Symphony Number One is Baltimore's newest chamber orchestra, dedicated to performing and promoting substantial works by emerging composers.
Led by Music Director Jordan Randall Smith, Symphony Number One brings together great composers of the past, virtuoso performers of the present, and the leading compositional voices of the future.
Symphony Number One has been named Winner of The American Prize for Professional Orchestras! This award recognizes our 2017-2018 season which, among other exciting projects, including premieres by Carolyn Chen, Jasmine Arielle Barnes, and 14 other…
Brian Harris
Symphony Number One has named Brian Harris as Managing Director, effective June 15.
Brian Harris is an oboist and network engineer who recently relocated to Baltimore from nearby Clarksburg, MD. He began his career in music education before transitioning into networking and telecommunications infrastructure, where he has remained for over a decade. Because of his managerial role on a range of fast-paced, results-driven contracts, Harris brings a wealth of leadership experience to Symphony Number One’s administrative team. Outside of work, Brian is an active member on the community ensemble circuit. He plays with the Hopkins Symphony Orchestra and performs locally as a freelance musician. Highlights of past performances have included concert cycles with the Columbia Orchestra (MD), NIH Philharmonia, and as featured soloist with the Montgomery Village Community Band. Brian is inspired by the rich musical community in Baltimore, and will be instrumental in planning Symphony Number One’s upcoming seasons.
Symphony Number One returns with the music of Schoenberg and James Lee on September 7 and 8 at the Carl J Murphy Performing Arts Center at Morgan State University. Visit our 2019-2020 season page to learn more.
Nearly two years after its premiere, Symphony Number One co-founder again took up the Boss Saxophone concerto, this time with the University of Texas New Music Ensemble. Here is a video from that performance, which happened to take place the same night as Symphony Number One gave the premiere of Nicholas Bentz’s Approaching Eternity.
Our 2nd commercial release, Emergence, was an EP featuring Andrew Boss’ Saxophone Concerto. It is available in all formats on iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon.
Take a look at a new trove of photos from last April when we premiered Approaching Eternity by Nicholas Bentz in April of 2017 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Baltimore. Photo Credit: Dan Rorke.
Music Director Jordan Randall Smith leads the orchestra in Bentz’s Approaching Eternity.
Principal Cellist Mike Newman and cellist Rob Erb Kaufman perform Nick’s work with its challenging writing for strings.
Bassoonist Mateen Milan was an guest artist with the orchestra at the time, but later auditioned to join the group.
Former Associate Concertmaster Kristin Bakkegard leads the orchestra
Current and former Principal Hornist Scott Ullman and Kelso Jones (respectively) perform with guest artist Gabriel Luciano and the woodwinds of Symphony Number One.
The composer in his own words: Nicholas Bentz gives a description of the basis for his sprawling new work, Approaching Eternity for Chamber Orchestra. just moments before the orchestra gives the second performances.
Take a look at this clip of Approaching Eternity, then learn more about our latest album (which includes Approaching Eternity), Approaching.
“Baltimore Prelude is a piece that summarizes my experience with the city of Baltimore. In my experience, Baltimore is a vibrant and energetic city, which I have enjoyed. The musical materials and fragments represent the highlights of my experience. Similar to the technique of montage in filmmaking, they are playfully interacting with each other and shifting the sonic image at a fast pace. It is a piece with energy and excitement, reflecting the various images of the city."
What a summer it’s been. Here are a few updates in case you missed them.
Michael Raymond Rittling, Principal Contrabass
Thanks to your support, Symphony Number One is pleased to bring you another great season of thrilling works new works by emerging composers. Earlier today, we reached our funding goal of $10,000, meaning that our project is now funded and our future is bright! Thanks to all of you for your support to serve our community with substantial works by living composers, powerful masterworks, and a twist of pop.
We'll be updating the website with tons of fresh information for Season 3, but for now, here's a quick preview page:
In recent weeks, Symphony Number One was featured in the media on multiple occasions.
On January 5, we again appeared on Maryland Public Television's Artworks! They featured a portion of our EP, Emergence, a portion of Andrew Boss' Concerto for Saxophone and Chamber Orchestra.
Jordan Randall Smith, Music Director
Brian Harris, Managing Director
