These past events are presented here, most recent events first, for historical interest.
A Frenchman in EnglandWednesday, November 19, 2008 6–7 pm
Merrill Auditorium Green Room
FREE
More about the accompanying performance
Dr. Elliot Schwartz speaks about the great piano repertoire – including Brahms, Bartók, and Chopin – to be performed just afterwards, at the 7:30 pm recital by the renowned young French pianist Cédric Tiberghien.
Piano Masterclass with Cédric TiberghienMonday, November 17, 2008 10 am-12:15 pm and 2-3:30 pm
at USM School of Music,Gorham, Corthell Hall
More about the accompanying performance
A very special opportunity for USM School of Music pianists, referred by their piano teachers, to improve technique and phrasing with this exciting European pianist. Open to observers. For more information please contact the USM School of Music Box Office at 207.780.5555.
Tuesdays mornings, November 18, December 2, and December 16 from 10:30 am to noon
Portland Public Library
free
PCA Great Performances collaborates with the Portland Public Library to present an in-depth book discussion series with Dr. Gerald Talbot, using the text Maine’s Visible Black History.
The series illuminates one of PCA’s season-long themes, Maine and Its Ties to Africa, which connects our community with artists and art forms that celebrate the African-American and African aesthetic. Discussions will be held at the Portland Public Library on Tuesday mornings November 18, December 2, and December 16 from 10:30am to noon in the main library’s third-floor lecture hall.
***NOTE: Student tickets for Maine and Its Ties to Africa performances are available to all book discussion participants.
The Book
Maine’s Visible Black History by H.H. Price and Gerald E. Talbot, editors
ISBN 0-88448-275-8, Tilbury House, Publishers, 1-800-582-1899, http://www.tilburyhouse.com
About Dr. Gerald Talbot
Dr. Gerald Talbot, a long-time Portland resident, archivist, and civil rights leader, was the first African-American elected to the Maine legislature and the major donor of the African-American Collection of Maine at the University of Southern Maine.
Early History of Blacks in Maine November 18, 2008 10:30 am–noon
This discussion covers the first chronicles of African-Americans in Maine.
There are rich deposits of black history throughout Maine, starting with the Cape Verde fishermen who chased cod along our shores before colonization. Blacks accompanied the European explorers and settlers, some were settlers themselves; and many came enslaved. The African migration to Maine begins – and it continues today. The chapters “Early History” and “Families and Communities” are covered.
Contributions to Economy and Culture in Maine December 2, 2008 10:30 am–noon
Black Mainers made significant contributions to the economy and fabric of their communities in order to make a future for their children and grandchildren. They were business owners, employees, volunteers, church and community leaders. As the state grew and its industries prospered, these citizens became educators, ministers, inventors, and artists. The chapters “Living and Working” and “Arts and Sciences” are covered.
Social Change December 16 10:30 am–noon
From the Underground Railroad to the “March for Jobs and Freedom,” Black Mainers have championed the cause of freedom and celebrated the diversity of their roots. Maine is home to families who have roots in the state many generations deep. How is Maine adapting to the increasing numbers of new immigrants from Africa? The chapters “Social Change” and “Black Mainers & Beyond” are covered.
*** Student tickets to
Philadanco, Thursday, November 13, 2008 $10
“Filled with sleek, propulsive movement and emotional undercurrent.” – New York Times
Sweet Honey in the Rock, Sunday, January 18, 2009 $ 20
“Soulful, spirited, sumptuous, and stirring.” – Washington Post
Daniel Bernard Roumain, Friday, February 6, 2009 $10
“An evening of chamber music with the accessible feel of a rock concert.” – Albany Times Union
Toumani Diabaté, Friday, May 1, 2009 $15
“A modern virtuoso rethinking an age-old instrument.” – New York Times
Contact PortTix (207-842-0800) to take advantage of this special offer.
Student tickets are limited and offered on an as-available basis.
