Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Appoints Jeff Counts as Vice President of Artistic Planning

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The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) today announced the appointment of Jeff Counts as Vice President of Artistic Planning. In this capacity, Mr. Counts will provide strategic creative leadership to all aspects of artistic and classical music programming for the BSO, in close collaboration with Music Director Marin Alsop, President & CEO Paul Meecham and with the BSO musicians’ Artistic Advisory Committee. Mr. Counts will also serve as a key creative partner in the ongoing development of the BSO’s artistic profile, developing and maintaining relationships with conductors, composers and guest artists. Specific responsibilities include programming the classical subscription seasons in Baltimore and Strathmore (the Orchestra’s second year-round home in North Bethesda), the summer season, run-out concerts, tours and special events including the Opening Night Gala, Donor Appreciation concerts and the annual Martin Luther King Day celebration.

Prior to joining the BSO staff, Mr. Counts held senior level management positions with Florida Orchestra and, most recently, Utah Symphony | Utah Opera. For the latter, he served as Vice President of Artistic Operations, managing the symphony’s artistic programming. Mr. Counts holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of South Florida and began his career as a public school music teacher. He also has maintained an active schedule as a freelance horn player, performing often with the orchestras throughout the state of Florida. Until recently, Jeff Counts was known as Jeff Bram. To honor the man who raised them, Mr. Counts and his brother, Chris, recently decided to assume the last name of their stepfather.

“I am thrilled that Jeff has accepted this position. He possesses the commitment to artistic integrity, breadth of knowledge of the classical repertoire and keen management skills necessary to continue the Baltimore Symphony’s legacy of artistic excellence and bold programming. His expertise makes him an ideal partner for Marin Alsop.” - Paul Meecham, BSO President & CEO

Commenting on what led him to the BSO, Jeff Counts explains, “For me, it had a lot to do with Marin Alsop’s desire to position the Baltimore Symphony as an artistic beacon during these difficult times. Her plan for the BSO inspires me greatly and I can’t wait to begin my work supporting her vision.”

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