The Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra’s (BAMSO) mission: We believe that music enriches the lives of people of all ages. Through our diverse music programming, accessible venues and no cost concerts, we provide the citizens of Blue Ash, Montgomery and surrounding areas with an enjoyable, affordable, quality music experience for audiences of all ages.


Michael Chertock, Music Director, made his professional conducting debut with the Cincinnati Ballet in 1999 in their annual Nutcracker performances.  He assumed the Music Directorship of the Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra in 2003 and leads all of their festival concerts.   

Michael was educated at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music where he studied piano with Frank Weinstock.  He has performed as soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Boston Pops, the Montreal Symphony, the Toronto Symphony and the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestras.  He made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1999 with the Cincinnati Pops, performing Duke Ellington’s New World A’ Comin’. He has toured Asia with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops, and with Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops. He has been Principal Keyboardist for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra since 1991. In 2004, he was appointed Assistant Professor of Piano at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

Michael is a regular performer at the Ravinia Festival in Chicago, Blossom Music Center in Cleveland, and the Grand Tetons Music Festival in Wyoming. He has released four recordings on the Telarc Label.