For more information about Maine and Its Ties to Africa and other PCA Offstage programs, please visit http://pcagreatperformances.org/pca_offstage/
For more information about the artists PCA is bringing to Portland this season, please visit PCA’s website at http://www.pcagreatperformances.org
Thanks to Our Supporters
PCA is grateful to the following for their funding support for the book discussion series and other Maine and its Ties to Africa public activities:
The Center for Cultural Exchange Foundation
Davis Family Foundation
Maine Arts Commission
Maine Community Foundation
Maine Humanities Council
National Endowment for the Arts
New England Foundation for the Arts’ “Expeditions” and “Meet the Composer” programs
The African-American Dance ExperienceThursday, November 13, 2008 6–7 pm
Merrill Auditorium Green Room
FREE
More about the accompanying performance
From a grassroots, community-based performing arts organization to one of America’s foremost dance ensembles today, Philadanco exists as a model for emerging choreographers, dancers, and other dance companies with repertoire that blends African-American, ballet, jazz, and cutting-edge styles. In advance of the 7:30 pm performance, join Joan Myers Brown, founder and artistic director of Philadanco, for an overview of the evening’s program and the company’s commitment to honoring the spirit of African-American dance.
Horton and Dunham TechniquesWednesday, November 12, 2008 7:00-8:30 pm
Third Floor Dance Studio
Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS)
$25 registration fee
More about the accompanying performance
Click here to download registration form
Dance Teacher Workshop with PhiladancoThursday, November 13, 2008 11 am-12:30pm
Portland Ballet Company 517 Forest Avenue, Portland
Portland Ballet Company
$25 registration fee
More about the accompanying performance
Click here to download registration form
In this masterclass especially for dance instructors, participants investigate the technique, repertoire, and genres that inform Philadanco’s signature style. This is an excellent professional development opportunity for dance instructors from all dance genres looking to advance their craft in a peer setting. Open to dance instructors.
Fairy-Tale OperaThursday, October 23, 2008 6–7 pm
Merrill Auditorium Rehearsal Hall
FREE
More about the accompanying performance
Prior to a 7:30 pm of Mozart’s final masterpiece, the opera The Magic Flute, Portland Conservatory of Music Executive Director and Conductor Dr. Deirdre McClure provides insight into this popular opera.
Brahms, Bartók, Strauss, and a StradivariusWednesday, May 14, 2008 6 pm
Merrill Auditorium Green Room
FREE
More about the accompanying performance
How does an artist choose his program? What are the interesting features of the pieces chosen? Join professor Rob Lehmann, director of string studies at the USM School of Music, for an illuminating overview of James Ehnes’ career and the historical and cultural background of his program.
Sunday, May 11, 2008 3 pm
Maine Center for the Arts, Orono
Call 800.622.8499 for tickets
Following the world premiere in Portland on May 8, the Borromeo String Quartet performs Elliott Schwartz’s new chamber work in concert in Orono. The Maine Center for the Arts collaborated with PCA Great Performances on this project, and provided co-commissioning support for the new work.
Saturday, May 10, 2008 1–4 pm
Windham High School Auditorium
The Borromeo will coach ensembles, helping the students prepare for their annual concert later that afternoon, at which the Borromeo String Quartet will be the featured artists.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Augusta, Maine
The Borromeo String Quartet and will spend the day in Augusta, coaching students from Pineland Suzuki School and joining composer Elliott Schwartz and the Department of Education’s Argy Nestor for an online question-and-answer session.
First Lady Karen Baldacci will then host the quartet, composer, and invited guests for an afternoon tea at the Blaine House.
Thursday, May 8, 2008 6 pm
Merrill Auditorium Green Room
FREE
Prior to the world premiere of the PCA-commissioned work by Maine’s Elliott Schwartz performed by the celebrated Borromeo String Quartet, Dr. Daniel Sonenberg interviews both composer and ensemble on the collaborative and creative process of bringing new work to life. As a composer and musician himself, Dr. Sonenberg has written extensively for chamber and orchestral ensembles, and has recently gained notice for his art songs and theater compositions.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008 6:30–8 pm
Lincoln Middle School, Portland
FREE and open to the public
The Borromeo String Quartet will work with high school orchestras in the gymnasium of Lincoln Middle School. Pre-registration required; please call 207.773.3150 ×221 to participate or attend.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS)
The Borromeo will collaborate with young musicians on the process of composing with computers.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
By invitation to the students and teachers only
The Borromeo String Quartet will present lecture-demonstrations to students and teachers throughout southern Maine, making stops at Portland’s Reiche Elementary School, the Olin Arts Center at Bates College in Lewiston, and at Kennebunk’s River Tree Center for the Arts.
Monday, May 5, 2008 5–6 pm
Portland Conservatory of Music
At the Woodfords Congregational Church, Portland
FREE and open to the public
Observe the Borromeo String Quartet in an open rehearsal, followed by a question-and-answer session with the members of the ensemble.
Saturday, May 3, 2008 5:30 pm
Merrill Auditorium State of Maine Room
FREE
Colby College Assistant Professor of Spanish and native Argentine Dr. Marisela Funes asks: How does the Broadway version of Eva Perón relate to the reality of her life and influence in Argentine politics? What is the importance of appearance vs. reality for women politicians in today’s race for political power?
May 1–9, 2008
Click here for a full list of residency events
The exhilarating Borromeo String Quartet returns to celebrate and premiere a new work by Maine’s own Elliott Schwartz, commissioned by PCA Great Performances. Whether working with string orchestras, string quartets, or individual students of any age, members of the BSQ empower string players of all skill levels to play boldly and confidently, creating a positive environment for immediate improvement in skills. During this weeklong, statewide residency, there will be opportunities for string quartet masterclasses, coaching workshops, composing and music theory lectures, history of Western classical music lectures and demonstrations, and more. All skill levels.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 4–5 pm
Portland Conservatory of Music
Open to Portland Conservatory of Music students and faculty only
Elliott Schwartz returns to the Portland Conservatory of Music to composition students in music theory and to contribute his ideas for creative musical problem-solving.
Thursday, April 24, 2008 7–8:30 pm
Portland Conservatory of Music
At the Woodfords Congregational Church, Portland
FREE and open to the public
Join Maine composer Elliott Schwartz as he shares his observations about his creative process and discusses the newly commissioned String Quartet No 2, entitled For Louise and Aaron.
Thursday, April 17, 2008 10 am
Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS)
Sold out · $350 for a class of 25 or fewer
High school and college drama students
While in Portland for their performance of Moby Dick Rehearsed, the Acting Company shares its highly skilled approach to theater with the “Building a Character? workshop, highlighting physical awareness and the development of character through physicality. The class is an exploration of internal and external stimuli, and how an actor’s physical relationship to the environment can influence his emotional life from the outside in.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 6 pm
Merrill Auditorium Rehearsal Hall
FREE
Before the performance of Moby Dick Rehearsed, join a member of the Acting Company to discuss how they mount a play and how the actors prepare for their roles. Get an insider’s view into the process of performing this unique play.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Thornton Academy, Saco – open to the students only
The Borromeo String Quartet will coach Portland– and Saco-area strings students to prepare for concerts this spring.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 noon–1 pm
Portland Public Library
FREE
Brown bag lecture on Moby Dick Rehearsed with Dr. Michael Bachem.
Sunday, April 13, 2008 2 pm
Portland Harbor Museum
FREE for Portland Harbor Museum members $5 for non-members
Join maritime historian and author Bob Webb, former curator of the Maine Maritime Museum, for an introspective look into the history of humankind’s relationship with whales and their influence on our history. Beginning in the Bay of Biscay nearly a thousand years ago, he weaves an around-the-world literary and historical journey in search of this animal, whose oil fueled the development of the industrial age, and whose baleen and meat provided the stuff of fashion and sustenance. Learn more about the Portland Harbor Museum.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008 6 pm
Merrill Auditorium Rehearsal Hall
FREE
Story dances, the human condition, movement/human body universal language…. Learn more about the history and vocabulary of dance that has influenced choreographer Ronald K. Brown’s style and his creative process of connecting dance to other art forms with dance educator and choreographer Nancy Salmon.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008 11 am–12:30 pm
Download the registration form
$20 class fee $10 audit fee if space allows
Participate in this high-energy masterclass led by Arcell Cabuag, a member of Ronald K. Brown’s Evidence dance company. Arcell will probe the rhythms and moves of Africa, the Caribbean, and the streets of the US that inspire choreographer Ronald K. Brown’s signature vocabulary. For intermediate dancers.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Sold out · $350 for a class of 25 or fewer
High school and college drama students
Known for his blend of African, modern, ballet and hip-hop to tell stories about what is important to the human experience choreographer Ron Brown shares his approach to storytelling through dance. Open to all levels, this unique workshop utilizes the universal language of the body to share and tell. Grades K–12.
