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July 1, 2025

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

6 Arts Notes

Christ Church Cambridge Presents Borisevich Duo

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On Sunday, April 23, 2023 – 4:00 PM, Christ Church Cambridge will present Borisevich Duo, an internationally acclaimed violin and piano duet. Nikita and Margarita Borisvech are returning to Christ Church Cambridge with a fresh array of classical pieces that include works by Beethoven, Paganini, Grieg and others. The Borisvech Duo are Peabody Conservatory-trained artists that have made performing together as husband and wife an essential part of their life – a life that has included their five-year-old son. Nikita has just completed work as a guest Chamber Music professor at the Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute.

Borisevich Duo

The ticket price for this concert is $15 for adults, and free for students 18 years and younger. Tickets can be bought at the door or ordered by phone at 410-228-3161. Subscriptions are available, just ask at the door. All proceeds go to support the Christ Church Cambridge Fine Arts Concert Series. Christ Church Cambridge has organized this concert series since 1998. One of the goals of the series is to bring conservatory-trained artists to the Dorchester community in a concert environment that lets every listener feel close to the artist and the instrument they play. Artists that perform at Christ Church remind our audiences that the historic Gothic architecture provides the perfect environment to connect with the classical music embodied by the concert.

The Borisvech Duo has been featured on the PBS American Portrait. They can also be found on Instagram, Facebook, and online at https://www.borisevichduo.com

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Wye Parish, Washington College Sponsor Lecture on Colonial Religious Architecture

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Eric Anderson

Celebrating the 300th Anniversary of Old Wye Church in Wye Mills, MD, Wye Episcopal Parish, in partnership with Washington College, is offering to the public a lecture on local Colonial religious structures.  The lecture, which is free and followed by discussion and refreshments, will be presented on Thursday, October 27 at 5 p.m. in the Christ Church Parish Hall, 111 South Washington, Easton, MD.

The presenter is the architect-scholar Eric Anderson, and the title of his lecture is “Genius Loci: The Past, Presence & Future of Colonial Religious Architecture on Maryland’s Eastern Shore”.  Mr. Anderson will examine what it is that imbues our old religious buildings with the unique “spirit of the place” that we experience when we come into their presence.  In exploring of this phenomenon, Mr. Anderson will discuss the development of Colonial religious architecture in the region, the present state of several important surviving examples, and the value of maintaining such structures today and for the future.

Eric Anderson has designed a wide range of corporate, residential and religious projects over the past two decades and has taught architectural design studios at Georgia Tech, Auburn and other eastern U.S. institutions of higher learning.  At Washington College, Mr. Anderson has co-taught the College’s course on Religion & Architecture.

The next presentation in the ongoing Wye Parish/Washington College lecture series will occur on Wednesday, November 16 at 5 p.m. in the Old Wye Church Parish Hall, 14114 Old Wye Mills Road, Wye Mills, MD.  The lecturer will be the widely-published Washington College scholar of religion and culture, Dr. Joseph Prud’homme, speaking on the “Rev. Thomas Bray and Colonial Maryland: A Case Study in Religion and the Public Good”.

For questions or further information about the lecture series, call  Wye Parish, 410-827-8484.

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Gov. Hogan Attends Christ Church St. Michaels for 350th Anniversary Celebration

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Standing in front of the altar are, from the left, Bishop Santosh Marray, Gov. Larry Hogan and Rev. Steve Mosher. Photo is provided by the Executive Office of the Governor.

Gov. Larry Hogan visited Christ Church St. Michael’s Parish on June 5 to present a Proclamation from the state of Maryland congratulating the church on its 350th anniversary. The Rt. Rev. Santosh Marray, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Easton, presided over the service and delivered the homily. Christ Church’s rector, the Rev. Steve Mosher, welcomed all present and assisted the bishop.

Music for the service was led by William Thomas, organist and choir director. He led the internationally celebrated guest musical group Apex Brass as well as the Chancel Choir.

A reception following the service was held in Etherton Hall in the church parish house. Among those delivering congratulatory remarks were State Delegate Johnny Mautz and Town Commission President Mike Bibb. Town Commissioner David Breimhurst was also present. Dr. Jeff Etherton, the son of the late Father Don Etherton, who served as Christ Church’s rector for more than 30 years, also spoke. He gave his special perspective on the church’s long history. Dr. Etherton is a cardiologist practicing in Easton.

Christ Church St. Michael’s Parish, founded in 1672, is a vibrant faith community grounded in history; dedicated to serving its parishioners and the community in the present; and committed to the future. It is inclusive, caring, active and engaged in proclaiming the Good News of Christ to God’s people.

Christ Church is located at 301 S. Talbot Street in St. Michaels.

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Mormon Tabernacle Organist to Perform in Easton

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Richard Elliott

On Sunday, May 15 at 4 pm, Richard Elliott, Principal Organist for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, will present a concert on the four-manual console at Christ Church in Easton.  For the past thirty years, Elliott has accompanied the famed choir on its weekly radio and TV broadcast, “Music and the Spoken Word,” as well as in general conferences of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on dozens of CDs and DVDs, and in the choir’s nationally televised Christmas concerts. As accompanist for the Tabernacle Choir, he has performed in many of the world’s great halls and appeared on numerous TV and radio programs, including the NBC “Today Show,” the “CBS Morning Show” and “A Prairie Home Companion.” In his work with the choir, Dr. Elliott has collaborated with many guest artists including Andrea Bocelli, the Canadian Brass, Kristin Chenoweth, Renée Fleming, Evelyn Glennie, the King’s Singers, the Sesame Street Muppets, Robert Shaw, James Taylor, and Bryn Terfel.  He also has a busy solo career, having given thousands of organ concerts on Temple Square as well as numerous performances on five continents. He appears on seven organ CDs and is a published composer and arranger of music for organ, choir, and orchestra.

Before becoming a Tabernacle organist in 1991, Dr. Elliott was an assistant professor of organ at Brigham Young University, and for several years he served as assistant organist at the John Wanamaker Department Store (now Macy’s) in Philadelphia, home to the world’s largest functioning pipe organ. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, he received his early musical training at the Peabody Conservatory. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in organ from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and MM and DMA degrees from the Eastman School of Music. His organ teachers have included David Craighead, Marjorie Jovanovic, Dale Krider, William Watkins, and John Weaver.

This concert is co-sponsored by the Christ Church Concert Series and the Mid-Shore Maryland Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.  The public is invited to attend.  While no tickets are required the suggested donation is $20 per person.  Christ Church is located at 111 S. Harrison Street in downtown Easton.  For more information, call 410-822-2677.

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St. Michaels Community Center Receives Christ Church St. Michaels Donation

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Members of the St. Michaels Food Pantry and Christ Church St. Michaels recently presented a $10,000 donation to the St. Michaels Community Center in support of its ongoing food distribution program.

“This support does a great deal of good in helping our neighbors who are facing food insecurities,” said St. Michaels Executive Director Patrick Rofe. “We’re grateful our organizations connected last year and for the ongoing support.”

The St. Michaels Food Pantry of Christ Church consolidated its operations with the St. Michaels Community Center last fall to centralize food distribution for St. Michaels and Bay Hundred area residents.

“The St. Michaels Community Center is doing a great job meeting the needs of our community,” said Christ Church Food Pantry Board member Mary Ellen Olcese. “We feel fortunate to be able to continue our support in this way, so that no one faces hunger in our community.”

From left: St. Michaels Community Center Food Distribution Director and Youth Programs Coordinator Amy DeWitt and Executive Director Patrick Rofe; with St. Michaels Food Pantry Board members Susan Armstrong, Mary Ellen Olcese, and Jeff Hart, who recently presented a $10,000 donation in support of SMCC’s food distribution program.

Individuals can support St. Michaels Community Center’s operations by making a tax-deductible donation at www.stmichaelscc.org or by dropping off non-perishables at the St. Michaels Community Center, located at 103 Railroad Ave., in the historic district of St. Michaels. An outdoor pantry is additionally set up at the community center for anyone in need or wanting to donate non-perishable food items.

The St. Michaels Community Center’s mission is to serve, empower, and connect the community, with year-round programs and activities. Donations to SMCC and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services, and community events for residents of St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred area.

More information is at stmichaelscc.org. More about Christ Church is at christstmichaels.org.

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Mid-Shore Organ Guild Sponsors Silent Film Event

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Michael Britt

On Friday, February 25 at 7 pm, the Mid-Shore Maryland Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will present a fun-filled evening for all ages featuring two beloved Buster Keaton films at Christ Church in Easton.  One Week (1920) is a delightful comedy involving a newlywed couple who receive a build-it-yourself house as a wedding gift. The house can be built, supposedly, in “one week”. A rejected suitor secretly re-numbers packing crates, and as if this were not enough, the couple finds they have built the house on the wrong lot and must move it!  The second feature is the 1928 “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” which has been described as an astonishing comedy that is still as fresh as the day it was made. This film is a comedic drama and a gently tender story of a man coming to respect and love his son. Bill, Sr. played by Ernest Torrence, is the captain of a tatty old pleasure boat who hasn’t seen his son since the boy was a baby. He’s hoping for a strapping lad to help out with the business.

