A talented seventh-grader from Baltimore County is already about to fulfill one of his lifelong goals: Singing solo onstage, backed by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
Gabriel Orsini, 13, will be performing “Walking on the Air” at The Meyerhoff in the BSO’s five performances of The Snowman conducted by Nicholas Hersh later this month and in early December. The production is based off of a 1978 children’s book about a magical snowman and winter weather. It’s part of the orchestra’s holiday lineup, which we’ve conveniently laid out for you here.
A prodigiously talented singer, Orsini’s name didn’t just pop out of nowhere upon his selection. He has been training for such glory, singing with the Peabody Children’s Chorus since he was six years old and studying with Madeleine Gray, an internationally known opera singer who chairs the vocal department at the Peabody Institute. He has already had the opportunity to sing with the BSO as part of a group. He and others previously performed Mahler’s 3rd Symphony with the famed area ensemble.
However, this will be his first opportunity to step into the limelight with the 80 or so musicians playing behind him. Needless to say, he’s excited, if not a bit nervous.
“I’ll be a little bit nervous, I’m sure. I’ve never had this experience,” Orsini said in a profile from Baltimore County Public Schools. “But I’m really looking forward to standing there with all that power behind you, the power of all those instruments and musicians. It’s hard to find that kind of opportunity, and it’s hard to find a better orchestra than the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.”
When he’s not preparing to sing before thousands, Orsini studies vocal performance, theater and stringed bass at Sudbrook Magnet Middle School in Pikesville.
The Snowman has five scheduled performances: Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; Friday, Dec. 2, at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 3, at 11 a.m. Click here and here to buy tickets.
