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Updated 1/29/2025

Classical Uprising

  • Maine

    ME

Institution/Business Type: Performing Group

CLASSICAL UPRISING - ENLIVENING, STRENGTHENING, AND CONNECTING COMMUNITIES BY CREATING WORLD-CLASS, IMMERSIVE CLASSICAL MUSIC EXPERIENCES FOR EVERYONE

We believe that classical music enriches lives, inspires souls, and strengthens communities. At the same time, we recognize that traditional concerts may have limited appeal to 21st-century audiences. For some, a traditional concert may feel like an ordeal: put life on hold (kids not welcome), sit quietly in a cathedral-like symphony hall (no chatting, refreshment, or dancing), and observe mysterious rules of etiquette (don’t you dare clap between movements!).

Classical Uprising offers a bold rethinking of the classical music experience through immersive events, performances, and educational programs. We chose the name “Classical Uprising” because we believe that classical music must rise up, challenge current norms, and re-envision where, how, and for whom we are making music. Now, with the fight against systemic racism at the forefront, classical music must fully embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our goal is a holistic approach to classical music that enlivens, strengthens, and connects communities. Join us!

OUR PROGRAMS

Oratorio Chorale - Now in its fifth decade, Oratorio Chorale is a symphonic chorus committed to advancing choral music through performances, collaborations, educational programs, and community outreach. In 2015, the Chorale inaugurated Sweetest in the Gale, a women’s choir, and a Young Artist Program for talented high school singers. Oratorio Chorale presents four programs, 10 concerts a year, between September and May.

Portland Bach Experience - Portland Bach Experience tears down barriers and challenges preconceived notions about classical music by offering immersive events, intimate house-concerts, interactive educational programs, and small-town concerts with big-city talent. 

Horizon Voices - Horizon Voices youth choirs develop the next generation of healthy, thoughtful, and creative citizens through music education programs and choral singing. Designed for young people in grades K-12, the Choirs teach vocal technique and musicianship while nurturing communication and public speaking skills and introducing the joy of making music together.

Find Me

Emily Isaacson (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Artistic Director
Phone: 2072007933
Address:
Portland, ME 04101

Social Media:

Additional Content:

  • Amazing Grace: The American Spiritual - touring project

    A multimedia concert that traces the history of Black spirituals from Pre-Emancipation Folk Singing to the Black Lives Matter movement, supplemented by a companion webpage with local anti-racist resources.

  • The [uncertain] Four Seasons - touring project

    What will our future sound like if we don't act now on climate change?

  • Portland Bach Experience

    Ten days of immersive events, orchestral performances, intimate art gallery salon, outdoor performances, educational lectures, and hands-on events for children. How will you choose to experience Bach in Portland?

  • Oratorio Chorale

    A symphonic chorus committed to advancing choral music through exceptional performances, educational and community outreach, and collaborations.

  • Horizon Voices

    A performance-based music education program that strives to develop the next generation of healthy, thoughtful, and creative citizens through choral singing.

About

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Performing Group

Legal Status:

Nonprofit - Independent

Year Founded:

1974

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Performing Group

Legal Status:

Nonprofit - Independent

Year Founded:

1974

Disciplines

Primary Discipline:

Music - General

Additional Disciplines:

  • Music - Orchestral

Activities and Services

Activities and Services:

  • Arts Instruction / Lessons
  • Workshops / Demonstrations / Master Class
  • Performance / Concert / Reading
  • Community Arts
  • Arts for Social Change / Creative Activism
  • Arts and Health
  • Creation of a Work of Art (Including Commissions)
Seasons Active: spring, summer, fall, winter
Events Per Year: 45

Communities

Populations Engaged:

  • Adults
  • Artists
  • Elders
  • Families
  • General Public
  • Nonprofits
  • Rural Populations
  • School Groups
  • Teens

Languages Available:

  • English

Geographic Reach:

  • Town / City
  • County
  • Multi-County Region
  • State

Accessibility of Services

Accessibility of Services:

Accessibility accommodations vary by event venue - nearly all venues are wheelchair accessible, some larger venues also have accommodations for people who are hard-of-hearing. We encourage individuals to reach out to music@classicaluprising.org with specific questions about accessibility accommodations at individual events.

Media Gallery

Sanford Performing Arts Center
Sanford Performing Arts Center
View from behind choir looking at conductor and audience
Singer performing for audience
chamber orchestra with string instruments, harpsichord, and oboe in an art gallery
cellist performing for audience outside at a park
choir with jazz band performing in industrial space for audience
string orchestra performing outside for audience in parking lot under trees
children on stage singing

I Have Worked With

Affiliations and Accomplishments

Professional Associations

Professional Associations:

  • Maine Philanthropy Center
  • Chorus America
  • Maine Association of Nonprofits
  • Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP)
  • Brunswick Downtown Association
  • New England Presenters

Professional Associations

Professional Associations:

  • Maine Philanthropy Center
  • Chorus America
  • Maine Association of Nonprofits
  • Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP)
  • Brunswick Downtown Association
  • New England Presenters

Awards

Awards:

  • Artist of the Year - Maine Arts Commission
  • The American Prize

Special Designations

Special Designations:

  • NEFA Grant Recipient
  • New England Presenters (NEP) Member

Artist Info

Touring Artist

Technical Requirements:

  • Music stands
  • Chairs

Fee Range:

$500 - $15,000

State of Residence:

Maine

Minimum Number of Performers:

4

Maximum Number of Performers:

70

Touring Artist

Technical Requirements:

  • Music stands
  • Chairs

Fee Range:

$500 - $15,000

State of Residence:

Maine

Minimum Number of Performers:

4

Maximum Number of Performers:

70