St. Mary’s College of Maryland President Joseph Urgo is pleased to announce its cornerstone family and community-centric event—the River Concert Series, under the direction of Professor of Music Jeffrey Silberschlag —will continue in 2013 and beyond.

“The college is committed to the continuing success of the River Concert Series,” said President Urgo. “We are well underway with preparations for the 2013 season, even as we explore recommendations by the River Concert Series Task Force. Task force members have demonstrated that there is overwhelming support for the series throughout the community and their recommendations give us renewed confidence that we can develop a sustainable model that benefits the community and strengthens the college’s educational opportunities.”

The River Concert Series Task Force recently released its report to St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s president for his consideration. Last spring, President Urgo charged the task force with creating a plan to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the River Concert Series. The 17-member task force was composed of college trustees, staff, faculty, sponsors, members of the Chesapeake Orchestra and the Arts Alliance of St. Mary’s College, as well as residents from the Southern Maryland community. The report included five recommendations for the college’s consideration:

• Recommendation #1: Continue the River Concert Series at St. Mary’s College of Maryland
• Recommendation #2: Explore an alternative business model that provides for collaboration with the Chesapeake Orchestra
• Recommendation #3: Create new ways to further generate reliable revenues for the River Concert Series
• Recommendation #4: Enhance organizational structure for the River Concert Series
• Recommendation #5: Address several issues of importance to the community 

Based on the second recommendation, a new business model between the college and the Chesapeake Orchestra is being examined. The task force also suggested exploring ways to generate consistent revenue. For example, the group proposed that the concert start time revert back to 7:00 p.m. and suggested that the college explore charging a parking fee among other possible revenue enhancements. The college will review these and other options, with the intent to minimize the impact on concertgoers as the college prepares for planning the 2013 season.

“I am excited by what the future will hold for the River Concert Series,” said President Urgo. “Through the college’s collaboration and partnership with the Chesapeake Orchestra, we will work to provide new ways to captivate, convene and entertain the college and Southern Maryland community. In the summer of 2013 as it has been in the past, St. Mary’s College of Maryland will be the place to be on Friday evenings.”

The River Concert Series Task Force’s full report.