Name: 16th Annual Symphony Soiree
Start: 2024-03-09T18:00:00
Location: University of Maine

Lucas Richman

Mitchell Newman

Joëlle Morris

Bangor Symphony Orchestra

A note from the Maestro: As winter comes to a close in Maine we may see crocuses peeking up through lightly fallen snow, or delicate starflowers growing in our forests, heralding the warming spring weather ahead. With the awakening and blooming of Mother Nature, composers through the ages have embraced spring as a source of inspiration. The ballet, The Rite of Spring, by Stravinsky engages one of the largest orchestras we have ever put on the stage of the Collins Center and this epic work will have us rolling and romping through the rhythmic splendor of springtime. Callirhoë by Chaminade is inspired by Venus, goddess of fertility, and the Spring Afternoon by Boulanger is a sweet short journey into the impressionist style. The robust merrymaking of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Russian Easter Overture kicks off this programmatic celebration of Spring.

The Rite of Spring

University of Maine

A note from the Maestro: In paying tribute to the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, our programming was chosen to represent a wide berth of compositional contributions from various corners of the U.S. Pairing Joan Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman with Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man gives us a unique opportunity of reflection across the decades. Valerie Colman’s Umoja (Anthem of Unity) is now a staple in concert halls across the nation, and the New England Triptych by William Schuman takes us on a musical journey to a New England of the not-so-distant past. Our season finale concert culminates in a suite of much-beloved music from George Gershwin’s opera, “Porgy and Bess.”

Our American Story

The sun, earth, and moon align at this year’s Symphony Soirée! The night begins with the Myles Kelly Jazz Trio while you bid on exclusive silent auction items and enjoy delicious food and time with friends. An ensemble of the Bangor Symphony Youth Orchestras takes the stage as we continue in the main hall with the always-exciting live auction followed by unique performances with Music Director Lucas Richman, violinist Mitchell Newman, and mezzo-soprano Joëlle Morris!