Showing posts with label St. Mary's College of Maryland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St. Mary's College of Maryland. Show all posts
Monday, July 21, 2014
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
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
Thursday, July 17, 2014
The River Concert on July 11th was a Great Night for Song
Highlights of last Friday’s concert, conducted by Larry Vote, included music from Puccini’ s “Madama Butterfly”, Verdi’s “La Traviata” and the Bridal Chorus from “Lohengrin” by Wagner. The “Bridal Chorus” often thought of as “Here Comes the Bride”, was sung in German. I kind of knew it had origins other than that well known piece used as the processional for weddings, but many of us haven’t heard it with the words. Interesting. The concert was held on the green at St. Mary’s College of Maryland at 7:00pm as usual and included popular Arias, choruses and overtures from operas. Larry described the evening as a box of chocolates with a variety of flavors.
Guest star Danielle Talamantes had a spectacular soprano voice, with wonderful voice control, power and lots of expression. She was dressed in an eye catching full length purple gown which added color to the “Italian patriotic” tent spotlights of green, yellow, and red. The Chesapeake Orchestra and the River Concert Series Chorus shared the stage throughout the concert. All of the participants took turns as the predominant musical focus. I thought the chorus sounded wonderful even though they only had 3 practices! (I would have loved to join them if I hadn’t been the photographer)
Here are a few photos…
Monday, July 7, 2014
Wonderful Big Band Friday Night at the River Concert
Jeffrey Silberschlag, music director commented "...I want to also thank Maryland once again for not sticking needlessly out into the Atlantic like North Carolina"
The concert featured Stephanie Jordan, a very talented and expressive jazz singer from New Orleans. She was a last minute addition to the program and is a big Lena Horne fan. Some of her songs included "On a Clear Day", "I'm Beginning to See the Light" and "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man".
Fireworks ended the program , but it was quite windy, so I was surprised that they still went up as planned. Solomon's Island moved their fireworks to Saturday night!
by Jim Macaulay
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
A Jazzy Finale Ended the River Concert 2013 Series on July 26th
For once we had beautiful temperate weather for the last big River Concert of the summer last Friday night at St. Mary's College of MD. The concert featured a young talented singer from Charles County, Sara Gray, and the Chesapeake Orchestra Big Band.
I was quite busy, wandering around trying to view the concert from new angles, in search of unique images. I try to avoid taking similar shots so there would be quite a few different photos to share. Here are a few photos to entice you to view my full review on the BayNet.
http://www.thebaynet.com/news/index.cfm/fa/viewstory/story_ID/33073
I was quite busy, wandering around trying to view the concert from new angles, in search of unique images. I try to avoid taking similar shots so there would be quite a few different photos to share. Here are a few photos to entice you to view my full review on the BayNet.
http://www.thebaynet.com/news/index.cfm/fa/viewstory/story_ID/33073
I liked the red light from the sunset on this one.
Sara Gray singing and Don Stapleson, saxophonist, having fun
Monday, July 15, 2013
Everybody was Singing at the River Concert last Friday Night
We attended the River Concert on Friday July 12th, guest conducted by my friend and former choir director, Larry Vote. The evening at St. Mary's College of Maryland featured the music of Aaron Copeland, one of my favorite orchestral composers.
The RCS choir was huge, filling the whole back of the stage. I wanted to be sure to get some pictures of them since they are hard to see behind the Chesapeake Orchestra.
I especially enjoyed "I Got Me a Cat" with humorous words and silly animal sounds (sung by Bob McDonald) and "Ching a Ring Cha". To read more about the concert and see a couple dozen photos, see my Bay Net story at http://www.thebaynet.com/news/index.cfm/fa/viewstory/story_ID/32900
Here's a few photos to whet your appetite.
The RCS choir was huge, filling the whole back of the stage. I wanted to be sure to get some pictures of them since they are hard to see behind the Chesapeake Orchestra.
I especially enjoyed "I Got Me a Cat" with humorous words and silly animal sounds (sung by Bob McDonald) and "Ching a Ring Cha". To read more about the concert and see a couple dozen photos, see my Bay Net story at http://www.thebaynet.com/news/index.cfm/fa/viewstory/story_ID/32900
Here's a few photos to whet your appetite.
Bob McDonald
The RCS Choir
The Chesapeake Orchestra
STEM Science vendor making science fun
Monday, July 8, 2013
Star Spangled Night at the River Concerts!
We spent an enjoyable evening at the River Concert at St. Mary's College of Maryland on Friday, July 5th listening to patriot favorites and songs of the sea and sailors. We had NO rain. Jeffrey Silberschlag, the music director remarked that, "Last week we played "La Mer (The Sea)" and we were almost washed away". Actually, I'm not sure if the Chesapeake Orchestra actually played "La Mer", but it was a funny comment anyway.
