Jeffrey Silberschlag, director of the Chesapeake Orchestra, talks about the impact the River Concert Series has on the community, at left is St. Mary’s College VP for Facilities Charles “Chip” Jackson. – The Bay Net photos by Sean Rice

If all moves forward as planned, the River Concert Series at St. Mary’s College of Maryland will move to a new permanent home by the summer 2008 season.

The St. Mary’s College of Maryland Foundation is undertaking a project to construct a new community amphitheater on the campus’s “Townhouse Green.”

Plans for the $2 million pavilion include a permanent raised brick stage platform at the west end of the “Green” where the current summer River Concert Series is staged each June and July.

In addition, the facility will allow for expanded usage from April to November, including additional concerts, theater productions, vocal and dance performances, operas, outdoor films, and College academic exercises.

Jeffrey Silberschlag, director of the Chesapeake Orchestra, and Charles Jackson, VP for Facilities at the college, gave an update of the project to the St. Mary’s County Commissioners Dec. 12.

The county board also approved a “memorandum of understanding” with the college, a final step before the county’s $250,000 contribution toward the project for 2007 is released. Another $250,000 has already been secured from the state capital budget as well.

When meeting with the commissioners, Silberschlag, conductor of the resident ensemble of the River Concert Series, discussed the social benefits and tourism impact of the River Concert Series.

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St. Mary’s Commissioners Larry Jarboe, left, and Dan Raley, talk with Silberschlag

According to a project description prepared by Jackson, the stage will be approximately 90 feet wide by 55 feet deep. A “Saddleback” tent will be procured as part of the project that will cover the permanent stage for River Concerts Series performances and other events at the College, but will be removed and stored when no events are planned.

The support building will provide 500 square feet for storage and 500 square feet for a green room and a reception area for visiting artists and speakers.

Also included is a brick paved drive around the perimeter of the stage and a loading dock to facilitate access by service vehicles. The brick drive will be enlarged in front of the stage to accommodate an orchestra for plays and opera type venues.

“The River Concert Series at St. Mary’s College of Maryland provides the citizens of the region with high-quality, professional performances each June-July, enriching cultural offerings while raising the profile of Southern Maryland throughout the state,” Jackson wrote.