musical America quotes co-chair of the players’ committee, Brian Prechtl, as calling the announcement “unconscionable, shocking, and irresponsible.”
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra management cites deep fiscal woes as the reasoning for the decision, despite the Maryland state legislature passing a two-year, $3.2 million emergency assistance package for the orchestra, which Maryland Governor Larry Hogan (R) signed into law only six days before.
Somewhat ironically, the BSO’s sudden move was made just days before the national conference of the League of American Orchestras, a gathering of orchestra managements which takes place early next week in Nashville, Tennessee.
Read more of the ongoing story in these articles:
Musicians play on after Baltimore Symphony Orchestra cancels concerts, shortens season because of fiscal woes — LUKE BROADWATER & MARY CAROLE MCCAULEY | The Baltimore Sun, 30 MAY 2019
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra unexpectedly cancels summer season ANNE MIDGETTE | The Washingtin Post, 30 MAY 2019
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