History
Margaret Budd
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Originally named “The Second Presbyterian Concert Series,” the concerts were founded in 1987 by Margaret Budd, then organist of Second Presbyterian Church, with the enthusiastic support of that congregation. Some years later, Margaret attended a mesmerizing candlelight concert at St. Martin in the Fields church in London, and began to envision similar evenings of chamber music in Baltimore. With the collaboration of members of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the evening Chamber Music by Candlelight concerts were initiated in 1995.
Each year since 1990, the organization has presented the Russell C. Wonderlic Memorial Competition. This competition is funded by a bequest of the late philanthropist Russell Wonderlic, and exists to develop the careers and talents of young pianists and vocalists in the state of Maryland and District of Columbia. The competition continues to grow in both size and stature and presents extraordinary young talent. Pianists Awadagin Pratt and Eric Zuber; and soprano Hyunah Yu are prominent past winners. |
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Numerous distinguished musicians have performed on the series, including pianists Leon Fleisher, Ann Schein, Awadagin Pratt, Eric Zuber, Kevin Kenner and Simone Dinnerstein; singers Spiro Malas, John Shirley Quirk, Theodora Hanslowe, Phyllis Bryn-Julson, and Hyunah Yu; organists Dame Gillian Weir, Donald Sutherland, and Fred Swann; cellist Amit Peled and oboist Katherine Needleman.
The organization was renamed Community Concerts at Second in 2002, and became a separate entity and non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization in 2004. Second Presbyterian Church continues its steadfast support by making its facilities available for concerts, and being the physical ‘home’ of the organization. Community Concerts at Second is governed by a volunteer board of up to twenty-five members, chosen both for their expertise and their commitment. The Governing Board members work individually and together to strengthen the organization and its programs in every way. They are assisted by a full-time Managing Director, who directs the daily operations of the organization. Now in its fourth decade, Community Concerts at Second’s history demonstrates how one person’s vision and dedication can inspire the contributions and involvement of countless others. Community Concerts at Second has a vibrant future as an organization that will continue to strengthen and enrich the Baltimore community for countless years to come. |
Second Presbyterian Church continues its steadfast support by making its facilities available for concerts, and being the physical ‘home’ of the organization.
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Our Community Partners
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
We are honored to present members of Baltimore Symphony Orchestra as performers on our Chamber Music by Candlelight concerts.
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Second Presbyterian Church
Since the founding of our organization, Second Presbyterian Church has been a constant partner and a beautiful home for our series. We are grateful for their ongoing support!
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The Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins
Both the Peabody Institute and Community Concerts at Second present free concerts to the Baltimore community, and we work together to promote the performances of Peabody faculty, alumni, and students.
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Board of Directors & Staff
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Dr. Mellasenah Morris
President Joyce Ritchie Vice President Beth Ann Felder Treasurer Dr. Christina Manceor Secretary Gayle Ackley Tiffany Balkaran-Richardson Franca Barton Evelyn Chatmon Dr. Eric Conway Dr. Craig S. Evans David Fetter Lavena Johanson Dr. Maria Merritt Peyson Moss Emily Inglis Park Terry Shirley-Quirk Jeff Trask |
Directors Emeriti
Steve Boesel Artistic Director Emerita Margaret Budd Managing Director Christopher Shannon Co-Artistic Directors, BSM & Friends Marcia McHugh Ivan Stefanovic |