musical philosophy

A dynamic conductor, performer, educator, and arts administrator Liam Cunningham serves as the Director of String Ensembles for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s El Sistema inspired program, OrchKids. In this capacity he works with three levels of string ensembles and engages over 85 students from across Baltimore City.

Passionate about working with youth ensembles, Liam is committed to concert presentations and projects that resonate deeply with his community. In pursuit of this work he has continued to champion the works of underrepresented composers and styles across all of his ensembles. He is a true believer that classical music is not only European music and that great instrumental music resonates with everyone, regardless of background, race, or country of origin.

Highlights of his work with OrchKids String Ensembles include artistic collaborations with Marin Alsop (Conductor Laureate, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra), Jonathan Heyward (Music Director, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra), Baltimore Artist and Rapper Wordsmith. His ensemble students have also been featured alongside world class musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, and the Dance Theater of Harlem, amongst many others.

Outside of OrchKids, Liam is a chamber music coach with the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra and has served as a faculty member for the Peabody Innovation and Music Academy for the past two summers.

Notable teachers and mentors include Marin Alsop, Margaret Phillips, Bruce Hangen, and Andrew Altenbach.