Notes on the Program by Philip Carlsen Si-roc-co: A “hot dust-laden wind from the Libyan deserts that blows on the northern Mediterranean coast.” Si-roc-co: A musical wind blowing across the north Atlantic from Manchester, England, bearing tantalizing scents from South Africa, Mali, Denmark, and eighteenth-century Vienna, a visionary collaboration between violinist Rakhi Singh, cellist Abel … Read more
Dear Friends, Thank you for joining us this evening. You are in for a special performance in a venue new for Ovations, First Parish Church, chosen for its sense of history and its practice of being welcoming to all. Martha Redbone – award-winning vocalist, composer, songwriter, storyteller – is an artist for the millennium. One … Read more
Notes on the Program by Philip Carlsen Our soloist, the renowned Chopin interpreter Zlata Chochieva, has prepared a recital with Chopin at its center, framing his music with pieces written in tribute to him by two great Russian pianist-composers of a later generation. It’s worth noting that those composers, Alexander Scriabin and Sergei Rachmaninoff, had an … Read more
Staff picks is a fun time of the season where each staff member at Portland Ovations writes about an upcoming performance they’re most excited about. We work very hard to bring these productions to you throughout the season and often get just as excited as our audiences to see these artists live on stage. Scroll … Read more
Dear Friends, Welcome to the magical world of MOMIX where things are not always as they seem. Bodies curl and unfold to reveal ethereal, ephemeral beings and shapes or, in this case, the surreal wonderland inhabited by Alice and her friends. MOMIX’s “Alice” is a wonderful portal into the world of dance, with Alice and … Read more
Dear Friends, Welcome to the first performance of Portland Ovations’ 93rd season. You are amongst those experiencing a very special program in a very special space. From the artistry and historical significance of the program to the joyful partnerships and collaborations to moving out into the community to bring music to new and unexpected venues … Read more
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 FELIX MENDELSSOHN String Quartet in E-flat, Op. 12 (1829) The astonishing octet of Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847), written when he was only sixteen, was played on a Portland Ovations concert … Read more
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
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
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
We are a non-profit performing arts organization in Maine connecting artists and audiences through diverse arts experiences. Be thoroughly entertained by live performances spanning the traditional to the contemporary, the popular to the unexpected. Learn from and be inspired by artists who openly share with us their passion and craft.
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Phone: 207.773.3150
Office: 120 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
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