Notes on the Program by Philip Carlsen We are fortunate that many of Bach’s original manuscripts have survived. Most are readily available for viewing or pdf download at imslp.org, the International Music Score Library Project. The six Brandenburg concertos, notated in 1721 in Bach’s own hand as a gift for Christian Ludwig, the Margrave of Brandenburg, … Read more
Notes on the Program by Philip Carlsen Si-roc-co: A “hot dust-laden wind from the Libyan deserts that blows on the northern Mediterranean coast.” Si-roc-co: A musical wind blowing across the north Atlantic from Manchester, England, bearing tantalizing scents from South Africa, Mali, Denmark, and eighteenth-century Vienna, a visionary collaboration between violinist Rakhi Singh, cellist Abel … Read more
Dear Friends, Thank you for joining us this evening. You are in for a special performance in a venue new for Ovations, First Parish Church, chosen for its sense of history and its practice of being welcoming to all. Martha Redbone – award-winning vocalist, composer, songwriter, storyteller – is an artist for the millennium. One … Read more
Notes on the Program by Philip Carlsen Our soloist, the renowned Chopin interpreter Zlata Chochieva, has prepared a recital with Chopin at its center, framing his music with pieces written in tribute to him by two great Russian pianist-composers of a later generation. It’s worth noting that those composers, Alexander Scriabin and Sergei Rachmaninoff, had an … Read more
Dear Friends, Welcome to the magical world of MOMIX where things are not always as they seem. Bodies curl and unfold to reveal ethereal, ephemeral beings and shapes or, in this case, the surreal wonderland inhabited by Alice and her friends. MOMIX’s “Alice” is a wonderful portal into the world of dance, with Alice and … Read more
Dear Friends, Welcome to the first performance of Portland Ovations’ 93rd season. You are amongst those experiencing a very special program in a very special space. From the artistry and historical significance of the program to the joyful partnerships and collaborations to moving out into the community to bring music to new and unexpected venues … Read more
Notes on the Program Notes written and voiced by Philip Carlsen LISTEN to these program notes on Youtube LISTEN to these program notes on Spotify FELIX MENDELSSOHN String Quartet in E-flat, Op. 12 (1829) The astonishing octet of Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847), written when he was only sixteen, was played on a Portland Ovations concert … Read more
A beloved work of musical theater, Fiddler on the Roof is more relevant and vital than ever. Once again, Fiddler shows us how art is timeless, powerful and necessary in society. After nearly eight years and 3,300 performances since its 1964 opening, Fiddler became at its time the longest-running show on Broadway, winning nine Tony … Read more
Dear Friends, The quote above is from the protagonist in Octavia E. Butler’s seminal and prophetic novel, Parable of the Sower. It is the perfect sentiment to name the powerful energies that came together to bring to Maine Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower, an opera by Toshi Reagon. The conversation began many years ago along … Read more
Dear Friends, As I write this, I am watching the Facebook Live presentation of #KikiKonversations – a virtual series created by soprano Karen Slack and featuring composer/artivist Daniel Bernard Roumain in conversation. Together, they are talking about their lives and professions as Black musicians in the mostly white world of classical music. (You can watch the recording on Youtube by … Read more
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