Pre-Performance Lecture

Beyond the Music: The Search for New Sound Ideas

George Lopez, Beckwith Artist in Residence at Bowdoin College and curator of Ovations’ 2022-23 Pre-Performance Lecture Series, discusses the varied historical inspirations for each work in the upcoming Janice Carissa program which include mythology, surrealism and the advent of psychology, and nationalism. https://youtu.be/XCeDna_Gx28 2022-23 Chamber Pre-Performance Lecture Series curated by George Lopez Pianist George Lopez, Bowdoin College’s Robert Beckwith Artist in … Read more

Community Write

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY WRITE Join Portland Ovations and the Portland Public Library as we embark on a four-part exploration of Octavia E. Butler’s Parable series. Each month, we will dive into these landmark works of Afrofuturism, led by Maya Williams. January 5, 2023, 6-7pm: Book discussion of Parable of the Sower February 2, 2023, 6-7pm: Book discussion … Read more

Community Read: Parable of the Sower: A Graphic Novel Adaptation

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY READ Join Portland Ovations and the Portland Public Library as we embark on a four-part exploration of Octavia E. Butler’s Parable series. Each month, we will dive into these landmark works of Afrofuturism, led by Brooke “Buff Cat” Bolduc. January 5, 2023, 6-7pm: Book discussion of Parable of the Sower February 2, 2023, 6-7pm: … Read more

Community Read: Parable of the Sower

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY READ Join Portland Ovations and the Portland Public Library as we embark on a four-part exploration of Octavia E. Butler’s Parable series. Each month, we will dive into these landmark works of Afrofuturism, led by expert facilitators. January 5, 2023, 6-7pm: Book discussion of Parable of the Sower February 2, 2023, 6-7pm: Book discussion … Read more

Community Read: Parable of the Talents

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY READ Join Portland Ovations and the Portland Public Library as we embark on a four-part exploration of Octavia E. Butler’s Parable series. Each month, we will dive into these landmark works of Afrofuturism, led by expert facilitators. Our March reading is led by author Samara Cole Doyon. January 5, 2023, 6-7pm: Book discussion of … Read more

Wabanaki Stories

Due to the overwhelmingly positive response to the School-Time Performance of Wabanaki Stories, a second performance has been added at Noon. The land and waters known as Maine have been home to Wabanaki People for over 12,000 years. This vibrant production of Wabanaki stories and music spotlights five Wabanaki artists coming from several different nations and … Read more

The Romantic Masters: Reflections on Three Piano Quartets by Brahms, Fauré and Mahler

Melissa Reardon, violist of the Borromeo Quartet, artistic director of the Portland Chamber Music Festival, and artist-in-residence at Bard College, highlights the aesthetic and dynamic aspects of these 19th century works for strings and piano. https://youtu.be/C1-eNzCyXdY About the Speaker Grammy-nominated violist Melissa Reardon is an internationally renowned performer whose solo and chamber playing spans all musical genres.Melissa is … Read more

German Romanticism and the Baroque

Composer and scholar Jan Swafford looks at the evening’s program through the lens of its period; with an eye to the art and ideas that surrounded some of Europe’s greatest musical minds. This recorded pre-performance lecture is available to view now through October 18. This recorded pre-performance lecture is available to view now through October … Read more

A Tuba to Cuba

A Tuba To Cuba follows New Orleans’ famed Preservation Hall Jazz Band as they retrace their musical roots from the storied city of jazz to the shores of Cuba and in turn discover a connection that runs much deeper than could have been imagined. The leader of New Orleans’ famed Preservation Hall Jazz Band seeks … Read more

SOLD OUT – An Introduction to Flamenco Dance with Lindsey Bourassa

Join us as we kick off our 22-23 Raise the Barre series with an introduction to the art of Flamenco. In this workshop, students will explore foundational movements and rhythms of flamenco dance, as well as learn about the origins and conversational nature of this beautiful art form. No prior experience in flamenco or dance … Read more