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.
FIRST LISTEN: Here's your first chance to hear Jonathan Russel's "Light Cathedral" in its entirety! Performed live at Light Street Presbyterian Church on April 9 and 10, 2016. Commissioned by Symphony Number One for Baltimore's inaugural Light City festival. Light Cathedral will be featured on our new album, More.
A letter from Principal Horn and Director of Development, Selena Maytum. "
Friends,
We have had a wonderful year of performing new music, gathering new audiences, and working with some amazing composers. One highlight for me was performing John Adams' Son of Chamber Symphony. That piece was one of the first "modern" compositions that I fell in love with as a horn player, and it was great to work with Jordan and the rest of our ensemble to bring it to life last May."
Today, we release the last of our Light City tracks! In this first track, we highlight our featured composer, Joel Puckett. While Symphony Number One focuses heavily on emerging composers just entering into their careers, we also have a deep love for modern masters like Puckett, Boulez, and Adams. Soloist Nicholas Bentz performs a new version of Joel Puckett's "Mint Julep," the finale from his violin concerto, Southern Comforts.
Light City was an innovative way to bring arts, technology and people together, and we had a blast sharing such spunky, imaginative, beautiful music to the public.
We here at Symphony Number One are thrilled to bring a fresh variety of musical flavors to your plate, and we're buzzing with excitement
Founding a start-up organization can be a monumental task, but Music Director Jordan Randall Smith shares some inspiring insights on his journey to Symphony Number One's creation, after sitting down with John Lim on the podcast Be Moving Forward. Have a listen!
Two months ago, we were given the privilege to perform in Baltimore's inaugural Light City festival. Being on that colorful stage by the water made us feel like rock stars! Though time has flown by, we're still wading in the energetic wake of that performance.
Jordan Randall Smith, Music Director
Brian Harris, Managing Director
