Since its inception in 1975, the Birmingham-Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra has continued to serve the Detroit Metropolitan Area by presenting outstanding performances designed to please a wide range of musical tastes, from the classics to pops. Currently under the baton of Charles Greenwell, the BBSO is committed to providing a high quality, professional orchestra for the Birmingham and Bloomfield communities and surrounding areas. The BBSO strives to offer citizens of all ages the opportunity to experience quality performances that feature distinguished artists.
The BBSO’s 2011-12 season will conclude with three stunning concerts. On Sunday, February 12, the concert event Water Music will take audience members on a tour of the best of the Classical Era including works by Handel, Mozart, Haydn, and Hummel. The symphony will then welcome guest conductor, John Thomas Dodson, Music Director and Conductor for the Adrian Symphony Orchestra, to the podium for Expressivo Italiano on Sunday, March 18. Expressivo Italiano will feature music by Italian composers, as well as music written in awe of the magnificent and enduring country. The BBSO’s season will conclude with Grande Finale on Sunday, May 20, featuring soaring and triumphant works. The night will also include the BBSO’s 2012 Young Artist String Competition winner for a solo performance.
In keeping with its mission as “our community’s orchestra,” the BBSO is involved in a variety of community outreach programs. One such program is Coffee and Classics at the Birmingham Area Seniors Coordinating Council (BASCC). Chamber music ensembles, comprised of BBSO musicians, perform twice a year at the BASCC offices for area senior citizens.
The BBSO works to cultivate interest in the musical arts by emphasizing educational growth. It is for this reason that all concerts are offered free to anyone age 18 or younger. In addition, each year the BBSO hosts a Young Artist String Competition for local high school students. The goal of the competition is to encourage young musicians to pursue their musical ambitions by providing the winner a cash prize and the opportunity to perform on stage with the orchestra.
The BBSO has received the Detroit Motor City Award for “Most Outstanding Community Orchestra in Southeastern Michigan” 12 times. No other community orchestra has reached this recognition level. For more information, please visit www.bbso.org.