More with Midcoast, 2025-2026
The MSO’s “More with Midcoast” program offers audience members a chance to go behind the scenes and interact with the instruments while learning more about the music and the musicians performing it.
All of these offerings are free of charge and take place in the concert hall (unless otherwise noted) so you can be sure to have a great seat for the concert following the event.
Youth Performances in the Heritage Hall at Franco Center
October 25 during intermission
January 17 during intermission
March 21 during intermission
We are pleased to showcase some of the area’s best up-and-coming talents downstairs during each of our first three concerts this season. Food and drinks will be available.
Pre-Concert events:
The Marriage of Spirituals and Classical Music
October 26, 1:30 p.m.—Orion Performing Arts Center
Join Mary Hunter, Professor Emeritus of Music, Bowdoin College, and a special guest for an overview of how these traditional songs became part of the modern classical repertoire.
Open Rehearsal with Music Director and Conductor Rohan Smith
January 18, 1:30 p.m.—Orion Performing Arts Center
Join Maestro Smith and the orchestra on stage as he rehearses a selection of music from our “Myths and Magic” concert. Seating is limited so be sure to arrive early.
A Conversation with Guest Artists Jinwook Park and Morgan Lee
March 22, 1:30 p.m.—Orion Performing Arts Center
Get to know our guest conductor and featured pianist as they chat with MSO violinists Denise Shannon and Tyler Sherwin about their careers and the pieces included in our "Ambition and Destiny" concert.
Choral Music in Performance
May 16, 6 p.m.—Donald M. Gay Performing Arts Center
May 17, 1:30 p.m.—Orion Performing Arts Center
Zen Kuriyama, Choir Master for our “Resurrection” concert, provides some insights into how a chorus prepares to work with an orchestra on a piece like Mahler’s Second Symphony.
Meet the Instruments
June 20, 1:30 p.m.—Donald M. Gay Performing Arts Center
June 21, 1:30 p.m.—Mt. Ararat Middle School gym (use same entrance as Orion Performing Arts Center)
A popular family event in which MSO musicians will be on hand to give people of all ages a chance to play and learn about the instruments in the orchestra.
Judith Elser Concerto Competition
Spring 2026 date and location to be announced
A biennial competition honors the memory of Judith Elser (1940–2015), a long-time music teacher who played cello in the MSO for many years. Any college or graduate student at a Maine college or university is welcome to apply. The application deadline is February 14, 2026.
Free Concerts in the Park
Keep your eyes on our website this spring for details about our plans for performing classical music in the great outdoors in the summer of 2026.
More with Midcoast is sponsored by the Maine Trust for Local News and supported with grants from the Nathaniel Davis Fund and Alfred M. Senter Fund.
For more info see our Facebook page, call (207) 315-1712, or email info@midcoastsymphony.org
