By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

Classical music — with a twist — is coming to the Ocean Pines Library later this month for a summer concert, hosted by the volunteer organization Friends of the Ocean Pines Library.

According to Jim Meckley, the president of the Friends of the Ocean Pines Library, the classical music event will feature three vocalists with piano accompaniment, two piano soloists, a flute solo, a piano duet, a string trio, and a flute duet. Attendees can expect to hear a diverse range of classical selections, with hints of ragtime, jazz, Latin, Broadway, and popular tunes.

The show will last approximately one hour and is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20.

Meckley added that each individual on the concert lineup holds a college degree in music education or the performing arts and is from Berlin, Salisbury, or the surrounding areas. The performers are all active or former music teachers, private instructors, and/or choir members, as well as church cantors, organists, and/or choir directors.

Notably slated to perform is Jennifer Hope Wills, an Ocean City native and graduate of Salisbury University, who has performed in several Broadway shows. Wills’ time in New York City included portraying Belle in “Beauty and the Beast,” a four-year run as Christine Daaé in the “Phantom of the Opera,” and a part in “Wonderful Town” opposite Brooke Shields. Wills is the daughter of Bill and Sue Wills of the former Parker Playhouse in Ocean City.

Wills has since returned to the Eastern Shore and will attend the Ocean Pines Library concert, singing three songs, two of which are from Broadway productions.

Other performers include Julie Mills, an SU graduate who will sing two songs in a foreign language, a flute solo from retired Wicomico County music teacher Sally Hendon, and a string trio from members of the Salisbury Orchestra, among others.

Meckley said that the string trio will play a classical piece, but is also set to perform a more popular song that event organizers hope will remain a surprise. A vocal trio will also close out the concert with an unexpected ending.

The FOPL president said that the idea behind hosting a classical-themed night is to highlight the talent right here on the Eastern Shore.

“I am just always amazed at the talent that springs up in our area, Ocean Pines and Berlin,” he said. “Fortunately, I’ve met a lot of them, so I can make this available to people. However, there’s a lot of talent here that remains undiscovered, as some people move in from larger cities and states. We have a lot of rock and roll and hip hop, but I don’t think we have much on the classical side. I just feel that this year we had to do it.”

The performances will be held in the library’s meeting room, or, if the weather is nice, outside on the new learning center patio. Those looking to attend are encouraged to register by calling the Ocean Pines Library at 410 208-4014 or online through the Worcester Library website. The first 100 people are guaranteed entrance.

Meckley noted that there is no cost for the performance, but a free-will offering will be taken at the end of the concert.