PORTLAND — The Portland Chamber Music Festival celebrates its 19th season Aug. 9 to 18 at the Abromson Center at the University of Southern Maine.
According to a news release, PCMF is well known for its eclectic and adventurous programming. In addition to traditional summer festival offerings that include the Schubert Cello Quintet, Brahms Clarinet Quintet, and Mozart C Major String Quintet, the August performances include music for soprano and guitar by Dominick Argento; a rarely-heard work for soprano, two violas, and two cellos by Paul Hindemith; and trios by this season’s resident composers, Sebastian Currier and Michael Alec Rose, who will introduce their works from the stage.
This season’s 24 performers and composers include nine making their first-ever appearances at the festival. Making their PCMF debuts, among others, are David Leisner, regarded as one of the world’s leading classical guitarists; soprano Tony Arnold, the only vocalist ever to be awarded first prize in the Gaudeamus International Interpreters Competition; and composer Sebastian Currier, winner of the prestigious Grawemeyer Award.
Returning artists include members of the Chicago and Houston symphonies, the Minnesota Orchestra and the Orpheus Ensemble in New York.
Three performers, artistic director and violinist Jennifer Elowitch, cellist Marc Johnson and violinist Robert Lehmann live and work in Maine.
Maine Public Radio (MPBN) will broadcast the festival’s Aug. 9 opening night concert live from the Abromson Center. In addition, MPBN’s Suzanne Nance will serve as onstage host for PCMF’s concert on Aug. 16.
For concert information and tickets, visit pcmf.org or call 1-800-320-0257.
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