It’s the middle of May, but with the chill in the air this week it doesn’t seem that way unless magically we’ve been transported to Great Britain where spring weather is both chilly and damp. And if we are thinking of England and our British heritage, what a perfect weekend to spend exploring the past at Kent Island Day, a day that celebrates the 1631 founding of Kent Island . From 10 a.m to 5 p.m there will be lots of activities, including historic interpreters in costume, crafts, food, games and entertainment all taking place in downtown Stevensville. For more information go to kentislandheritagesociety.org, While you are on the Eastern side of the Bay Bridge head up towards Talbot County for the Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage Tour that takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. I attended the Pilgrimage Tour that was held last year in Queen Anne’s County, focusing on Centreville and it was quite enjoyable. There were some lovely historic homes and gardens along with newer construction. While I didn’t care for everyones’ decorating taste, it’s always interesting to see how the other half lives! For more information about the tour call 410-822-0773.
Sunday, if you enjoy opera or would like to expand your understanding of classical music, don’t miss
ANNAPOLIS OPERA’S 22ND ANNUAL VOCAL COMPETITION FINALS CONCERT. Held at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts at 2 p.m. at . The concert is free and open to the public.
Eight singers chosen from a pool of 80 applicants will be competing for more than $10,000 in cash prizes.
This year’s grand prize winner will also receive a two-week trip to the Amalfi Coast Music Festival & Institute’s Vocal Program in Vietra sul Mare, Italy. Costs for the trip as well as administrative costs of the entire vocal competition are underwritten by Jim and Sylvia Earl’s Helena Foundation who received the 2009 Annie Award honoring them as Patrons of the Arts in Anne Arundel County.
An annual favorite of the vocal competition is the Audience Choice Award, a cash prize given to the singer judged best by audience members. Other prizes, which range from $500 to $2,500, are awarded by a distinguished panel of music educators and opera singers.
For further information contact the opera office at 410-267-8135 or visit theirwebsite, http://www.annapolisopera.org.
Nadja Maril, Writer & Author 