Volunteering for theBaynet.com and the Chesapeake Orchestra means I take lots of pictures and try to get a sampling of everything going on during the concert and at the location. This includes the vendors, the orchestra members, the special performers. the weather and the crowd. Of course, for this concert there were also FIREWORKS! The only photos I didn't get a chance to take were of people dressed up for the fourth of July. I just didn't see anyone in red, white, and blue. I did notice that some people even brought a table to eat upon and others brought a small tent. (I haven't figured out why they needed the tent though.) I got some lovely pictures of the very photogenic and talented soprano soloist, Ms. Jennifer Page. She posed very nicely for me while waiting to go on stage.
I just love all that patriotic music! Who can resist Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, even if he wasn't an American. And John Phillip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes".
I'll give you a few photos here, but please click on the BayNet.com for my full set of photos and a review of the concert.
Don't miss next Friday, July 12th at 7 P. M. for Everybody's Singing. The concert will be conducted by Larry Vote, my former choir master and friend. Much of the music will be Aaron Copland.
Volunteering for theBaynet.com and the Chesapeake Orchestra means I take lots of pictures and try to get a sampling of everything going on during the concert and at the location. This includes the vendors, the orchestra members, the special performers. the weather and the crowd. Of course, for this concert there were also FIREWORKS! The only photos I didn't get a chance to take were of people dressed up for the fourth of July. I just didn't see anyone in red, white, and blue. I did notice that some people even brought a table to eat upon and others brought a small tent. (I haven't figured out why they needed the tent though.) I got some lovely pictures of the very photogenic and talented soprano soloist, Ms. Jennifer Page. She posed very nicely for me while waiting to go on stage.
I just love all that patriotic music! Who can resist Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, even if he wasn't an American. And John Phillip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes".
I'll give you a few photos here, but please click on the BayNet.com for my full set of photos and a review of the concert.
Don't miss next Friday, July 12th at 7 P. M. for Everybody's Singing. The concert will be conducted by Larry Vote, my former choir master and friend. Much of the music will be Aaron Copland.
The Chesapeake Orchestra
Jennifer Page, soprano
Friday, June 28, 2013
Second River Concert at St. Mary's College of Maryland Performs Tonight.
The second River Concert of the season starts tonight, June 28th, at 7pm featuring "“Peter, that Wolf,” &
other Wild Things". The concerts are held on the green in St. Mary's City at St. Mary's College of Maryland by the Chesapeake Orchestra. Please come!
Last week's concert included some of our favorite works like Richard Rodger's "The Sound of Music" and "The Emperor's Waltz" by J Strauss Jr. To read my review of last week's Friday night concert at The BayNet.com visit:
http://www.thebaynet.com/news/index.cfm/fa/viewstory/story_ID/32633
Last week's concert included some of our favorite works like Richard Rodger's "The Sound of Music" and "The Emperor's Waltz" by J Strauss Jr. To read my review of last week's Friday night concert at The BayNet.com visit:
http://www.thebaynet.com/news/index.cfm/fa/viewstory/story_ID/32633
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Last River Concert of the 2012 Season Supported Local Talent
Former jazz ensemble director Rick Humphrey performed a wonderful
solo on sax at the River Concert last week at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
To see more of our local talented musicians and read about
last week’s River Concert, please read my review at the Bay
Net I reviewed the last five
concerts. You’ll have to wait till next
June to see more River Concerts on the green, but the Chesapeake Orchestra will
continue performances in other locations. What a great season!
Monday, July 23, 2012
River Concert Review on the BayNet
Here's the link to the July 20th River Concert story on the BayNet and a bonus photo.
Next week is the last River Concert this year, complete with jazz and folk music! Don't miss it!
Next week is the last River Concert this year, complete with jazz and folk music! Don't miss it!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
St. Mary's College River Concert: July 6th
We enjoyed the holiday River Concert last Friday very much. The Chesapeake Orchestra tends to play very well known classical works for the holiday concert, since the crowd tends to be larger and have lots of children. Who can resist fireworks accompanied by "The 1812 Overture" and "Stars and Stripes Forever". We are so lucky to experience such top notch music nearby! To read my review of the July 6th Concert, check out River Concert Delights the Audience with "That Independent Feeling" at The Bay Net. There are actually two published Bay Net stories. My review only has one photo of the Jazz Vocalist featured at the concert, Hilary Kole. She was fantastic. The other story has quite a few photos and a brief description about the evening and is called "Annual River Concert Series".
Tomorrow night's (July 13) 8 P.M. concert is guest conducted by my past choir director and friend Larry Vote, featuring vocal works by Handel and Purcell including "Music for the Royal Fireworks" and The Hallelujah Chorus from "Messiah". Don't miss it!
Tomorrow night's (July 13) 8 P.M. concert is guest conducted by my past choir director and friend Larry Vote, featuring vocal works by Handel and Purcell including "Music for the Royal Fireworks" and The Hallelujah Chorus from "Messiah". Don't miss it!
