Photographic Society of America Contest Third Prize

 Just for fun, I entered an International photo contest with the Photographic Society of America.  I am a member and decided Just for fun, I entered an International photo contest with the Photographic Society of America.  I am a member and decided to try photojournalism, a category I practice when I photograph the River Concert Series.  I rarely sell any of them, because it would be hard to get written permission, even though the photos are technically at a public event.  I entered 4 photos and most of them were accepted, but one actually won 2 prizes.  The photos were sent to 4 different regional PSA organizations.  This one won in a multiple tie for third place in the Mid-Atlantic region and honorable mention in the Florida Chapters.  Three out of 4 of my photos were accepted into the competition. They claimed about 30% of the entries would be accepted into the competition, so I figured the odds were fairly good to at least be in the competition.  I liked the photo because it implied a sweet story.  The dancers were from Ballet Caliente.

River Concert Series July 21, 2023

The River Concert Series on the green at St. Mary's College of Maryland is over for the summer, but the last concert was great fun for fans of George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein music.   I am pleased to share some highlights of the concert for your enjoyment.  The evening was blessed with warm sunshine, after 4 concerts with threatening rain.  Jeffrey Silberschlag, music director of the Chesapeake Orchestra conducted some wonderful popular pieces, such as "Rhapsody in Blue", "An American in Paris" and Bernstein works from "On the Town" and "West Side Story".

Jeffrey Silberschlag, music director

Melanie Ashkar, mezzo-soprano

Steffan Sccaggari, solo pianist

Jeffrey Silberschlag received a 25 year award from the St. Mary's Arts Council 

Horns

Chesapeake Orchestra

River Concert Series July 14, 2023

Called "From Paris to Buenos Aires and Back", the concert featured musical works by Piazolla, Milhaud, and Poulenc.  "An American in Paris" might be played next week, since a nasty thunderstorm ended the concert early.  José Cueto, Concertmaster for the Chesapeake Orchestra, played some amazing violin solos during the concert for the enjoyment of the audience.  The concerts are held on the green at St. Mary's College of Maryland on Friday nights at 7 pm.  There is only one concert left, with some blockbuster works by Bernstein and Gershwin and several soloists.  Come out to enjoy it.

Jeffrey Silberschlag, Music Director

Jeffrey and Susan Dyer, Board of Trustees

Stormy weather

José Cueto, concertmaster and First violinist

Bow, Chesapeake Orchestra

River Concert Series 2023 had a Great Start June 23, 2023

Despite the threat of rain, the River concert season started with a very talented guest singer, N'Kenge, a solo by Rick Humphries on saxophone and our own beloved Chesapeake Orchestra, led by Music Director Jeffrey Silberschlag.  The concerts are held on the green at St. Mary's College of Maryland for the next 5 Friday nights at 7 PM.  Do get there early, especially for Fireworks next week (weather permitting).  N'Kenge wowed us with her singing and her gorgeous gowns from New York City.  Music included songs from Divas from the sixties and seventies like Tina Turner, Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin, and Stephen Sondheim.  We especially enjoyed N'Kenge's medley version of "Proud Mary" and "Respect".

N'Kenge

Gail Harmon

Jeffrey Silberschlag, Music Director

Rick Humphries, saxophonist

Jeffrey and Zach Silberschlag

Violas

Vendors

River Concert Series July 15, 2022 Bach to Bop

Friday’s River Concert at St. Marys College of Maryland included such favorites as Vivaldi’s Spring from “the Four Seasons” and “Summertime” sung by Queen Shic with an incredibly high voice.  Her husband, Dontae Winslow, stole the show on his trumpet, with a wonderful rendition of “Stardust” and his own song “Trumpet and a Mic” and many others.  He conducted the Chesapeake Orchestra very enthusiastically several times during the performance.  Mr. Winslow’s accomplishments include composing, trumpet (musician) and orchestrator.  He was involved in several Superbowl half-time shows and the 2022 Oscars.  He came a long way from being Jeff’s trumpet student at the age of 13.

But, there was more.  Jose Cueto first violinist (concertmaster)  performed several times, partly with Sheng Wang.  Zach and Jeffrey Silberschlag did several trumpet pieces, partly with Dontae Winslow.  With so many soloists, there were a lot of photos! 

Jeffrey Silberschlag, music director 

José Cueto, violinist

Queen Shic, Dontae Winslow

Zachary Silberschlag, trumpter

Cellists

Violist

Next week’s show possibly includes works by Stravinsky and/or David Froom and vocal music composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams.