The old City Hall Auditorium, before its renovation into Merrill.
In 1931, the Portland City Council created the Portland Music Commission with the charge of booking world-renowned performers in the elegant City Hall Auditorium. Led by a volunteer team of local music educators for several years, the organization became known as the Portland Concert Association in 1937, when it joined Community Concerts, the national marketing arm of Columbia Artists Management.
Since becoming an independent organization in 1977, PCA Great Performances has experienced tremendous growth and has become one of the leading performing arts presenters in New England. In response to community needs and interests, PCA has made the strongest possible commitment to excellence and diversity in programming, and has consistently presented a lively and challenging range of performing artists to enthusiastic audiences. PCA Great Performances is firmly committed to promoting the enjoyment of the performing arts and enhanced understanding of our world’s artistic traditions.
In 1997 – through the efforts of the City of Portland, PCA Great Performances, the Portland Symphony Orchestra, concerned citizens and the philanthropic community – a renovated City Hall Auditorium opened with improved acoustics, sightlines and stage facilities. This updated facility, renamed Merrill Auditorium, has allowed PCA Great Performances to significantly expand its season offerings to reach broader audiences throughout northern New England.
We are proud to have presented some of the world’s greatest performing artists. Browse our complete performance history.
Merrill Auditorium as it stands today.
