History of the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra...
Yesterday
At Baltimore's Lovely Lane Methodist Church on January 29, 1984, Maestra Anne Harrigan lifted her baton and introduced her audience to the brilliant, captivating sounds of the area's newest arts organization – the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra. The launch of the orchestra was a dream come true for Maestra Harrigan, a graduate of Peabody Conservatory and Yale School of Music, and came during Baltimore's cultural renaissance. Harrigan's vision was to create a classical chamber orchestra that would break the "stuffy and elitist" stereotype, offering virtuoso performances that touch the heart. Harrigan contacted musicians who were enthusiastic, dynamic and passionately dedicated to classical music and asked them to help her form the orchestra. The result was magic. From its small grassroots beginning, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra grew to occupy an essential niche in the thriving arts scene of the greater Baltimore region, endearing itself to loyal audiences with each new performance.
Baltimore Chamber Orchestra has grown far beyond its small beginning. Yet one thing has not changed: the orchestra remains a group of exceptional musicians who are passionate about what they do. Indeed, the orchestra strives to meet the same standard established at its inception 25 years ago: to provide accessible, high-quality classical music with an intimate touch.
Today
BCO's 21st season marked the final phase of its search for a music director to replace founder Anne Harrigan. Out of nearly 200 applicants from around the world, BCO selected Markand Thakar for the position of music director in June, 2004. Maestro Thakar made his debut with the New York Philharmonic in 1997 and has since appeared with that orchestra numerous times, along with the National, San Antonio, Winnipeg and Charlotte Symphony Orchestras, among others. A frequent guest conductor at the Aspen Music Festival, Mr. Thakar has shared the stage with some of the world's great artists, including Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman. He is music director of the exceptionally successful Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra, and is also co-director of the graduate conducting program at the Peabody Conservatory.
BCO continues to delight audiences with a fresh balance of tradition and innovation. Baltimore Chamber Orchestra today presents an array of concerts that entertain, educate. In addition, the orchestra partners with leading arts and cultural organizations in the region.
The orchestra comprises 40 of the area's best professional musicians performing seven subscription concerts per year to as many as 7,000 patrons. Many of the orchestra members perform with other exceptional area music groups including Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Opera, and Concert Artists of Baltimore. Performing in concert venues seating fewer than 1,000, the orchestra offers each audience member the opportunity to experience music-making at an intimate level. Nearly two-thirds of the loyal audience hold subscriptions.
A committed and enthusiastic Board of Trustees comprises community leaders, philanthropic advisors, and music lovers. Creative partnerships with businesses and media in the region contribute to the visibility and accessibility of the orchestra.
