Program Notes

Program Notes for “Fiddler on the Roof”

Fiddler on the Roof

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

Program Notes for Miró Quartet and Soprano Karen Slack by Aimée M. Petrin

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

Dramaturgical Notes – “somewhere/elsewhere”

By Linda L. Nelson somewhere/elsewhere is not your “ordinary” American musical. Turkish epic poetry, in particular the legend of Kerem and Aslı, and Muslim trance musical traditions are at the heart of this new work by Kerem Durdag and Andy Happel. The legend of Kerem and Aslı is a tragic love story from the Turkish-Azerbaijani … Read more

Program Notes for Miró Quartet & Soprano Karen Slack by Philip Carlsen

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   There has been much chamber music written in the past century for solo singer with mixed instrumental ensemble of winds and strings, sometimes also including keyboard or percussion. Arnold … Read more

Program Notes for Janice Carissa by Philip Carlsen

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   Enrique Granados: Maiden and the Nightingale   The three great Spanish composers who came of age around the turn of the last century are principally known for works celebrating their … Read more

Program Notes for Preservation Hall Jazz Band by Aimée M. Petrin

Dear Friends, It’s always great music, wonderful energy and a touch of the New Orleans spirit when the Preservation Hall Jazz Band rolls into town.  Despite their longevity and name, the band is not stagnant or resting on their laurels. This latest line-up includes next-generation members, including bandleader Ben Jaffe, son of Allan Jaffe, who co-founded the venue and … Read more

Program Notes for Farruquito: “Flamenco Íntimo” by Aimée M. Petrin

Dear Friends, For decades, Portland Ovations has shared the world’s artistic traditions with audiences in Maine. Tonight’s performance, with renowned flamenco artist Farruquito is exactly what we espouse to in the presentation of artists from around the globe: a mix of both the traditional and the contemporary. Juan Manuel Fernandez Montoya, aka Farruquito, was born in Seville, Spain in … Read more

Program Notes for Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble by Philip Carlsen

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   Today’s program displays a striking symmetry. Each half opens with a single-movement Baroque composition, contrapuntal and abstract, which serves as a kind of prelude to the large-scale Romantic piece … Read more

Program Notes for New York Philharmonic String Quartet by Philip Carlsen

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   WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART (1756 – 1791) String Quartet in C major, K. 465 (“Dissonance”) Mozart’s C major quartet, K. 465, is one of six quartets that he dedicated to his friend … Read more