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The Passamaquoddy Bay Symphony Orchestra (PBSO) was founded in 2007 as a constituent member of the Eastport Arts Center and is now a multi-age, independent, registered non-profit, symphony orchestra comprised primarily of (approx. 35) dedicated, volunteer musicians. The mission of PBSO has four important elements: to bring classical symphonic music to communities in Washington County, Maine and Charlotte County, New Brunswick; to provide an arena in which musicians may meet, practice, and perform together; to provide a serious hardworking orchestra in which growing musicians and students can develop their skills; and to provide an opportunity to premiere new works by Maine composers. In its first 10 years, PBSO has:
• Performed 72 concerts in venues in Washington County, Maine, and Charlotte County, New Brunswick.
• Featured 24 soloist performances.
• Premiered 5 new compositions by Maine composers.
• Played 94 works by 52 composers.
• Reached over 2000 children in 10 Music for Children performances.
• Provided outreach to under-served populations, such as school children and the elderly.
• Provided Performance Scholarships and Leadership Internships to 3 high school seniors.
• Provided an opportunity for at least 75 volunteer musicians to learn from Trond Saeverud and Gregory Biss and
share their love of music with each other and the community.
In addition to regular spring and fall seasons, consisting of 10 rehearsals and 3 performances each, PBSO embraces additional programs:
• The PBSO Woodwind Quintet was established in 2010 to provide outreach to local school-age children, to
represent PBSO in venues that are not practical for the orchestra as a whole, and to carry the experience of
quality classical music to under-served populations.
• The Performance Scholarship is awarded to a high school senior, or the equivalent if home schooled, who
participates in PBSO and performs a solo at the spring concert.
• The Leadership Internship targets a young musician planning a future in the music world, giving him/her
experience in orchestra management.
• The Music for Children Project creates and presents music programs, related to literature and/or visual arts, to
elementary aged children. Music for Children is preparing its third production -- the children's opera "Brundibar"
-- to be presented at no cost in mid-October to up to 1500 children from 20 Washington County Schools. This
project is generously funded by the Maine Community Foundation, the Maine Arts Commission, and the Stephen
and Tabitha King Foundation.
• Maine Composers: World Premier of New Works provides a venue for Maine composers to debut their works
Music director and conductor, Trond Saeverud, is an international violinist/conductor, conductor of the Galveston Symphony Orchestra, concert-master for the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, founder of the Nor'easter String Quartet, and private teacher. Assistant conductor, Gregory Biss, is a composer, pianist, long-time faculty member at Summer Keys in Lubec, and maintains a busy teaching studio.
The Fall 2018 Rehearsal Season begins Thursday, June 16, from 7 PM to 9:30 PM at the Eastport Arts Center. Fall concerts are November 30 in Eastport, December 1 in Machias, and December 2 in Calais. The program features classical works made popular by their use in motion pictures. All area musicians are welcome to attend and join this enthusiastic ensemble!
Institution/Business Type:
Performing Group
Legal Status:
Nonprofit - Independent
Year Founded:
2007
Institution/Business Type:
Performing Group
Legal Status:
Nonprofit - Independent
Year Founded:
2007
Primary Discipline:
Music - OrchestralActivities and Services:
Populations Engaged:
Geographic Reach:
Accessibility of Services: