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

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!

Going Baroque tonight at the River Concert Series July 10, 2026

Performing tonight at the River Concert Series on the Townhouse Green of St. Mary's College of Maryland are Jose Cueto, 1st violin and concertmaster, Zachary Silberschlag, trumpeter and Kathryn Farenish, flutist, in "Going Baroque: Bach, Handel and Vivaldi". The concert starts at 7 pm. It should be a pleasant evening. (subject to change)

Zachary Silbershlag conducting while Jeffrey Silberschlag performs on trumpet

Zachary Silbersclag on trumpet

Kathryn Farenish on flute

Jose Cueto on violin

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River Concert Series Continues with the Chesapeake Orchestra on June 26th

 The Chesapeake Orchestra at the River Concert Series starts Friday June 26, 2026.  The concerts run Friday nights 7-9 pm through July 24th at St. Mary's College of Maryland on the Townhouse green.  Parking and the concerts are free and donations for the concerts are encouraged.  There are always plenty of food vendors available for your enjoyment, although you may also bring your own, (just not your pet).  Do bring a chair or blanket.  

The venue is divided into three sections, serious listening at the front for quiet watchers, casual listening in the middle and serious socializing at the back for family and friends with community gatherings or active families.  The music ranges from serious classical, to light classics and jazz, and some patriotic favorites near Independence Day on July 3rd.

Be sure to pick up a program with lots of information and even some photographs by Calm Reflections Photography.  They are usually available at the Arts Alliance tent if you can't find one.  I have been the official photographer since 2013.  
The planned performance schedule is below with details in the link. (subject to change)

https://inside.smcm.edu/events/river-concert-series-2026

Please join me in supporting the River Concert Series.  You won't regret it.  You are welcome to check out my favorite photos, posted for the last several weeks under Calm Reflections Photography Facebook to get you in the mood.  Please share with your friends.

Melissa Errico on June 26th

Thomas Pandolfi on July 3rd along with 

Ballet Caliente also on July 3rd

Sheryl-Marie Dunaway of Ballet Caliente

Jose Cueto on July 10th also

Zachary Silberschlag on July 10th

(Deborah Watts, Brazilin Singer and John Watts, Pianist, not pictured) on July 17th

https://www.deborawatts.com

Jeffrey Silbserschlag on July 24th