BWW Reviews: Baltimore's Star Spangled Symphony Commemorates War of 1812

What a night it was June 17 at Baltimore's Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. As one approached the concert hall prior to the highly anticipated concert, serenading concert goers was England's Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines in their spiffy starched uniforms with their distinguishing white helmets. I spoke to Captain Rich Harvey, from Lympstone, Devon, who stated the 26 musicians were really enjoying their stay in Baltimore.  He recalled his last visit was in 1996 on the Royal Yacht with Queen Elizabeth. 

Inside the Meyerhoff  concert hall at the back of the stage was a gigantic United States flag circa 1812 with 15 stars, 15 stripes and the reason that tickets to the concert were only $15.

Maestra Alsop was outfitted in a stunning white jacket with gold buttons and black pants. The musicians likewise were wearing  white blazers and black slacks.

Joining the BSO were the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters Chorus, and Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley's  Irish rock band, O'Malley's March.

The audience was treated to a World Premiere of Philip Glass' "Overture for 2012", co-commissioned by the City of Toronto, the Luminato Festival of Arts and Creativity, the Maryland State Arts Council, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony.  The piece was being performed simultaneously in Baltimore and Toronto.

What a success this six minute overture was. It was typical Glass with his famous off-beats, syncopation, interesting percussion and wonderful French horns.  The overture got a thunderous ovation and I'm sure it will be played over and over again.

The  15 member Sea Chanters in their starch white Naval uniforms did a funny a cappella rendition of "The Drunken Sailor" followed by an Armed Forces Medley which included themes from the Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Army, and Navy.  Members of the respective  organizations, many in uniform, were encouraged to stand while their respective theme was performed.  Another thunderous ovation followed.

The BSO followed with music from the Mel Gibson film "The Patriot" by John Williams.

Originally from Boston, Charles' first college show was "Barefoot in the Park," he played the role of the telephone repairman. Next came "How to Succeed..." in which he played in the ensemble and then Chairman of the Board. He appeared in "Fiddler on the Roof" at the White Marsh Dinner Theatre as Lazar Wolf. Charles' daughter Britt played one of Tevye's younger daughters. Britt later completed a five year stint in Broadway's "Mamma Mia!" as the Sophie understudy. Charles conducts theatre trips to Broadway shows as the "Shubow Shuttle."