The organist for this event is Michael Britt, Music Director and Organist at Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church in Baltimore.  Michael is also an avid theater organist and is in frequent demand as an accompanist for silent films.  Mr. Britt has presented several silent film presentations in Easton, and these are always crowd-pleasing, fun-filled evenings.  While there is no admission charge for this event, donations will be greatly appreciated.    Christ Church is located at 111 S. Harrison Street in downtown Easton.

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Walk in Love Series at Christ Church Easton

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There are life crises that are corporate – like a pandemic – but there are individual crises too: Moving. The death of a loved one. Job loss. Divorce. The causes are legion. But a time tested and effective way of lessening the burden is to tell the unfolding story to a compassionate listener.

The world will always benefit from more people who know how to listen; especially in times of turmoil and change. Effective, active listening can be taught. That is why Christ Church Easton is offering three Monday series called “Walk in Love.” Presenter Catherine Murphy is the leader of one of Christ Church Easton’s pastoral care communities. Come learn. Come find healing. Come be equipped to support those who need a compassionate listener to walk with them.

Session 1: Listening as an Act of Love is focused on the basics of how we, as humans, hear and listen to one other. It is an examination of everything that hinders and blocks us from being our best possible selves when we engage in listening to others. This first session also reflects on the reasons deep listening is an act of love to ourselves, our loved ones, and our neighbors.

Session 2: Listening with Empathy & Compassion initially builds on the intentions identified in the first session but goes further into the skill sets attributed to empathetic and active listening. Sessions one and two ask audience members to look inward and consider what types of listeners they are and what types of listeners they want to become.

Session 3: Listening as a Way to Walk with Those who Suffer or Grieve utilizes the information and skills outlined in the first two sessions to put forward the concept that deep listening and the gift of presence can offer succor and support to those who are suffering.

NOTE:
• Walk in Love is a free series comprised of three, stand-alone sessions.
• The sessions are open to the public and will take place in the church.
• Each session will be recorded.
• Register at the website link noted above for one, two, or all three sessions.

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Christ Church in Easton: Weathering the Storm Together

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In times of crisis, it has always been the role of churches and synagogues to give people a safe place to gather and receive comfort and support. This is not possible with what the world is experiencing at the moment. With the need for social distancing, places of worship have had to come up with innovative ways of reaching their congregation to give them messages they need to hear. Christ Church in Easton thinks that the message ‘we’re weathering the storm together’ is one that needs to be told, and they’re telling it in a stirring music video.

Recorded and edited in just three days by Ray Remesch, the song Hold Us Together, is performed by a talented musical team, which includes Bruce Strazza, Justin Pokrywka, Jimmy Maguire, Sara Chapple, Greg Remesch, Ray Remesch, and Tawney Strazza.

Although the song is about being together, each musician performs alone, in the empty church, with their voices later combined in layered tracks.“The fact that we’re all experiencing this is bringing people together because we’re all experiencing the same type of separation. I just wanted to find a way to illustrate that,” says Remesch.

The message of hope has resonated within the community as thanks and praise for the video continues to pour in.

Val Cavalheri is a recent transplant to the Eastern Shore, having lived in Northern Virginia for the past 20 years. She’s been a writer, editor and professional photographer for various publications, including the Washington Post.

 

 

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Solomon Eichner to Perform at Christ Church

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On Sunday, February 2, the Christ Church Concert Series in Easton will present concert pianist Solomon Eichner at 4 pm.  Eichner who possesses a most impressive pedigree has been referred to as “a young Arthur Rubenstein.”  Doors will open at 3:30 pm.  While there is no charge for the concert,  a freewill offering will be received.

Solomon Eichner

Declared by the American Liszt Society as “A sensitive pianist, Solomon Eichner’s playing is poetic, beautiful and moving with deep feeling.”  An American pianist, Eichner has performed in England, Italy, Germany, Austria, Poland and throughout the U.S.  Sponsored by the March of the Living Foundation, Solomon performed for the seventy-fifth anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in April 2018 alongside cellist Amit Peled and violinist Yevgeny Kutik at the Krakow Philharmonic Hall and at Auschwitz in front of a crowd of 20,000 people, in addition to a solo recital at the Krakow Jewish Cultural Center .

