Classical Music Festivals Abound in Maine This Summer

Strategic Insights -

From the picturesque Deertrees Theater in Harrison to the intimate venues of Chebeague Island, Maine's classical music scene is thriving this summer with a plethora of festivals and concerts. Classical music enthusiasts will have the opportunity to experience a variety of performances, from traditional to modern, in unique settings that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Portland Bach Experience, running from June 5-15, will feature a diverse range of events, including concerts at the Chocolate Church Arts Center in Bath and a glass sculpture studio, as well as a lecture about Hildegard von Bingen at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in Portland.
  • The Bach Virtuosi Festival, marking its 10th year in Maine, will take place at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Cape Elizabeth from June 18-24, with a sweeping program that spans Bach's career and includes newer works by living composers.
  • The Bowdoin International Music Festival, welcoming 280 students to the Brunswick campus from June 30-August 8, will feature concerts by visiting faculty, including a ticketed performance by pianist Richard Goode in August, and will offer free concerts at Bowdoin and nontraditional venues in the Midcoast and southern Maine.
  • The Sebago-Long Lake Music Festival, now in its 53rd season, will feature the world premiere of a woodwind quintet by living composer David Post, with season tickets costing $145 and individual tickets to the Tuesday concerts available for $35.
  • The Seal Bay Music Festival, focused on American chamber music, will introduce composers' works before each concert and feature the acclaimed Cassatt String Quartet, with most events being free and tickets for the Aug. 6 concert at the Portland Conservatory of Music available for $29.50.
  • The Portland Chamber Music Festival, relocating to Steven Square in Portland, will present singer Ganavya and harpist Mariam Adefris in a May 27 concert with Space in Portland, with student tickets starting at $12 and adult tickets ranging from $30 to $83.
  • Beyond the festivals, other concerts include a midday, midweek performance series at Trinity Commons in Lewiston, the Lifesongs Project celebrating the stories of LGBTQ+ people in the local community, and the Portland Symphony Orchestra closing its milestone 100th season with a program featuring views of the United States from inside and out.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,500 applicants vied for 280 spots at the Bowdoin International Music Festival.
  • The Portland Bach Experience's concert program spans Bach's career.
  • The Bach Virtuosi Festival's 10th year in Maine marks a milestone, with founder and director Lewis Kaplan joking that he still has a long way to go before he can match the 50 years he spent at the Bowdoin International Music Festival.
  • The Sebago-Long Lake Music Festival's 53rd season will feature the world premiere of a woodwind quintet by living composer David Post.
  • The Seal Bay Music Festival's core resident ensemble is the acclaimed Cassatt String Quartet.
  • The Portland Chamber Music Festival's relocation to Stevens Square in Portland provides a new venue for the nonprofit's annual festival.
  • Over 90 percent of the Bowdoin International Music Festival is free to attend.

Sources:

  • "Byline: Megan Gray" (The Portland Press Herald, May 15)
  • portlandbachexperience.com
  • bachvirtuosifestival.org
  • bowdoinfestival.org
  • sebagomusicfestival.org
  • sealbayfestival.org
  • pcmf.org
  • trinitylewiston.org
  • palaverstrings.org
  • portlandsymphony.org