Tonight, Friday, July 21, will be an evening of rich music in the Viennese tradition when Jeffrey Silberschlag and the Chesapeake Orchestra welcome the Austrian chamber music ensemble, Haydn Trio Eisenstadt. Together they will perform the world premiere of Estonian composer Jaan Ratts’ new piece for piano trio and orchestra, titled “The Chesapeake Concerto.” The program also includes Franz Liszt’s “Les Preludes, Symphonic Poem No. 3,” and Brahms’ famous piano quartet in G minor, Op. 25 in a remarkable arrangement for full orchestra. The free, open-air concert is on Townhouse Green at St. Mary’s College of Maryland in Southern Maryland. Grounds open at 5 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m.
The Haydn Trio Eisenstadt is one of Austria’s leading chamber music ensembles. Members are Harald Kosik, piano, Verena Stourzh, violin, and Hannes Gradwohl, cello. In addition to regular concerts in Austria, the Haydn Trio Eisenstadt has been on tour to Germany, Italy, France, England, Ireland, Hungary, Israel, Turkey and Switzerland.
Silberschlag explained the title for the evening saying, “In the coffee houses of Vienna, the German phrase ‘mit schlag, bitte’ means ‘with cream, please’ — this concert will be so rich you will think you are in Vienna.”
Rääts’ new musical piece, “The Chesapeake Concerto,” was inspired by the Chesapeake Bay. Rääts is one of the most prolific Estonian composers, and has written more than 130 opuses. His “Concerto for Chamber Orchestra op.16” premiered in 1961 and was one of the breakthroughs for a new generation of Estonian composers. His work is characterized by a neoclassical style that is linked with contemporary compositional techniques, and is often described as lively and energetic.
Along with a night of unforgettable music, concert-goers can also feast on the offerings of more than 25 food vendors, selling everything from gourmet dinners and crab cakes to ice cream treats and tangy barbecue. Offerings along River Festival Avenue include glow sticks for the children, massages for parents, and information about local community organizations. Please do not bring animals.
This is the sixth concert of the season which runs consecutive Friday evenings through July 28.
The River Concert Series is sponsored in part by the Arts Alliance of St. Mary’s College. Learn more about the Arts Alliance and how to become a memeber at www.artsallianceofstmarys.org.
