Event provides an intimate look at Maryland Hall

Yes, there was a "Gala Concert" at Maryland Hall Sunday evening that included performances by the remarkably gifted young singers and dancers from Bobbi Smith's Talent Machine Company, the Annapolis Opera, the Ballet Theatre of Annapolis and the Annapolis Chorale.

But the true meaning of Sunday's third annual "All for the Hall" fund-raising celebration was on display earlier in the evening as hundreds strolled through the venerable structure to sample the creative arts on a less formal, more personal basis.

"This year we wanted to provide a different twist on what we usually do," said Dr. Denis Younger, president of the Maryland Hall board of directors. "Instead of feeding people, then giving them a concert, we wanted to have people meet the hall itself."

So, with pastry, champagne and cold drinks available for the asking, the hall and its inhabitants went to work.

In a third-floor room, J. Ernest Green and his Annapolis Chorale serenaded listeners with selections from Randall Thompson's "Frostiana," musical settings of the poetry of Robert Frost.

In one of the second-floor galleries, artwork from the younger set was on display: wonderfully creative dolls, wizards and tree trunk castles from the students of Carol Kriewald, and adorably personable animals from the students of Andrea Olney-Wall.

Soprano Amy Van Roekel and baritone Byron Jones presented delightful selections from John Gay's "Beggar's Opera," and in the downstairs gym there was the elegant athleticism of the Kuumba African Dance program.

Bonnie Roth, portraitist and resident artist at Maryland Hall since 1982, was happy to point out the many benefits she receives from the Maryland Hall atmosphere in which she teaches and works.

"We truly help each other here," she said. "If I'm working from a photograph and need a fresh pair of eyes, I can consult with one of our photographers. And I just love the high windows of this old school building. It's great lighting for portraits."

With the music of Mozart echoing in the background, Diana Smear, whose two daughters have studied dance at the hall, summed up the feelings of many at the celebrations: "I'm just so glad this place is here. I love what it does for all of us."