Dust off those picnic blankets and gather your loved ones for a delightful evening of symphony under the stars. The award-winning River Concert Series, having brought the Southern Maryland community together through music for an incredible 25 years, is back for another season. Starting June 23, a captivating selection of five free concerts will serenade you every Friday evening, painting a musical mosaic in the open air.
These performances will commence at 7 p.m. on June 23 and 30, and July 7, 14, and 21. Join us on the charming Townhouse Green at St. Mary's College of Maryland (SMCM), the picturesque backdrop to these musical gatherings. Fireworks are tentatively scheduled to follow the June 30 concert - please check the website for confirmation as the concert date approaches.
The concert series is a harmonious collaboration between SMCM and the accomplished Chesapeake Orchestra, with the baton held by esteemed SMCM Professor of Music, Jeffrey Silberschlag. These enchanting melodies will transcend generations, promising an evening of fun for the whole family. The programs will offer a variety of musical genres for every taste.
As the music wafts through the air, tantalize your taste buds too! A variety of food and beverage vendors will be available to cater to your cravings. Or, feel free to bring your own picnic basket. Just don't forget your blankets or lawn chairs to settle in comfortably (but kindly leave your furry friends at home).
For all the details, visit the River Concert Series website at https://www.smcm.edu/river-concert/.
Mark your calendars! We're thrilled to weave music, community, and the joy of summer together once again at the River Concert Series. See you by the river!
Individual program themes are as follows:
June 23 @ 7 p.m.: Legends
N’Kenge, vocalist
Jeffrey Silberschlag, trumpet soloist
Leonard Bernstein – On the Town
Stephen Sondheim arranged by William Thomas Mckinley – Nothings Gonna Hurt You & Joanna
Music selections from The American Trumpet CD with the Seattle Symphony
Music of the great DIVAS of the Sixties and Seventies, including iconic songs of Whitney Houston, Dione Warwick, and Diana Ross
June 30 @ 7 p.m.: The Royal Treatment
Duke Ellington – Three Black Kings
Queen – The Best of Queen!
Prince – Greatest Hits
Copland – Fanfare for the Common Man & Rodeo
John Williams – Superman!
July 7 @ 7 p.m.: Direct from Italy: The Alba Music Festival’s 20th Anniversary Season
Thomas Pandolfi, pianist
G. Rossini – Overture to The Barber of Seville & Overture to La Gazza Ladra
S. Rachmaninov – Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini
Ludwig Van Beethoven – Symphony No. 6 “The Pastorale Symphony”
July 14 @ 7 p.m.: From Paris to Buenos Aires and back
José Cueto, violinist
Poulenc – Sinfonietta.
Milhaud – Concertino de printemps op 135
Piazzolla – Verano – (Summer) from The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires / Oblivion
Gershwin – An American in Paris
July 21 @ 7 p.m.: The Grandest Finale
Bernstein and Gershwin FOR THE WIN!
Melanie Ashkar, vocalist
Steff Sccaggari, piano soloist
Bernstein – West Side Story Suite & Songs
Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue
