River Concert Series Fireworks July 4th, 2025

 The fireworks at the River Concert Series were further across the creek than usual this year.  Unless you were on a boat or on the edge of the water, there were quite a few wires in the photos.  I used AI in some of the photos to remove the wires here, but I thought I would post both, so you can see the difference.  Using photojournalism, I try to show the real event, microphones and all, only using cropping, dust removal, brightening and color correction so you see what actually happened. 

No Wires using AI

Originals with wires

River Concert Series 2025 Information

More about the dates and features of the upcoming River Concert series that I photograph every year for the Chesapeake Orchestra. Calm Reflections Photography has been the official photographer for the series since 2013. Check out the program later to see some of my photos.

https://inside.smcm.edu/events/river-concert-series-2025

Jeffrey Silberschlag, music director

River Concert Series John Williams and Fireworks July 5, 2024

One of the largest crowds I've seen at the concerts graced the lawns of the Townhouse Green at St. Mary's College of Maryland to hear the Chesapeake Orchestra play popular strains of many musical works composed by John Williams.  We heard The Throne Room from Star Wars, The Patriot, The Theme from ET, Superman, Raiders of the Lost Ark and of course, a few patriotic works like Stars and Stripes and The 1812 Overture.  The concert began at 7 pm and while very hot, there were no longer storms in the weather forecast.  In fact, Maestro Jeffrey Silberschlag thanked the Executive Director of the St. Mary's College of Maryland Foundation, Inc. for the improved weather.  He explained that "There was a human sacrifice that took place.  I think we can all agree it was worth it and in time the families will get over it."  We always enjoy his sense of humor!

Please appreciate a few photos from the blockbuster River Concert performance on July 5th, complete with Independence Day Fireworks behind the band shell.  

Chesapeake Orchestra

I love bubbles!

Introduction by Bonnie Green (greeting Jeffrey Silberschlag)

Jeffrey Silberschlag, Music Director

José Cueto Concertmaster

Patriotic Fireworks

River Concert Series Royal Treatment June 30, 2023

Friday’s River Concert on June 30th featured an eclectic combination of music by Copland, Duke Ellington, Prince, Queen, Elvis (the King), Michael Jackson and more.  Superman was the Fireworks musical work of the evening.  The concert began at 7 pm on the green at St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a few sprinkles here and there.  The crowd was huge, with the chance to see fireworks and the vendors filled the road nearby.

Chesapeake Orchestra

Rick Humpries Solo on Sax

Jeffrey Silberschlag, Music Director