From Aimee

Program Notes for BANDALOOP by Aimée M. Petrin

Dear Friends Welcome. We could not think of a better way to kick off Portland Ovations’ 90th season than with five free outdoor public performances by the pioneering vertical dance company BANDALOOP. With unparalleled artistry buoyed by their commitment to nature, community, and the human spirit – BANDALOOP scales new heights in dance and artmaking. … Read more

Program Notes for Fauré Quartett by Aimée M. Petrin

Faure Quartet

Dear Friends With 90 years of bringing the finest classical music to Portland-area audiences, who would ever have imagined we’d be doing so virtually?     Despite the changes in the world this past year, what hasn’t changed is Ovations’ dedication to classical and other chamber music forms; connecting our audiences LIVE with extraordinary performers from around … Read more

Program Notes for globalFEST by Aimée M. Petrin

DakhaBrakha

Dear Friends Each January when I go to NYC for the annual Association of Performing Arts Professionals conference, one event always stands out for its vastness, variety and promise to surprise: globalFEST. With programming across three stages and four bands on each stage over the course of the evening, the result is an experience of … Read more

Program Notes for VOCES8 by Aimée M. Petrin

Dear Friends, Over the years, Ovations has presented many holiday concerts with artists such as Chanticleer, Natalie MacMaster, Wynton Marsalis & the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and others. Earlier this month, we, the Ovations staff, were talking about how much we were looking forward to the concert with VOCES8 and how singing, choral music in … Read more

Program Notes for KENNEDY CENTER ARTS CROSS AMERICA by Marcia Minter & Aimée M. Petrin

Dear Friends, Indigo Arts Alliance and Portland Ovations are delighted to share with you Sacred Resonance, a program of new performance by Maine-based artists conceived as part of Indigo and Ovations’ ongoing partnership. Sacred Resonance is a collection of visual, spiritual, and emotional journeys led by Maine based artists Firefly, Maya Williams and Atiim Chenzira. … Read more

Program Notes for FLEX AVE. by Aimée M. Petrin

Dear Friends,    It’s January 10, 2015 and I’m headed uptown to New York City’s hallowed hall, the Park Avenue Armory. I remember it was a bright winter day and the walk from Midtown to the Upper East Side was glorious. Going to the Armory, an 1880’s Gothic-Revival grand space, is always an experience, but today promises to … Read more

What Resonates With You? Program Notes for “Welcome Home by Aimée M. Petrin

Dear Friends, Portland Ovations started the Seeking Resonance series in 2016 as an exploration and celebration of performance inspired by religious and spiritual life. Over time, the series evolved to embrace a larger desire to find and make meaningful connections. To resonate. Today, Seeking Resonance is about our deep need to find “home”: a space … Read more

Performance Notes: Toto Kisaku’s “Requiem For an Electric Chair”

Upon meeting Toto Kisaku two years ago, I was immediately struck by his artistry, personal story and humanity. His compelling story, combined with expertly honed theater craft makes for powerful performance. While we deeply regret we cannot all gather this week for “Requiem for An Electric Chair,” we’re pleased to announce we are rescheduling this … Read more

We’re Here With You

Dear Friends, Ours is one of the most vibrant, unique and culturally rich cities in the country. You, our creative and wholly engaged community – and the work of our many sister organizations, businesses and philanthropic entities – make this so. Ovations is more grateful than ever to be alongside you all. While so many of … Read more