The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra will conclude its summer season this weekend with a pair of free park concerts made possible by the support of the county Department of Recreation and Parks.
The symphony will perform at Downs Park in Pasadena on Saturday and will be featured in a 10th anniversary celebration for Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis on Sunday. Both concerts start at 6:30 p.m. and will last about 90 minutes.
Those who have attended ASO park concerts may remember the easy showmanship of maestro Leslie B. Dunner along with the delightful music and nostalgic charm of the events.
This year's audience will probably be just as enchanted by the program. But Dunner will be missing this year.
Although he is so dedicated to outdoor concerts that he chose to make his ASO debut al fresco two years ago, Dunner will not be available. He has a commitment out of state -- attending the celebration of his parents' 50th wedding anniversary.
In his absence, Dunner has invited a colleague, Cmdr. Michael Alverson, leader of the U.S. Naval Academy Band, to conduct the Annapolis Symphony -- which, adding to the anniversary theme, is embarking on its 40th year.
The Labor Day weekend program of light classics and current show tunes is intended to appeal to the range of tastes found among multigenerational audiences.
Selections will include a tribute to American music legend Irving Berlin; the patriotic marches of John Philip Sousa; and, in recognition of the centennial birthday of composer Aaron Copland, his familiar "Outdoor Overture." The program will also include British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams' "English Folk Song Suite."
The parks department is waiving the entrance fee Saturday and Sunday at Quiet Waters in celebration of its milestone, and waiving the fee 90 minutes before show time at Downs Park on Saturday.
At Quiet Waters, anniversary ceremonies are scheduled for 6:15 p.m. and will include recognition of people who have played a role in the park's creation and success.
Both programs may be canceled in the event of inclement weather.
Information on the Annapolis Symphony season or the status of the park concerts: 410-263-0907.
More park music
In addition to the symphony's performances, both parks have other concerts scheduled this weekend -- each part of a summerlong series.
At Quiet Waters, folk singer Mary Byrd Brown and the pop-rock of Doug Dunn and the One Too Many Band will be featured at 6:30 p.m. Saturday -- part of its 2000 Summer Concert Series. It is the final Saturday program of the season and will conclude an afternoon of anniversary entertainment.
Information: 410-222-1777.
Downs Park will present a children's program with folk musician Sue Trainor from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday as part of its 2000 Bayside Concert Series, which continues through next month. A $4 entrance fee will be charged Sunday for vehicles without a county parks permit.
Information: 410-222-6230.
