The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is gearing up for a vibrant summer as it prepares for its return to notable venues like Boordy Vineyards, the Meyerhoff, and Strathmore, as part of its SummerFest 2026 lineup throughout Maryland.
Guests attending the two performances at Boordy Vineyards can look forward to delightful outdoor concerts that combine dining and music under a picturesque sky. On July 16 at 7 p.m., “A Midsummer Night at Boordy” will showcase the talents of conductor Nicholas Hersh as he leads an ensemble featuring BSO Assistant Principal Flute Christine Murphy in Mozart’s Flute Concerto No. 1. This concert will also highlight selections from Mendelssohn’s enchanting “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Following this, on July 30, the event titled “A Night of Opera Favorites” will be presented in partnership with Maryland Opera. This special evening will delve into the European storytelling tradition of opera and its impact on American music and theater. Conducted by William Langley, the performance will include talented vocalists such as soprano Jouelle Roberson, tenor Dane Suarez, and baritone Andrew Manea, with a program featuring works from Verdi, Puccini, Bizet, Bernstein, and others.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to explore the scenic grounds and sample offerings from local food vendors. Food enthusiasts can choose from a variety of options, including The Charmery, BMORE Taqueria, Deli-ish, Wanna Pizza This, Jimmy’s Seafood, Smoke Point BBQ, and local oysters.
These concerts at Boordy are a part of SummerFest 2026, BSO’s ambitious six-week program featuring a variety of performances and renowned artists. Besides the concerts at the Meyerhoff and Strathmore, the festival will also maintain its tradition of summer concerts at Oregon Ridge. This year’s festivities at Oregon Ridge will include an extended two-day Star-Spangled 250! event on July 3 and July 4, in honor of Baltimore County’s official commemoration of Maryland’s 250th anniversary.
Notable highlights throughout SummerFest include an evening with Max Richter, celebrated for his compositions for “Hamnet,” as he embarks on a world tour featuring selections from both “The Blue Notebooks” and “In a Landscape”; as well as an evening with the iconic jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock. Additional offerings will include “Bugs Bunny at the Symphony,” a joyful family-friendly experience featuring 17 classic Looney Tunes shorts, alongside classical programs that highlight the genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and a grand celebration of Rachmaninoff with pianist Joyce Yang.
*The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra does not perform at these Live at the Meyerhoff events.
“SummerFest is designed to provide audiences with opportunities to enjoy high-quality symphonic music in a laid-back atmosphere,” stated Mark C. Hanson, president and CEO of the BSO. “Whether it’s the scenic lawn at Boordy, the beautiful hills of Oregon Ridge, or our elegant concert halls at the Meyerhoff or Strathmore, these programs aim to foster a welcoming and engaging experience that can be enjoyed with friends and family.”
SummerFest 2026 will take place from June 14 through August 14, showcasing an array of performances across various venues:
Max Richter with the American Contemporary Music Ensemble
June 14 | Meyerhoff
(Note: the BSO does not appear on this program.)
Star-Spangled 250! at Oregon Ridge
July 3 & 4 | Oregon Ridge Park
Jonathon Heyward, conductor
“O, Say Can You Sing?” vocal competition winners
Fireworks, special guests, and more
Lea Salonga with the BSO
July 8 | Meyerhoff
Evan Roider, conductor
Brilliant Beginnings: Mozart and Beethoven
July 11 & 12 | Meyerhoff & Strathmore
Jiannan Cheng, conductor
Juho Pohjonen, piano
A Midsummer Night at Boordy
July 16 | Boordy Vineyards
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
Warner Bros. Discovery Presents: Bugs Bunny at the Symphony
July 18 & 19 | Meyerhoff
George Daugherty, conductor
Cody Fry with the BSO
July 22 | Meyerhoff
Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
July 24 & 25 | Meyerhoff & Strathmore
Lidiya Yankovskaya, conductor
Joyce Yang, piano
Herbie Hancock
July 28 | Meyerhoff
(Note: the BSO does not appear on this program.)
A Night of Opera Favorites
July 30 | Boordy Vineyards
William R. Langley, conductor
Jouelle Roberson, vocalist
Dane Suarez, vocalist
Andrew Manea, vocalist
John Williams & Steven Spielberg: Movie Magic
July 31 & August 1 | Meyerhoff & Strathmore
Steven Reineke, conductor
UB40 featuring Ali Campbell
August 5 | Meyerhoff
(Note: the BSO does not appear on this program.)
Windborne’s Music of Journey
August 8 | Meyerhoff
Brent Havens, conductor
Juan Del Castillo, vocalist
Juvenile & The 400 Degreez Band
August 14 | Meyerhoff
(Note: the BSO does not appear on this program.)
Tickets for the performances at Boordy Vineyards, as well as the entire SummerFest season by the BSO, can be purchased through the BSO website.
