Though BSO Show Is Canceled, BSO Musicians Will Still Play At Oregon Ridge

Last month, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra canceled their summer slate, including the orchestra's annual fireworks-backed show at Oregon Ridge. However, you'll be able to see BSO musicians there on July 3 after all.

Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski Jr. announced that the county worked with Baltimore Symphony Musicians and the county Department of Recreation and Parks to plan the Independence Day Extravaganza.

“This event is important to Baltimore County and my administration was committed to making sure residents still have the opportunity to celebrate July 4 at Oregon Ridge,” Olszewski said in a statement. “I’m excited and thankful to the Baltimore Symphony Musicians for their willingness to participate in this year’s event despite the current challenges.”

The free event will be funded in part with money that had been allocated as grant funds to the orchestra and support from the Music Performance Trust Fund of the American Federation of Musicians. The ensemble will be led by Jacomo Bairos, music director of the Amarillo Symphony. He will lead a program of patriotic-themed works, including music by Leonard Bernstein and John Williams. As is tradition, the program will wrap with the "1812 Overture" and fireworks.

The BSO has performed outdoor shows at Oregon Ridge since 1977. The orchestra abruptly canceled its summer shows, citing need for immediate fiscal reforms. However, musicians said they were blindsided by the move, which amounted to a sizable and unexpected pay cut.

“The Baltimore Symphony Musicians are committed to being the hometown band for our city, state and Baltimore County, and this year is no different,” said Brian Prechtl, Baltimore Symphony Musicians’ Committee co-chair and percussionist.

Even though entry is free, tickets must be reserved online ahead of time to manage the event's 5,000-person capacity. Children 3 and under don't need a ticket. Parking is free, but parking passes must also be reserved before the event.