Mark C. Hanson

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Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Mark C. Hanson serves as president and chief executive officer of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, a position he assumed in April 2022. His appointment followed successful tenures at the San Francisco Symphony, Houston Symphony and Milwaukee Symphony, where he achieved notable music director appointments, restored balanced budgets, improved internal cultures, significant revenue growth and deepened community access and impact.

Hanson prioritizes strategies to expand community partnerships through a “Hall for All” initiative and extend the BSO’s reach throughout Maryland. Under his leadership, the orchestra now presents an annual GospelFest concert, Lunar New Year concerts and diverse SummerFest concerts. The BSO maintains a three-concert residency at the University of Maryland, College Park and continues Symphony in the City and Music for Maryland touring programs. Several hundred young musicians from the BSO’s OrchKids program, serving 1,850 Baltimore City children in grades Pre-K through 12, now perform annually on the Meyerhoff stage. The BSO is also undertaking a multi-phase, multi-million-dollar facility modernization project funded by the State of Maryland and private sources.

“As the leader of a 109-year-old institution, I have learned the importance of listening to internal and external constituents as we develop a sustainable and vibrant future that balances tradition and innovation,” Hanson said.

He often refers to the BSO as a “109-year-old startup” to capture the opportunity and challenge inherently in efforts to grow audiences, expand community impact and improve financial performance.

Hanson noted that performing in two markets requires understanding unique community needs.

“Each week, the Baltimore Symphony performs in two of America’s greatest concert halls and offers programs in both markets while maintaining a statewide presence,” he explained. To overcome this challenge, the BSO team asks questions, seeks new partnerships and introduces new programs to appeal to new audiences.

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