Great leaders change what we do . Legendary leaders change how we think .
Marin Alsop is legendary . As the first woman to be named Music Director at a major orchestra , she not only shattered a glass ceiling : she used her position to lift up music of our time , create opportunity for others , and bring more joy to music making .
With genius , humanity , and vision , Marin raised the standard for how the BSO uses the power of music to change lives in our community . Her values will stay with the BSO as she transitions to Music Director Laureate and OrchKids Founder , and long after .
Marin and BSO Musicians at the BBC Proms performance in 2018
“ Alsop took [ the ] job believing she could make a positive difference . She delivered . In the process , she also moved to the forefront of this country ’ s cultural life , a welcome force of contagious optimism and change people can believe in .”
Tim Smith , Baltimore Sun ( 2009 )
Excellence
In Marin , the BSO found an educator , mentor , advocate , and visionary . Most of all , the BSO found an artistic leader who broadened the definition of musicianship and connected music to 21st century ideas , culture , and people .
Each of Marin ’ s brilliantly-crafted seasons featured innovative artistic projects and partnerships , commissions , and up-andcoming soloists and conductors . These initiatives impacted both audience and orchestra , each strengthened by new experiences with a formidable conductor and leader .
With Marin ' s inventive artistic direction and commitment , the BSO became an even stronger force for bringing new
music into the world , commissioning or premiering 36 works ( in addition to hosting the BSO ’ s first New Music Festival , in 2017 ). The Orchestra also made 24 albums , many of which were new takes on classics , a standout being the 2009 Grammynominated Bernstein Mass .
For the orchestra ' s six trips to Carnegie Hall under her baton , Marin chose to highlight projects like Honegger ' s Joan of Arc at the Stake and Kevin Puts ' commission , The City , reaffirming the BSO ' s reputation as an orchestra that embraces artistic excellence and relevance .
The BSO ' s profile under Marin ' s leadership garnered opportunities to
The performance of Bernstein ' s Mass at Carnegie Hall in 2008 .
Kevin Puts and Marin at the Peabody Library