20th Anniversary
Celebration
May 17, 2026 at 4 p.m.
Cheers to us! Our season culminates with a spectacular 20th anniversary celebration that honors our storied history and sets the stage for the future. Full orchestra, chorus, and beloved artists from seasons past and present unite to revisit the most exciting and memorable moments from two decades of performances. Conducted under the batons of maestros Terry Eberhardt, Heather Adelsberger, and Paul Carroll, this stirring tribute commemorates and reflects on our history, celebrates community, and looks to the future with inspiration, joy, and hope.
Details
Location: St. Louis Church (12500 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029)
Admission: Free
20th Anniversary Look Back
When the Instruments Stole the Show
Typically, it’s the performers who take center stage, but in the 20-year history of the Concert Series, there have been occasions when instruments—and even the church’s bell tower—have taken the spotlight. From the parish’s magnificent organ to donated pianos, to the bells pealing in the bell tower, these sound makers have each enjoyed their proverbial 15 (or, more accurately, 90) minutes of fame. Here’s a look at a few memorable moments:
And so, whether shaped by the sounds of the Rodgers organ, newly acquired pianos, or bells, the Concert Series has shown that sometimes the instruments themselves are the real stars of the show. In the years ahead, perhaps we’ll see more unexpected musical stars moving from supporting roles into the spotlight, adding new chapters and sounds to our rich history, and to a story still unfolding.
Then & Now
So what was happening in the world when that first concert took place?
In the U.S. and around the globe, George W. Bush was serving his second term as president, the Iraq War was ongoing, and gas prices were climbing toward what felt like record highs. There was also a poignant historical moment that spring: on May 6, 2006—just one day before our first concert—Lillian Gertrud Asplund, the last American survivor of the “Titanic,” died at the age of 99, one of the last living connections to the disaster.
In the arts and entertainment world, “Mission: Impossible III” topped the box office, “American Idol" dominated television, and the radio played hits by Rihanna and Daniel Powter (who could forget “Bad Day”?) “High School Musical" became a pop culture phenomenon, with a chart-topping soundtrack and a wave of spin-offs.
In sports, fans had plenty to cheer about, from Barbaro’s thrilling Kentucky Derby victory to a young LeBron James making his first deep postseason run with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Just weeks later, the world would turn its attention to Germany for the FIFA World Cup (Italy won).
Technologically, life looked very different. Facebook was only beginning to expand beyond college campuses, Twitter had just launched, and YouTube was still new. Most people carried flip phones (the iPhone was still a year away), and streaming hadn’t yet caught on—DVD rentals, often delivered by mail through Netflix, remained the norm.
Music Notes
