A quick game of musical chairs will see Stephen Jacobsohn, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's much-admired manager of artistic administration, head uptown to the Shriver Hall Concert Series, succeeding David Baldwin as executive director. The series, in its 44th year, is Baltimore's primary importer of recitalists and chamber ensembles, providing a starry lineup on a par with the best presenting organizations in the country.

"We're very excited about Stephen," said Jephta Drachman, president of the Shriver Hall series, said Friday. "He's smart and hard-working, a real gentleman. And he really loves music."

"I'm thrilled for him," BSO president/CEO Paul Meecham said. "It's a great opportunity for him and I know he'll be very successful." Jacobsohn's hiring "reflects well on him and on us, too," Meecham added. "My philosophy is hire good people, but don't expect them to stay forever."

For his part, Jacobsohn said he is "sorry to leave the BSO, but excited to be involved with this incredible organization. There are challenges, of course, but the people there are so dedicated," he said. 

Before joining the BSO four years ago, Jacobsohn worked for a New York-based artists management firm. He's also a cellist (his graduate degree is from the Manhattan School of Music), and, while working in the BSO administration, he did occasional sub work for the orchestra, as well as for other ensembles in the region.

Jacobson starts at Shriver Hall on May 15.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHRIVER HALL CONCERT SERIES