The July 18th River Concert

We had another lovely balmy summer evening for the fifth River Concert Series performance on Friday July 18th on the Green at St. Mary's College of Maryland. The concert began around 7pm as usual and featured Belgian trained pianist, Patrick Dheur.  He played "Symphonic Variations for Piano and Orchestra" by Cesar Frank with a flourish.  Not to be outdone, the Chesapeake Orchestra seemed like it was the largest of the summer, including the harp, many strings, horns, woodwinds and percussion.  

We also enjoyed Tchaikovsky's "Romeo and Juliet:  Fantasy Overture",  the first piece.  Jeffrey Silberschlag introduced the romantic work by saying "Romeo and Juliet answers the musical question;  Why didn't they just give those kids a cell phone?  Cause you know they could have just texted "Priest gave me drugs.   Pope's from Argentina.  Everything's okay.  See  you later, and... no problem.  This is powerful music.  Several times during the rehearsal period, I had to stop because various members of the orchestra found themselves attracted to their stand partners.  You may have that problem too.  Just look away."  

My favorite work for the evening was "Symphony No. 6 'Pathétique'" with the regal sounding march and soaring violins in the Third movement.  It was beautifully played.

                                           Admiral Tim Heely

                                           Patrick Dheur

                     Andrew Llewellyn at the Chesapeake Orchestra tent

                                                                  Jeffrey Silberschlag