HSO Mission Statement

1. Combine the talents of Hopkins students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and community musicians in a rigorous, artistically challenging and satisfying orchestral experience that both benefits from and contributes to Hopkins’ unmatched intellectual resources
2. Offer an annual series of innovatively programmed, high-quality, low-cost symphonic and chamber concerts and a free children’s concert
3. Further serve the community with special concerts, collaborations, and educational programs

The only community orchestra in Baltimore City, the HSO is dedicated to performing and promoting orchestral and chamber music from the standard and contemporary repertoires at a high artistic level. HSO reaches out to a diverse audience through affordable concerts and educational programs like public school instrumental mentoring, lecture-demonstrations, and free pre-concert talks. The 150 musicians performing in HSO concerts each year are chosen by competitive audition. The Orchestra features young Maryland soloists and composers as they develop their careers. Among HSO’s prominent soloists have been David Buechner, Allison Charney, Brian Ganz, Hilary Hahn, Awadagin Pratt, and Eugenia Zukerman.

HSO was established in its present form in 1981 by Peabody Conservatory graduate student Catherine Overhauser, who served as Music Director, Conductor, and General Manager until 1987. She was succeeded by Harvey Felder, Eric Townell, and the late Robert Black. Jed Gaylin has been Music Director since 1994, having previously been Assistant Conductor and Resident Conductor. Since 2005, Vladimir Lande has been Assistant Conductor and Director of the Chamber Program.