In partnership with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Soulful Symphony today announced its 2008?2009 season at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall (Baltimore, Md.) and the Music Center at Strathmore (North Bethesda, Md.). With fresh, new programs, the season will spotlight rich and diverse African?American vocal traditions, as well as the talents of the Soulful Symphony Chorus and special guest soloists.

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra today unveiled a major education initiative, OrchKids, an after-school program designed to effect social change and nurture promising futures for youth in Baltimore City’s low-income neighborhoods. In collaboration with a broad array of community partners, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids program will provide music education, instruments and mentorship to Baltimore’s neediest youngsters.

Acclaimed pianist Barry Douglas will join the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3, June 12, 13 and 15 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, and June 14 at the Music Center at Strathmore. Led by guest conductor Thomas Dausgaard, the program also includes Sibelius’ Symphony No. 7 and his sweeping tone poem, En Saga. See below for complete program information.