Maggi R.
Yelp
We came for a Backstage Tour of the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall sponsored by Doors Open Baltimore. We started with a brief history in the lobby. The Meyerhoff opened in 1982 with a seating capacity of 2,443. It is, of course, the home of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. It is named for Joseph Meyerhoff, a Ukrainian-Jewish, Baltimore businessman, philanthropist, and arts patron who served as president of the Baltimore Symphony. We were pleased to learn that the oval shaped structure was designed by an Italian, Pietro Belluschi, along with Jung/Brannen Associates. The hall was designed to fit into the footprint of the surrounding streets. It is oval or egg shaped. Rebecca Cain, Senior Director of Operations, then led us to see the backstage; explaining all the way what we were seeing. On either side of the stage are rooms used by the musicians before, during and after their performances. You move from one room to another along a curved corridor to the other side. We were able to see the Conductor's Room and then go on stage. It is really interesting to look at the auditorium from the stage. She explained all the workings of the stage and how they can make it larger or smaller depending on their needs and how pianos are raised and lowered. From here, you really get a clear understanding that this is not a square building, but a building with lots of curves that only serve to enhance the superior sound in the hall. We then were taken thru the Zamoiski Room, so called Green Room (that is really not green) and back out to the lobby. The tour was very nice, but we were disappointed. We thought we would be seeing more than what we did.