River Concert Series Classic Finale at St Marys College of Maryland, July 24, 2026

Here are my photos of the last River Concert at St Mary's College of Maryland.  Since 1999, there have been summer concerts at the College.  They have been wildly popular in St Mary's County, even attracting people from nearby counties, states and tourists, even people who weren't total classical music lovers.  Crowds averaged 4500 people at one point.

We have been fans for years and years, but I am not sure if we attended the first concert.  Jim and I officially became the photographers in 2013, but before that I wrote concert reviews with photos for the Baynet for several years 2010-2013. (https://thebaynet.com/author/cap-joanna-macaulay-of-calm-reflections-photography/). We even helped out in 2020 when the concerts were on Youtube.  We are sad to see the end, as thousands of other people are as well.  

Jeffrey Silberschlag  is actively searching for other locations for the Chesapeake Orchestra concerts, so if you have a place to offer them with space for many people, please let him know through the college or even contact me (Joanna Macaulay) through my email.  Jeffrey stated before the Hayden Farewell piece, "We'll see you again somewhere, some way."

This last series concert featured Mozart, Rossini "Barber of Seville", Verdi, Tchaikovsky "Romeo and Juliet" and Hayden.  The last two works were the most powerful "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber, one of the most heartbreakingly tragic, haunting musical works ever written.  Jeffrey's introduction to the work said "This is the string piece that lets you know how I feel about this whole thing, better than words."  It was followed by Hayden's "Farewell Symphony #45 IV Finale" where the Chesapeake Orchestra musicians left the stage in ones and twos, leaving Jose Cueto and a female violinist alone on the stage even after the conductor left.

To learn more about new plans for the Chesapeake Orchestra in the future, please visit chesapeakeorchestra.org

Chesapeake Orchestra

The large crowd

The back of the tent which I frequently visited

The fruit drink stand "She's Fresh Lemonade"

Farm Fork Soul by Head of the Bay Ventures in Clements, MD was overrun with hungry concert goers, but they must have been prepared for a crowd.

David Hautanen, VP for enrollment management introduced the concert

Jeffrey Silberschlag, Music Director

Timpani

Horn players

Woodwinds

 Viola player

Double Bass players, Bill Hones on left

Violin players

Arts Alliance Tent

Play

Jose Cueto

Jeffrey Silberschlag, trumpet solo

Jose Cueto waves goodbye

Cellist

Jose Cueto and Jeffrey Silberschlag shake hands after the "Farewell Symphony Finale"

Chesapeake Orchestra last bow

Audience response to the Finale

A few more photos of the River Concert on June 26th

Due to a bit of a mixup, I was delayed sharing these favorite photos from the first River Concert this year.  These were some photos of the Chesapeake Orchestra that I left out earlier.  

Please join us for the next two free River Concerts at St. Mary's College of Maryland, 7pm July 17th, on the Townhouse green.  This week's performance features a Brazilian couple, singer/songwriter/pianist, John and Debora Watts. (subject to change)

Jeffrey Silbershclag, music director

Jose Cueto, 1st violin

cellist

Woodwinds

Bass player

Going Baroque River Concert on July 10th, 2026

 The River Concert on July 10th was wonderful, starring the Chesapeake Orchestra with Music Director and trumpeter, Jeffrey Silberschlag, Jose Cueto on violin, Zachary Silberschlag on trumpet and Kathryn Farenish on piccolo. Jeffrey and Zachary played a lively piece, Vivaldi's "Trumpet Concerto for Two Trumpets". The baroque concert featured traditional classical music by Vivaldi, Handel and Bach. The concert ended with "Jazz Pizzicato" (a fairly recognizable piece with lots of plucked strings), by Leroy Anderson. Anderson was also composer of "Sleigh Ride", (often shared with the Chesapeake Orchestra in the past).

There was a strong rain storm between 5 and 6 pm between the sound check and the concert. Most of the musicians were off stage at the time and it cooled off the heat a little. I was glad we had some rain covers! Fortunately, much of the large crowd arrived after the rain and enjoyed the more pleasant temperature.

The concert on July 17th includes Debora Watts, a Brazilian singer/songwriter and her husband John Watts, pianist. (subject to change). The free River Concert is held on the Townhouse Green at St. Mary's College of Maryland at 7 pm.

Enjoy my photos and please share with your music loving friends.

Jose Cueto on violin

Zachary Silberschlag on trumpet

Zachary and Jeffrey Silberschlag on trumpet

Kathryn Farenish on piccolo

What a smile!

A few photos of the June 26th River Concert with Melissa Errico and Randy Waldman

Melissa Errico was a lively and talented Broadway singer, who had performed at the River Concert Series in the past.  This time she also brought along Randy Waldman, as guest pianist (who worked with Barbara Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson and Beyonce) and an active military man, Kevin Paul, (bugle player) involved with the Doughboy Foundation.  She wore 4 different amazing dresses during the performance.  

Melissa Errico with Kevin Paul

Bill Hones, double bass player from the Chesapeake Orchestra with Melissa Errico and Randy Waldman