By Mary Elizabeth Nordstrom

Springvale, ME, 26 June 2010. Sanford-Springvale Historical Society, 7:30 p.m. The Bayside Trio brought its youthful presence and tasteful presentation of classical music to an area that seems to be growing in appreciation of classical music. Announced in a media headline as a program featuring contemporary music, it was apparent that this is the genre in which the group itself delights. The Norman Dello Joio and the Astor Piazzolla works brought an enthusiastic response – a response which this ensemble must hear again and again.

By Mary Elizabeth Nordstrom

Ogunquit, ME, 13 June 2010. The Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble lives up to its colorful name, in musical selections exquisitely rendered as well as tasteful, sophisticated attire – orchestra black over a purple gown or pink-sequined bodice, or plain black according to personal taste, yet obviously carefully coordinated. The visual setting for the stage area of the Barn Gallery was enhanced by the centered placement of the harp. Visitors to Southern Coastal Maine as well as residents who crave more local classical music performances can safely put this series on their repeat “to do” entertainment list. Positive reports of the prior two concerts, Boston Chamber Music Society and the DaPonte String Quartet this past weekend, serve to endorse one’s confidence in ensemble selection by Ogunquit Performing Arts, Stuart Nudelman, chairman and founder.

By Mary Elizabeth Nordstrom
Kennebunk, ME,   12 June 2010, 3 p.m., River Tree Arts Performance Gallery. Japanese-born Naho Bessho, winner of the Japan Classical Music Competition at the age of nineteen, built a program of entirely accessible, brief works played two by two before intermission, culminating in the excitement of a Rachmaninov sonata.

By Mary Elizabeth Nordstrom

Wells, ME, 16 May 2010. Holy Spirit Parish, St. Mary’s Church 7 p.m.

Robert Russell, conductor, produced an  a cappella choral concert tonight worthy of his teachers and mentors, Lara Haggard and Robert Shaw. I am eager to report that this is but your first chance to hear this program during the spring tour of USM Chamber Singers, not only in New England, but also at Trinity Church and Urban Assembly High School in New York City between May 16 and May 21, 2010. Russell remarked that annually the USM Chamber Singers present a “Joyous Sounds of Christmas” concert at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Portland to an average audience of only 250. He said that tonight’s was by far the largest tour audience to which they have sung. The sanctuary was nearly full. A few years ago, someone insisted that classical concerts would not draw an audience in Wells. How quickly the world turns! When impeccable quality musical performance is offered at family rates, or as they say about baseball fields, “Build it and they will come”!