Thursday, April 3, 2008 7 pm
Maine Historical Society
FREE
Lecture with Dr. Peter Coviello. Melville’s expansive novel is not just an archaic “big fish? story with Shakespearean overtones. Among its other challenges and rewards to twenty-first-century readers, Moby Dick asks us to consider the nature of American freedom and its sometimes frightening proximity to terror.
Sunday, March 30, 2008 2:30 pm
Merrill Auditorium State of Maine Room
FREE
Prior to the performance by Spirit of Uganda, learn more about the inspirational, unifying power of music and the role music plays in preserving culture with Dr. Richard Nickerson.
Friday, March 21, 2008 4–6 pm
USM School of Music, Gorham
$6 to observe FREE to USM students and faculty
The BSQ coaches USM ensembles to prepare these young musicians for their Chamber Music America Awards recital in April. For reservations, please contact the USM School of Music Box Office at 207.780.5555.
Friday, March 21, 2008 3:15–3:45 pm
USM School of Music, Gorham
FREE and open to the public
Join us for this rare opportunity to witness the ensemble and composer as they come together for the first time to rehearse the new work composed by Mr. Schwartz and commissioned by PCA Great Performances.
Thursday, March 20, 2008 7 pm
Maine Historical Society
FREE
Longfellow spent a good deal of his life within sight of the sea. The poet’s biographer, Charles Calhoun, draws parallels between some of the Longfellow’s lesser-known poems and the paintings of Fitzhugh Lane and other American luminists.
Monday, March 10, 2008 10–11:30 am
Portland Public Library
Dr. Michael Bachem speaks on the reverberations of Moby Dick. To register for the series, contact the PPL at 207.871.1700 x759 or download the flyer for more information.
Thursday, March 6, 2008 7 pm
Maine Historical Society
FREE
Moby Dick is often described as the great American novel. Dr. Joseph Conforti surveys this monumental literary achievement that captures the energy, expansiveness, ferment, and moral contradictions of mid-ninteenth-century America.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008 6 pm
Merrill Auditorium Rehearsal Hall
FREE
Dr. Deirdre McClure follows her successful 2007 two-night lecture series, which provided audiences a view of opera from the conductor’s perspective. Find out how an opera conductor would prepare to conduct Tosca and La Traviata and learn more about musical motifs found in both operas.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 6–7 pm
Merrill Auditorium Rehearsal Hall
FREE
Learn about the celebrated dance maker, José Limón, through this award-winning and poetic documentary that offers a compelling look at the life and work of this revolutionary artist. Portland Ballet Company’s Vanessa Beyland will introduce Limón: A Life Beyond Words. Ms. Beyland is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Dance. Prior to coming to Maine, she worked for the Limón Dance Company in New York.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 2–4 pm
Download the flyer and registration form
Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS)
$20 class fee $10 audit fee if space allows
Rich in dynamics, expression and musicality, the Limón Dance Company celebrates sixty years. Learn the technique and repertory of the iconic, classic contemporary dance master José Limón from a Carla Maxwell, the company’s artistic director. For intermediate dancers. Download the flyer and registration form.
Monday, February 11, 2008 10–11:30 am
Portland Public Library
Dr. Michael Bachem speaks on approaches to reading Moby Dick. To register for the series, contact the PPL at 207.871.1700 x759 or download the flyer for more information.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008 6 pm
Merrill Auditorium Green Room
FREE
Dr. David Ober discusses Ingrid Fliter, the first female to win the prestigious Gilmore Artist Award, for an enlightening view of this fiery Argentine’s program and how musicians are chosen for the coveted award.