A Baltimore native, Eichner will be presented twice this season in his home city with solo recitals by the Yale Gordon Trust and the Music in the Great Hall Series.  Additional concerts include a recital on the Trinity by the Cove Church Concert Series at Bowers Chapel in Naples, Florida as well as recitals in Boca Raton.  Recently, the artist debuted at Carnegie Hall after winning the “Golden Key Debut” International Competition in New York City.  Previously, Mr. Eichner won second prize at the 2013 Liszt-Garrison International Piano Competition and second prize and Chinese Award in the 2013 International Young Artists Competition at Catholic University in D.C.   Additionally, he was a prize winner in the 2016 Miami Music Festival’s Concerto Competition resulting in his Miami debut recital at the Steinway Piano Gallery Coral Gables.  In 2017 he appeared in the Hastings International Piano Competition in England as well as the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition in Palm Springs, California.  Also in 2017, Eichner returned for a re-engagement performance after having debuted at the Polish Embassy two years prior under sponsorship of the Paderewski Scholarship Foundation.  Additional performances by the artist have taken place at Steinway Hall and Merkin Concert Hall in New York City, Steinway Piano Galleries in Charlotte, Greensboro, and Atlanta,  “The Lives of the Piano” Chopin Marathon Concert New York City, “Afternoon Concert Series” at the State Department in Washington DC, and Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston among others.  During the summer of 2015, the artist traveled to Italy to perform in the Perugia Music Festival in addition to solo performances in the famous Salla Notari Hall, and a performance of the Grieg Piano Concerto with the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Universidad de Alicante under the baton of Israeli Conductor, Uriel Segal.

This concert is sponsored in part by a grant from the Talbot County and Maryland State Arts Councils.  The public is invited.

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Mid-Shore AGO Presents Concert Celebrating Fifth Anniversary

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The Mid-Shore Maryland Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will celebrate its fifth anniversary on Monday, January 27 with a concert entitled, “The Organ in Popular Culture”.   The concert will demonstrate how the organ has been used in a myriad of venues including the theatre, roller rinks, ball games, the circus, as well as in sacred spaces.  The concert will begin at 7:30 pm with doors opening at 7 pm.   There is no charge for the concert, but a freewill offering will be received.

Organist Michael T. Britt

The Mid-Shore Maryland Chapter of the AGO began five years ago when Wes Lockfaw, music minister at Easton’s Christ Church and several other church musicians around the mid-shore petitioned the national organization for a charter that was granted early in 2015.  Since its beginning, the Mid-Shore Chapter has sponsored numerous concerts, workshops, and social events which have served to support the work of organists, church musicians, and educators in our region.  The chapter also underwrites the nationally syndicated radio program “Pipe Dreams” which airs from the campus of Salisbury University through Delmarva public radio each Sunday evening from six until eight pm.  In addition to its fifth anniversary concert, the organization hosts and supports a variety of programs in the area including a program later this winter, “Louis Vierne at 150” that will include organ and choral music composed by one of Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral’s most legendary organists.  To see further programming, simply search for Mid-Shore MD Chapter American Guild of Organists.

Organist Michael T. Britt, a Baltimore native, is both a frequent recitalist of classical organ literature, and also a performer of theatre organ music.  In demand throughout the country as a silent film accompanist, performing for chapters of the American Theatre Organ Society,  and, most recently, for the Region III-American Guild of Organists Convention in Baltimore,  he has been featured on Maryland Public Television and other televised presentations on the theatre pipe organ and Maryland’s Free State Theatre Organ Society. In 1998, Mr. Britt was invited to perform at Baltimore’s Senator Theatre where he accompanied five silent films for the National Film Registry Tour, which was sponsored in part by the Library of Congress. He  has also performed at the Palace Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio; The Paramount Theatre in Anderson, Indiana; The Byrd Theatre in Richmond, Virginia as well as performances at the Capitol Theatre in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. In 2002, he was invited to perform a series of concerts on the recently restored Aeolian pipe organ installed at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington, D.C., and  in 2005 was invited to Princeton University to accompany the silent film classic, “Phantom of the Opera” at the University Chapel where recently, he completed his fourteenth performance of this annual event.

In May of 2009, Britt gave a recital on the great Cavaille-Coll organ at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris and in 2017, was invited to perform at the Riverside Church in New York City.  Since 2012, he has served as Minister of Music and organist at Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, Maryland. He is also on the faculty at the Community College of Baltimore County and serves as Organist at Beth-El Congregation as well as house organist at the Weinberg Center for the Arts in Frederick, Maryland.

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