Maryland's music scene will shine on the world stage this summer, as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra travels abroad for a tour through the United Kingdom and Ireland.

From August 21-30, the BSO will make stops in London, Edinburgh, and Dublin, making itself known as a strong cultural ambassador for the city of Baltimore and the entire state of Maryland.

The tour will kick off with two nights at the Edinburgh International Festival, and end with a performance at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, marking the BSO's first-ever performance in Ireland. In between, the orchestra will make its debut at the BBC's Henry Woods Promenade Concerts – otherwise known as The Proms – a summer series of classical music performances held at the famed Royal Albert Hall in London. The BSO is the only professional American orchestra to perform at this year's Edinburgh Festival, and one of three to perform at The Proms.

This nine-day, four-concert tour will be director Marin Alsop's international debut with the BSO, and the orchestra's first international tour in nearly 15 years. Alsop became the first woman to head a major American orchestra in 2007.

The Baltimore Symphony has been recognized as one of America's top orchestras for more than a century. While Maryland's preeminent orchestra is already internationally known, the upcoming tour is sure to increase admiration and respect not only for the BSO, but for Maryland and its many activities related to recreation, culture, and arts.

The BSO is the state's largest cultural organization, with performances reaching more than 350,000 attendees throughout Maryland every year. To learn more and purchase tickets for upcoming performances, visit www.bsomusic.org.