maine

Program Notes for Miró Quartet & Soprano Karen Slack by Philip Carlsen

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

Staff Picks!

Portland Ovations Staff

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

Program Notes for Janice Carissa by Philip Carlsen

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   Enrique Granados: Maiden and the Nightingale   The three great Spanish composers who came of age around the turn of the last century are principally known for works celebrating their … Read more

Program Notes for Preservation Hall Jazz Band by Aimée M. Petrin

Dear Friends, It’s always great music, wonderful energy and a touch of the New Orleans spirit when the Preservation Hall Jazz Band rolls into town.  Despite their longevity and name, the band is not stagnant or resting on their laurels. This latest line-up includes next-generation members, including bandleader Ben Jaffe, son of Allan Jaffe, who co-founded the venue and … Read more

Program Notes for Farruquito: “Flamenco Íntimo” by Aimée M. Petrin

Dear Friends, For decades, Portland Ovations has shared the world’s artistic traditions with audiences in Maine. Tonight’s performance, with renowned flamenco artist Farruquito is exactly what we espouse to in the presentation of artists from around the globe: a mix of both the traditional and the contemporary. Juan Manuel Fernandez Montoya, aka Farruquito, was born in Seville, Spain in … Read more

Program Notes for Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble by Philip Carlsen

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   Today’s program displays a striking symmetry. Each half opens with a single-movement Baroque composition, contrapuntal and abstract, which serves as a kind of prelude to the large-scale Romantic piece … Read more

A Free Community Dance Party Open To All

Garba360

Portland Ovations kicks off its 92nd season on Saturday, September 17th with Garba360, a lively and immersive community dance party that is free and open to the public. Anchored by live music by Kashyap Jani and Friends, a 5-piece Garba band based out of Connecticut and two guided dance tutorials starting at 4pm and 5:30pm, this unique event invites all to enjoy and learn the essential … 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