Portland Symphony Orchestra

The Portland Symphony Orchestra was established in 1923 in Portland, Maine. It was started by a small group of leading musicians who had sent out invitations to join their organization to people in the area. In 1924 the Amateur Strand Symphony Orchestra had its first rehearsal with 75 instrumentalists.^[1] Their first concert was given a month later at the Strand Theater. In 1969, the orchestra's name was changed to the Portland Symphony Orchestra. Today the orchestra is recognized to be one of the top orchestras of its size in the country. The concert season runs from September to May and during July and performs a variety of concerts; including the Magic of Christmas, which has been a tradition for 36 years.

Conductors

The Portland Symphony Orchestra has had 11 main conductors since its establishment in 1923. Its first conductor was the city of Portland's organist, Charles Raymond Cronham, from 1927 to 1932. During his tenure, he extended rehearsals and the concert schedule. He also inaugurated out-of-town concerts like the performance at Bowdoin College in January 1928. Volunteers and musicians transported the orchestra and all its instruments which included two pianos.

In 1933, a school of music supervisor from Brunswick took over for a year. His name was Charles A. Warren.

From 1935–1937 Paul E. Melrose was the main conductor. He was part of the 5th US Infantry Band at Fort Williams as the Warrant Officers and Band Leader.

Dr. Russell Ames Cook was the first out-of-state conductor. He was an outgoing man who befriended the "leading families" of the Portland. These people helped him get support for the orchestra. During his tenure, 1938–1951, there was an increase in donations, supporters, and volunteers which are all essential to its success.

In 1952, the concertmaster and associate conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Richard Burgin became the PSO's conductor. His legacy is that he helped improve the string section.

Rouben Gregorian took over in 1958, after Burgin's administration ended. He was a graduate at Central College in Iran. He was the co-founder and past conductor of the Tehran Symphony Orchestra. As the main conductor of the Portland Symphony Orchestra he finalized the enactment of a fully paid orchestra in 1959.

In 1962 Arthur Bennett Lipkin began his tenure. He was the first resident conductor and began the Youth concerts. The orchestra was involved with the Voice of American Broadcast, including a broadcast to Kyoto, Japan.

From 1967–75 Paul Vermal was the main conductor. He conducted a five-day Canadian Tour. He also introduced outdoor concerts and concert previews.

The Portland Symphony Orchestra developed a national reputation for its artistic quality during Bruce Hangen's tenure. He helped expand educational programs which attracted children of all ages. He also created and developed the Portland Symphony Chamber Orchestra. His administration lasted from 1976–1986.

Toshiyuki Shimada took over in 1986. He tightened the "orchestra's grasp of symphonic masterworks and deepening its commitment to youth and family programming, while building higher on the firm music foundations left by his predecessors."

Robert Moody is now the conductor.^[2] He started his tenure in 2008. He brought an addition of a fourth Sunday Classical series concerts. Programs were added like, a Beatles tribute and Classical Mystery Tour.

1956-1958 Guest Conductors: Samuel Seineger, Rouben Gregorian, Attilio Poto, and Francis Findlay

1966-1967 Guest Conductors: Charles Gabor, Elyakum Shapiro, Maurice Kaplow, Andrew Galos, Andrew Galos, and Paul Vermel

1975-1976 Guest Conductors: Michael Palmer, Michael Charry, Claude Monteux, Bruce Hangen, Maurice Kaplow, Richard Williams, and Tibor Pusztai.

1985-1986 Guest Conductors: Robert Bernhardt, Toshiyuki Shimada, Robert Page, Catherine Comet, and Paul Polivnick

References

External links

• Official site