Music of the Night...

I have never been to Wolf Trap. I seldom go to the Kennedy Center. But, I do go to St. Mary’s College River Concerts. Friday night was the first of the 2009 concerts and it was memorable. In honor of the 375th anniversary of the founding of Maryland, the first selection was 17th century music by Vivaldi, Albinoni, Handel, all wonderful stuff. Mostly trumpet music, but a couple of pieces featured Marie Claire Breen, a Scottish soprano. There’s just something about brass and trumpets that stirs the soul. I suppose that the settlers never heard this music, but I’m sure their spirits enjoyed last night. After the 17th century pieces, there was a debut of “Terrae Mariae – a Creation Story”, a musical composition about the founding of Maryland. It featured spoken parts as well as the music. Very interesting.

What an enjoyable experience the River Concerts are, it’s small enough that parking and walking are not punishing, but large enough to attract world class musicians. It has become the “thing to do” in Southern Maryland in the summer months. You bring some chairs, pack some food from simple to extravagant, stake out a little encampment, and settle in with a glass of wine or other beverage and enjoy yourself. Always run into people you know, like last night out of the crowd appeared our old buddy Roto, back in town for some meetings. Was really great to see him. Food is also available for purchase with a nice selection of fare available. But how can you not like this:



After the break, Maestro made an announcement that the Governor’s Band was next, and in order to preserve schedule, they were only going to play the 2nd and last movement of Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”. Well, the classics bow to the politicians. Not sure what to make of that. But, although abbreviated, it was still enjoyable. Live orchestral music is just so fulfilling. After that, “O’Malley’s March” took the stage. Billed as Celtic Rock, they played some sort of Irish music, and the first piece was backed by the orchestra which sort of resulted in a mish mash, but after that the band pretty much stood on its own. They were very talented, not just a bunch of guys brought along to back up the Gov pretending to be a band.

And speaking of the Gov, last night he wasn’t. Just some guy playing a guitar enjoying himself and sharing music with everyone. I really think he had a great time. How often to you see the governor of a state down on his knees with his guitar? I almost was expecting the duck walk!!

You know, in the end, everyone is just a person, your job may be a governor, or even president of the United States, but inside you are who you are. You play a guitar and sing on a stage in Southern Maryland, or maybe slap a fly on your hand during an interview, and in those rare moments, a real person breaks through. We’re just people.. It was really wonderful to just share the music, food, and companionship last night, forgetting who you were looking at. Good for the soul.

What to do in Southern Maryland – HAH! Tonight will be another concert, but won't feature Mr. O'Malley. But, there will be fireworks!! C'mon Down! See this!



Okay, off to a day of sitting by the Chapel – Happy Birthday Maryland!!

Thanks to Keith Wood for sharing images!!

DFD