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
[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
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
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
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
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
By Maya French, Palaver Strings I am among many newcomers who have chosen Portland as a home, for reasons like: quality of life, proximity to Maine’s raw beauty, the diversity, the culture, and of course for the humanity that defines this small city with Mainers and new Mainers who are ready to connect. And yet, … Read more
We hope today’s email finds you, your families, and your communities weathering the storm caused by the coronavirus pandemic. We hope amidst it all you’ve also seen local and national press coverage on the impact of COVID-19 closures and cancellations on Ovations and all our peer organizations in the country’s arts and cultural sectors. As our own Executive & Artistic … Read more
March 23, 2020 Dear Friends and Supporters of Maine’s Cultural Community, Like all parts of American society, Maine’s museums, libraries, and arts organization are mobilizing to respond to the coronavirus. We are working to keep our patrons, staff, and community safe; creating innovative ways to entertain, serve, and keep you connected; and doing our best … Read more
Portland Ovations brings people together to strengthen community well-being. We are committed to your health and safety as our #1 priority, and we’ve been closely monitoring communications from the Maine CDC and World Health Organization to assess our upcoming events within the context of the COVID-19 crisis. Today at noon, Governor Janet Mills recommended cancelling … Read more