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Órla: A shining light

Maybe it was that she shared an uncommon name with a dear friend’s daughter. Maybe it was her lilting British accent. Maybe it was the sparkle in her eyes that beamed: I’m living my dream. Whatever the reason or all of them, Órla Baxendale stood out among the several engaging and lovely dancers in MOMIX. … Read more

A look back at the 2022-23 season

Ovations kickstarted our 92nd season with Garba360, a free-to-the-public lively and immersive community dance party. This unique event invited all to enjoy the spirited Indian Gujarati folk dances of garba and raas.  In October, we welcomed audiences for three performances of the timeless, award-winning musical, CHICAGO. Roxie Hart continues to razzle and dazzle along with … Read more

Here’s to a great season!

Ovations’ 91st season is officially wrapped. Wow, we did it. And by “we” – we mean all of us. Because there is no live performance without you. Over the past 10 months, across 11 venues, more than 23,000 experienced 36 live performances. Seven of these performances were free and in public spaces. Five were dedicated … Read more

2021-22 Season Reflection – An Unforgettable Season

 OCTOBER We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off our 91st season than with 5 free public performances of the vertical dance innovators, BANDALOOP, which had people captivated, lying in the streets and watching from nearby rooftops, balconies and windows, as dancers were suspended from the rooftop of the Canopy by Hilton Portland … Read more

Ovations stands with the people of Ukraine

Dear Friends, Back in 2016, Ovations brought to Portland one of the most unforgettable ensembles we’ve ever presented: the self-described Ukrainian folk-pop punk quartet specializing in ethnic-chaos known as DakhaBrakha. Three women, one man, soaring vocal ranges and harmonies, myriad of instruments that span the globe – all rooted firmly in Ukrainian culture. The band … Read more

Broadway Returns to Portland Ovations

[fusion_text] How do you measure a year? Better yet, how do you measure 90 years? Portland Ovations has a distinguished history of presenting venerable, world-class classical music artists since its founding in 1931. It wasn’t until the 1990s that National Tours of Broadway musicals became part of the annual season. The Music Man (’93), Sunday … Read more

90 Years of Ovations…and More

Ninety years. Nine decades. 90 years! No matter how you say it, Portland Ovations’ legacy of bringing performing artists from around the world to Maine is one for the ages. Assorted Portland Concert Association program books from 1977-79 In our earliest days, as the Portland Music Commission and later the Portland Concert Association, dedicated volunteers … Read more

Borscht Recipe

Recipe for Borscht Family recipe from musician Marko Halanevych of DakhaBrakha 200 g beans, 300 g potatoes, 1 beetroot, 1 carrot, 1/2 bell pepper, 300 g cabbage, 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 bunch of greens (dill, parsley), 1 tbsp. spoon of tomato paste or 2 tomatoes, 2 tbsp. spoons of oil, 2 bay … Read more

In Solidarity

Portland Ovations stands in solidarity with Black and brown artists, colleagues, and citizens in our communities and around the world. We join those who express outrage and grief for the killing of George Floyd, the too many who came before him and the centuries of injustice perpetrated upon people of color. As an organization that … Read more

Performance Notes: AURAL EXPLORATIONS: FARRIN, FURE, AND MESSIAEN

Experience International Contemporary Ensemble, live streamed in your home! Thursday, May 28, 7PM on Youtube FREE REGISTRATION Dear Friends, When we embarked on our work with International Contemporary Ensemble (I.C.E.) we knew it would be wholly unique and unforgettable for Ovations audiences. At that time we imagined a modified version of their ambitious chamber opera, … Read more