Marin Alsop Renews Baltimore Symphony Contract Through 2021

Marin Alsop renewed her contract to direct the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra—which performs throughout the year at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda—through August 2021, according to an orchestra news release.

This is the second contract renewal with the BSO for Alsop, who—since beginning her tenure with the orchestra in September 2007—has proven to be a popular and charismatic conductor, and is one of the few women conductors, worldwide, of a major symphony orchestra.

"This latest contract ensures that the BSO’s popular music director will continue to be on the podium for approximately half of all classical subscription programs," the news release stated.

During the past six years, Alsop has revitalized the orchestra, bringing it national attention and critical acclaim, garnering repeat invitations to Carnegie Hall and securing recording deals with major labels, according to the news release.

Since Alsop took the podium, audience attendance at BSO concerts has gone up, making the BSO a bit of an anomoly. Elsewhere, most American symphony orchestras are seeing dwindling attendance at concerts, Forbes reported last year. 

The season before Alsop's arrival (2006 to 2007), capacity averaged 58 percent at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore and 77 percent at Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda. In the most recent season (2012 to 2013), capacity is up to 70 percent at the Meyerhoff and 80 percent at Strathmore, the news release stated.

She's also overseen the development of several programs such as OrchKids—an El Sistema-inspired music program for Baltimore youths—and Rusty Musicians, which gives adult amateur musicians the chance to share the stage with the professional musicians in the BSO.

"I am deeply grateful and excited for the opportunity to lead the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for several more years. This orchestra’s artistic caliber coupled with their passion for music makes it my privilege to assume the podium each week," Alsop said.

Read more about Alsop's work with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in the news release.