Program Notes

Program Notes for Sphinx Virtuosi voiced by George Lopez

Sphinx Virtuosi

Notes on the Program Notes Provided by Sphinx Virtuosi – Voiced by George Lopez, Bowdoin College Artist in Residence LISTEN to these program notes on Youtube LISTEN to these program notes on Spotify   Xavier Foley (b 1994) Ev’ry Voice This work is an homage and pays tribute to the Black National Anthem. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was … Read more

Program Notes for “Rosie Revere, Engineer & Friends” by Sarah Coleman

Rosie Revere, Engineer & Friends

Dear Friends, We are so thrilled to be back at Merrill Auditorium with a performance for young audiences! What a great way to return – with the clever, curious, and imaginative characters of Rosie Revere, Ada Twist, and Iggy Peck based on Andrea Beaty and David Roberts’ books. These stories are playful and poignant. They honor young … Read more

Program Notes for FLIP Fabrique by Aimée M. Petrin

Flip Fabrique: Six

Dear Friends, There was a time when running off to join the circus was a romantic idea entertained by many at some point in their lives. While this notion may seem antiquated today, what isn’t is the enchantment and allure of the circus.  Contemporary circus or nouveau cirque is one of my most favorite art forms. There are so, … Read more

Program Notes for Alexander Malofeev by Mary Hunter

Alexander Malofeev

Notes on the Program By Mary Hunter, A. LeRoy Greason Professor of Music, Emerita at Bowdoin College LISTEN to these program notes on Youtube LISTEN to these program notes on Spotify   Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Sonata in C Minor, K. 457 Mozart’s C-minor sonata was written in 1784, in Vienna, for the pianist Therese Trattner, … Read more

Program Notes for “CARTOGRAPHY” by Aimée M. Petrin

Cartography

Dear Friends, Every once in a while a project comes along that you know in your heart you must do. That is the case with CARTOGRAPHY. Following its development for several years, it was my great fortune to attend a January 2020 performance at NYC’s famed Broadway venue for young audiences, The New Victory Theater, that took programming … Read more

Program Notes for “RENT” by Aimée M. Petrin

"RENT 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour"

Dear Friends, Who knew a scrappy little play born of the downtown NYC theater scene would become one of our most beloved Broadway plays?  The winner of a Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Musical, RENT is one of the longest running musicals of all time, and now, after 25 years, its touring … Read more

Program Notes for Alan Cumming & Ari Shapiro by Aimée M. Petrin

Alan Cumming and Ari Shapiro - 'Och and Oy! A Considered Cabaret'

Dear Friends, It was January 1998. I was in NYC for work and had tickets for the revival of Cabaret at Studio 54. My trip coincided with Jennifer Jason Leigh in the role of Sally Bowles and some guy named Alan Cumming as the emcee. Leigh’s “star” appearance, combined with the chance to visit the … Read more

Program Notes for Pacifica Quartet by Melissa Reardon

Pacifica

Notes on the Program By Melissa Reardon, Artistic Director of the Portland Chamber Music Festival LISTEN TO THESE NOTES ON SPOTIFY LISTEN TO THESE NOTES ON YOUTUBE It was pure pleasure getting to know the works on this program, all of which were new to me. It was especially thrilling to hear such a wealth … Read more

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