Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's 2009 Celebration Gala Concert

PRESS CONTACTS: Eileen Andrews Jackson, 410.783.8020 EJackson@BSOmusic.org Laura Farmer, 410.783.8024 LFarmer@BSOmusic.org Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s 2009 Celebration Gala Concert Features Marin Alsop, Pianist Lang Lang, September 12 Benefit tickets for Gala Celebration still available Baltimore, Md. (August 6, 2009)—Heralding the start of Baltimore’s social season, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will hold its annual Celebration Gala on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Given the challenging task of planning a fundraiser in today’s economy, the collective Board of Directors of the BSO will host this year’s gala. The concert will feature Maestra Marin Alsop leading the BSO and world renowned pianist Lang Lang in Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. In keeping with the 2009-2010 season’s theme of cultural connections and exploring our musical roots, the 2009 Celebration Gala pays tribute to the diverse cultures represented in the Greater Baltimore area and the cultural backgrounds of some of this season’s guest artists. Baltimore School for the Arts student Arielle Armstrong will perform “Summertime” from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Also on the program is Gershwin’s An American in Paris, Bernstein’s Overture to Candide and Drums by James P. Johnson. Tickets for the Gala Concert are available for $50 and $75; benefit tickets for the Gala Celebration are on sale now and start at $500. The 2009 Celebration Gala treats patrons to an evening of entertainment and fine dining provided by Classic Catering. Pre- and post-concert gala festivities will take place in a grand event tent located just outside of the Meyerhoff. The BSO’s Celebration Gala is the organization’s largest and most important fundraising event each season, raising approximately $1 million each year in support of the Orchestra’s educational outreach programs in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 2009 CELEBRATION GALA Saturday, September 12, 2009 – Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall (JMSH) The Celebration Gala is a black-tie event. 6:30 p.m.—Celebration Gala, with dining and entertainment—Gala Tent 7:30 p.m.—Doors open for Gala Concert—Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall (JMSH) 8:30 p.m.—Gala Concert featuring pianist Lang Lang—JMSH 9:30 p.m.—Post-concert party and desserts—Gala Tent Tickets for the Celebration Gala are available individually or in sponsor groups of 10, and start at $500 per person.GALA CONCERT FEATURING LANG LANG Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. – Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall The Gala Concert is black-tie optional. Marin Alsop, conductor Lang Lang, piano Arielle Armstrong, soprano Additional performers will be announced at a later date. Bernstein: Overture to Candide James P. Johnson: Drums Gershwin: “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess Gershwin: An American in Paris Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 7:30 p.m.—Doors open for Gala Concert, refreshments available for purchase—JMSH 8:30 p.m.—Gala Concert featuring pianist Lang Lang—JMSH Tickets for the Gala Concert are $50 and $75, and are currently available to BSO subscribers. Single tickets for the Gala Concert are on sale to the general public and can be purchased through the BSO Ticket Office, 410.783.8000 or BSOmusic.org. ###