River Concert Series July 19, 2024

The last River Concert of the summer was presented at the usual venue, on the townhouse green at St. Mary's College of Maryland at 7 pm.  The previous concert for July 12th was cancelled due to rain and is hopefully planned for Nov 8th indoors, but the weather was fairly good for this one.  The Chesapeake Orchestra was in good form, and I particularly liked "The Firebird Suite", by Igor Stravinsky.

Chesapeake Orchestra

Susan Paul, St. Mary's College of Maryland Foundation Introduced the concert

Bryan Bourne on trombone

Kathryn Farenish, flutist

cellist

Chesapeake Orchestra at sunset

The harpist's hands

Jeffrey Silberschlag, Music Director, conducting

Backstage

French horn players

José Cueto, concertmaster and 1st violinist

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 June 28, 2024 Duke Ellington

We enjoyed listening to Duke Ellington Jazz on Friday night at St. Mary's College of Maryland on the Townhouse Green, 7 PM.  There was a fun preconcert by some of the talented musical students from SMCM.  It was two jazz groups for the (free) price of one!  Jeffrey Silberschlag, music director was sharing his usual humor with the crowd, although I think he reserves some for the musicians.  We heard some well known toe tapping pieces like "Take the "A" Train", "Prelude to a Kiss" and "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)".

Next Friday, July 5th, 7 pm should be wonderful with John Williams music, "1812 Overture" and fireworks if the weather and such permit it.  (Always subject to change)  Check for any updates at the SMCM.edu website.  You might want to be there early, since it is usually a crowd pleaser.  Free concert, donations accepted.

Student Jazz Ensemble

Gail Harmon, SMCM Board of Trustees, introduced Jeffrey Silberschlag

Saxs

Trumpets

Jazz behind the tent

Sax Soloists