music

Our Stories – How Do We Ensure Kids Can Still Experience the Performing Arts?

There’s nothing better than a Merrill Auditorium full of young people chatting and wiggling in their seats as they wait for one of our Family Performances to begin. We so miss these moments. We know it’s important for Ovations to continue to offer young people and their families chances to enjoy the performing arts during … Read more

Program Notes for Paige and Friends! by Sarah Coleman

Dear Friends,   Paige Hernandez returns to Portland Ovations! It just looks a lot different than 2012 when she performed her one-woman show Paige in Full for our School-Time Performance Series. That was before my time at Ovations, but I have known Paige for a long time – almost 20 years. We met at Arena … Read more

Our Stories – Celebrating Our Maine Artists

Last week we held a series of conversations around the five projects Ovations is commissioning by Maine-based artists. From dance to music and theater, from traditional to the contemporary – these five projects deeply explore a wide range of the creativity that makes Maine such a special and innovative place. You can still experience these … 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

From the Desk of our Board Chair

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

We’re Here With You

Dear Friends, Ours is one of the most vibrant, unique and culturally rich cities in the country. You, our creative and wholly engaged community – and the work of our many sister organizations, businesses and philanthropic entities – make this so. Ovations is more grateful than ever to be alongside you all. While so many of … Read more

Support Maine’s Cultural Community

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

New York Philharmonic String Quartet Program Notes by Linda Russell

many concert tours to display his prodigious talent. During the next ten years Mozart developed as a composer by imitating and expanding the various styles that he encountered during his travels Mozart’s string quartets span his life—from the earliest at age 15 to the more sophisticated compositions a year before he died. They also trace … Read more

New Orleans Jazz Orchestra Notes by Aimée Petrin

Dear Friends, Thank you for joining us for New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. From Jelly Roll Morton to Louis Armstrong and Fats Domino all the way up to the revered Allen Toussaint – this performance is about the  music and musicians that make New Orleans great. One of the things that stands out about NOJO is their ability to … Read more

Folk Music in Maine: An Enduring Legacy – By Paul F. Wells

Editor’s Note: This week, Ovations welcomes Grammy nominated Avi Avital and Bridget Kibbey to our classical music series on Tuesday, February 18. Avital is an Israeli mandolinist who specializes in renditions of both the Baroque classical repertory and—given his instrument—folk traditions. He has moved over his career from mandolin transcriptions of violin and fiddle music … Read more