Monday, January 28, 2008 10–11:30 am
Portland Public Library
Dr. Michael Bachem, a professor emeritus of humanities, speaks on the history and background of Moby Dick. To register for the series, contact the PPL at 207.871.1700 x759 or download the flyer for more information.
Friday, January 25, 2008 10–11:30 am
Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS)
$20 class fee $10 audit fee if space allows
For intermediate dancers, this class includes a warm-up, repertory phrases, and guided improvisation. Bring physicality and a sense of humor and prepare for an adventure! Space is limited and early registration is advised. Print out this flyer and registration form or call 207.773.3150 x227 for details.
Thursday, January 24, 2008 immediately following the performance
Merrill Auditorium, Portland, Maine
FREE to attendees of Momix
Your opportunity to meet the dancer-illusionists of Momix (and see them in street clothes and regular lighting). After the January 24 performance, stick around for a moment and come down to the front of the auditorium, near the stage. You'll have the opportunity to ask a few questions and to hear the dancers talk about what it's like to be a part of this innovative company.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008 7:30 pm
Southworth Planetarium, USM, Portland, Maine
FREE with a Momix ticket or USM student ID
(otherwise $5 adults $4 students and seniors)
Join Dr. Jerry LaSala, professor of physics and astronomy and director of the Southworth Planetarium, for an interdisciplinary exploration of the moonscape, looking at the heavens as an age-old inspiration for “lunatics,? artists, and scientists, featuring atmospheric music. Read the script here.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 6 pm
Merrill Auditorium Rehearsal Hall
FREE
Nancy Salmon, Maine choreographer and dance professor who studied with one of Limón Dance Company’s first company members, will present a lecture on the Limón technique and a review of the historically significant dance pieces to be performed.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007 6 pm
Merrill Auditorium Rehearsal Hall
FREE
Beautiful melodies are the hallmark of the season. Castlebay has been musically weaving together the timeless traditions of Maine’s nautical legacy and its British Isles heritage since 1987. Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee, the Castlebay duo share their passion for Celtic music and instruments: Celtic harp, twelve-string guitar, fiddle, flute, and whistles.
Friday, November 17, 2007 4 pm
The Telling Room, Commercial Street, Portland
Fee dependent on class size
Performance ensemble Mayhem Poets brings a hip-hop beat to poetry, taking participants through a workshop that hones skills in enunciation, improvisation, wordplay, connection with an audience, and use of creativity and imagination. Sourcing Longfellow’s legacy, Mayhem Poets coach students to find connections between their brand of poetry and the essence of Portland’s hometown poet.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 6 pm
Merrill Auditorium Rehearsal Hall
FREE
Blues expert Bob Caswell discusses the cultures that have created the genre, from old-time gospel and blues harmonica to New Orleans jazz.
Thursday, November 8, 2007 5:30 pm
Hannaford Hall, USM, Portland, Maine
FREE
Robert Lehmann, director of string studies for the USM School of Music, speaks about the evening’s performance. Matt Haimovitz will be present.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 3–5 pm
USM School of Music, Gorham
$6 to observe · call USM at 207.780.5555
An innovative, exciting cellist whose musical tastes run from classical to rock works with area strings students to prepare their concert repertoire.
Thursday, November 1, 2007 6 pm
Merrill Auditorium Rehearsal Hall
FREE
Conductor, music director, and Executive Director of the Portland Conservatory of Music Dr. Dierdre McClure provides insights into one of opera’s most tragic heroines.
Saturdays, October 27 and November 3, 2007 12–1:30 pm
The Telling Room, Commercial Street, Portland
Led by Gibson Fay-LeBlanc. If you’ve ever imagined yourself wowing an audience with your words and rhymes, this workshop is for you. We’ll focus on writing and performing pieces in the long tradition from Shakespeare to Jay-Z and Longfellow to Linkin Park with an eye toward the Mayhem Poets’ visit to Portland on November 16–17. Grades 8–12.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007 6 pm
Merrill Auditorium Rehearsal Hall
FREE
Dr. Richard Nickerson, choral conductor of the Boy Singers of Maine and the award-winning Windham Chamber Singers, discusses the evolution of contemporary Celtic music.