Monday, July 2, 2012
St Mary's College of MD River Concert June 29th, 2012
I've been away in Pennsylvania and Virginia for a month and just got back in time to see the 2nd wonderful River Concert of the season. We missed the first concert on June 22 (boo hoo) which was apparently fairly stormy. It featured two talented young sister violinists, Jessica and Katelyn Lyons To read my review of the June 29th concert visit the BayNet at: http://www.thebaynet.com/news/index.cfm/fa/viewstory/story_ID/28422
More on our other adventures will follow soon.
More on our other adventures will follow soon.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Expect the Unexpected
On Oct 14th,I was wandering around St. Mary's College of Maryland looking for pictures of leaves for a St. Mary's County Camera Club competition. Often I don't find the photo I plan to get, but find something else even better. I was amazed to see waterlilies in October in the small pond.
The lily pads were interesting too. If you are familiar with old video games, the leaves reminded me of an old game. Feel free to guess.
Then, I saw an unexpected treat near sunset. With photography you always need to be prepared for the unexpected. It is worth having several lenses with you just in case. That's life I guess!
By the way, I didn't find any good leaf pictures that day, but I hope to get some soon.
(See also Jan 6, 2011 for a similar theme blog post)
The lily pads were interesting too. If you are familiar with old video games, the leaves reminded me of an old game. Feel free to guess.
Then, I saw an unexpected treat near sunset. With photography you always need to be prepared for the unexpected. It is worth having several lenses with you just in case. That's life I guess!
By the way, I didn't find any good leaf pictures that day, but I hope to get some soon.
(See also Jan 6, 2011 for a similar theme blog post)
Sunday, July 24, 2011
River Concert 6: The Eternal Flame Goes On Despite the Heat
A number of die hard music lovers and the Chesapeake Orchestra attended the River Concert on Friday July 22nd at 730PM,at St. Mary’s College of Maryland in the sweltering heat of high summer. The concert was purposely delayed a half hour, hoping the temperature would drop a little. The college kindly provided four cooling centers with air conditioning and cold water to help avoid health issues in the dangerous heat. Survival required lots of liquid refreshment and a visit to Kona Water Ice or Brewster Ice Cream. The little monkey statues at the Sunshines Catering Vendor described the evening well (pictured).
Judah Adashi’s ”Grace”, a 10 minute work, was presented next and was introduced by the composer. Mr. Adashi explained that the piece was in memory of rock star Jeff Buckley. José Cueto (pictured) expertly played this brief musical work with its soaring falsetto violin part with high notes difficult to even think, and Middle Eastern scales inspired by Adashi’s Israeli parentage.
Adashi’s music was followed by another short work by Jeffrey’s “favorite undead composer, David Froom”. “Amichai Songs” featured an excellent baritone soloist, William Sharp (pictured). While Froom insisted that his third movement, “The House of Lovers” was gentle and romantic, with the words “If we are lucky the house will collapse and the light will be set free for the whole world”, I wasn’t quite sure I agreed.
The highlight of the evening was definitely Gustav Mahler’s “Symphony No. 1 “The Titan”. The early part of the work was about nature and included repeated 2 notes on flute, sort of like raindrops on leaves. Later in the piece, some of the music was written in waltz time (1,2,3!) and the influence of the Hasidic could plainly be heard, along with snatches of “Frére Jacques” in a minor key in the third movement. The last section was definitely the best. How the orchestra survived the last energetic movement without at least one person being escorted away by the Ridge Rescue Squad was unknown, but their determination was much admired.
The evenings fare started with Leonard Bernstein’s “Three Dance Variations” from the ballet “Fancy Free”. This modern work was well played. I enjoyed the 3rd movement Danzon with lots of timpani and other percussion and a similarity to “West Side Story”. The first movement, Galop, was disjointed, abrupt and repetitive, while the Waltz was quieter and jerkier with lots of trumpets.
Judah Adashi’s ”Grace”, a 10 minute work, was presented next and was introduced by the composer. Mr. Adashi explained that the piece was in memory of rock star Jeff Buckley. José Cueto (pictured) expertly played this brief musical work with its soaring falsetto violin part with high notes difficult to even think, and Middle Eastern scales inspired by Adashi’s Israeli parentage.
Adashi’s music was followed by another short work by Jeffrey’s “favorite undead composer, David Froom”. “Amichai Songs” featured an excellent baritone soloist, William Sharp (pictured). While Froom insisted that his third movement, “The House of Lovers” was gentle and romantic, with the words “If we are lucky the house will collapse and the light will be set free for the whole world”, I wasn’t quite sure I agreed.
The highlight of the evening was definitely Gustav Mahler’s “Symphony No. 1 “The Titan”. The early part of the work was about nature and included repeated 2 notes on flute, sort of like raindrops on leaves. Later in the piece, some of the music was written in waltz time (1,2,3!) and the influence of the Hasidic could plainly be heard, along with snatches of “Frére Jacques” in a minor key in the third movement. The last section was definitely the best. How the orchestra survived the last energetic movement without at least one person being escorted away by the Ridge Rescue Squad was unknown, but their determination was much admired.
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