This Saturday, the Charles County Youth Orchestra (CCYO) will captivate local audiences with a free concert at the Port Tobacco Courthouse as part of the 15th Annual Market Day. The performance, set for 12 pm on May 4, at 8430 Commerce St., Port Tobacco, MD, promises a diverse musical repertoire including selections from the “Avengers” soundtrack, classic fiddle tunes, Pachelbel’s Canon, and the dramatic 1812 Overture among other pieces.

The event is hosted at the historic Port Tobacco Courthouse, providing a scenic backdrop for an afternoon of exquisite music that is open to all, free of charge. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for good seating. More details are available on the Charles County events page here.

In addition to the Market Day performance, CCYO has a packed schedule with several more concerts lined up through July. These include performances on May 19 at Thomas Stone High School, at the ArtsFest at the Indian Head Village Green on June 8, and two sessions on the same day at Christ Church in La Plata featuring the Annual Concerto Competition Concert. The summer concerts will conclude with the CCYO Chamber Music Festival, scheduled for July 20 and 27 at Christ Church, La Plata, starting each evening at 8 pm.

Recently, CCYO has enjoyed increased visibility thanks to a feature in an online film produced by the Charles County Arts Alliance and airtime on WTOP radio. Their acclaim extends to the national stage, where two CCYO String Quartets were finalists in the prestigious Washington Performing Arts Society Misbin Chamber Music Competition in Washington, D.C.

The orchestra’s ability to host these community enriching events comes from robust support from local and state organizations. Key sponsors include the Charles County Arts Alliance, the Charles County Charitable Trust, the Maryland State Arts Council, and the Rotary Club of Charles County, MD. They also receive support from Christ Church Wayside, the Knights of Columbus of Accokeek, MD, as well as several local businesses such as Potters Violins, Gailes Violin Shop, and the Neighborhood Creative Arts Center of La Plata. This collective backing is supplemented by generous donations from community members.

The Charles County Youth Orchestra continues to foster musical talent and cultural appreciation within the community, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike with each performance.


David M. Higgins II is an award-winning journalist passionate about uncovering the truth and telling compelling stories. Born in Baltimore and raised in Southern Maryland, he has lived in several East...

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