Celebratory event explores the intersections between artificial intelligence (AI), creativity, and innovation, featuring AI-generative musical compositions performed live by members of the BSO
(BALTIMORE, Md.) – Mindgrub Technologies, a prominent technology consulting firm, has partnered
with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) and the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) to present a
first-of-its-kind celebratory event highlighting the incredible musical talent of the BSO and the endless
possibilities of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The event, “AI in A Minor,” will take place at the
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall on August 9th, 2023. The evening includes interactive demonstrations
that seamlessly blend technology and music, by having a BSO chamber ensemble perform original
compositions created using generative AI technology. The event is also designed to showcase the
Baltimore region’s vibrant community of tech and artistic talent – and the region’s overall potential for
continued creativity and innovation.
“The Baltimore Symphony has a national reputation for thinking outside the box. This collaboration
exemplifies our dedication to innovation and highlights the boundless possibilities that emerge when
traditional art forms embrace new technological frontiers,” said Mark C. Hanson, President & CEO of
the BSO. “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Mindgrub, GBC, and others to host this
pioneering exploration of the fusion between technology and art at the Meyerhoff, featuring BSO
musicians, as part of our expansive summer season.”
Doors open at 5:00pm, when attendees will have the opportunity to experience AI, ChatGPT, and virtual
reality in unique artistic, food, and beverage applications. The mainstage concert and panel event will
commence at 7pm, featuring performances of established and newly composed pieces for chamber
ensemble by members of the Orchestra. Throughout the evening, leading technologists and creatives
will shed light on the AI-generated compositional process and explore the implications, possibilities, and
transformative potential that AI brings to the forefront of the artistic landscape.
The AI-generated compositions leverage the power of Amazon Web Services (AWS)’ machine learning
and AI cloud technologies, alongside a range of open-source and commercial tools. By using various
models, AI can generate music that is influenced by existing artists like Philip Glass, Nat King Cole, and
Taylor Swift, while adhering to a specific style of music and instrumental constraints. Once generated,
the music is transformed into sheet music, enabling the talented musicians of the BSO to bring it to life
through their performances.
“Our region’s innovation economy and dynamic tech talent will transform science, logistics, and culture
and shape the future of business. The collaboration today is a celebration of the all-hands-on-deck
approach we’ll take to ensure our economic aspirations are accessible and leverage our existing
institutions as the foundation for growth,” said GBC President & CEO Mark Anthony Thomas.
In May, the Biden-Harris administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic
Development Administration (EDA), launched the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech
Hubs) competition, a $10 billion initiative to designate at least 20 new Tech Hub Cities. GBC is leading
the coordinated, multi-faceted strategy to secure this designation, and biotechnology and artificial
intelligence have been identified as two key differentiating factors in supporting the region’s overall bid.
Jason Michael Perry, BSO Board Member and Mindgrub’s Chief Technology Officer, expresses: “’AI in A
Minor’ reflects our shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity, and we
are honored to help facilitate this intersection of art and innovation. Partnerships like those with the
BSO and GBC showcase how technology, business, and the arts communities can work together to make
this city a top technology hub.”
Music and technology enthusiasts as well as families and people of all ages are invited to join in this
extraordinary evening. Tickets start at $25 per person. For more information and seat reservations,
please visit my.bsomusic.org/overview/18690.
About Mindgrub | Mindgrub Technologies is an award-winning digital agency whose
mission is to create technology that people love to use—technology that makes lives
better, jobs easier, and helps businesses thrive. Since 2002, Mindgrub has led digital transformations for
global leaders including Exelon, NASA, and Wendy’s, and has been featured in Newsweek, CNN, and The
Huffington Post. For more information about how Mindgrub can help your brand, connect with their
experts at mindgrub.com/contact.
About Baltimore Symphony Orchestra | For over a century, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO)
has been recognized as one of America’s leading orchestras and one of Maryland’s most significant
cultural institutions. The orchestra is internationally renowned and locally admired for its innovation,
performances, recordings, and educational outreach initiatives including OrchKids. The BSO performs
annually for more than 275,000 people throughout the State of Maryland. Since 1982, the BSO has
performed at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, and since 2005, with the opening of
The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, MD, the BSO became the nation’s first orchestra
performing its full season of classical and pops concerts in two metropolitan areas. In July 2022, the BSO
once again made musical history with its announcement that Jonathon Heyward would succeed Music
Director Laureate and OrchKids Founder Marin Alsop as the Orchestra’s next Music Director. Maestro
Heyward begins his five-year contract in the 2023-24 season. To learn more, visit bsomusic.org.
About Greater Baltimore Committee | The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) is the leading voice for
the private sector in the Baltimore region, providing insightful economic and civic leadership to drive
collective impact. Composed of more than 500 organizations, including large, mid-size, and small
companies, nonprofits, foundations, and educational and healthcare institutions, the GBC is dedicated
to fostering the prosperity of the Greater Baltimore region. For more information, visit gbc.org