performance

Program Notes for Martha Redbone Roots Proejct by Aimée M. Petrin

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

Program Notes for MOMIX by Aimée M. Petrin

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

Program Notes for Jerusalem Quartet by Aimée M. Petrin

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

Program Notes for Miró Quartet and Soprano Karen Slack by Aimée M. Petrin

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

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 “Requiem for an Electric Chair” by Aimée M. Petrin

Requiem for an Electric Chair

Dear Friends, It was 2018, Worcester, MA and a convening hosted by New England Foundation for the Arts. Presenters and artists from across New England were gathered together to share and learn about future performing arts projects. One of the artists that presented that day, a short excerpt from his solo performance piece, was Toto Kisaku. An internationally … Read more

Program Notes for Step Afrika! by Aimée M. Petrin

Step Afrika

Dear Friends, Thank you for joining us for Ovations’ performance of Step Afrika!  During the worst of the pandemic when gathering together in person was not possible, one of the bright spots was our ongoing engagement with Step Afrika! Originally slated for our 2020-21 season, Step Afrika! is one of the arts leaders taking full advantage … Read more

Program Notes for “Rosie Revere, Engineer & Friends” by Sarah Coleman

Rosie Revere, Engineer & Friends

Dear Friends, We are so thrilled to be back at Merrill Auditorium with a performance for young audiences! What a great way to return – with the clever, curious, and imaginative characters of Rosie Revere, Ada Twist, and Iggy Peck based on Andrea Beaty and David Roberts’ books. These stories are playful and poignant. They honor young … Read more

Program Notes for FLIP Fabrique by Aimée M. Petrin

Flip Fabrique: Six

Dear Friends, There was a time when running off to join the circus was a romantic idea entertained by many at some point in their lives. While this notion may seem antiquated today, what isn’t is the enchantment and allure of the circus.  Contemporary circus or nouveau cirque is one of my most favorite art forms. There are so, … Read more