by Emily Parkhurst

Brunswick, Maine, 6 June 2009. The DaPonte String Quartet has come to be known in Southern Maine as a group willing to take risks with its programming.  The DSQ often performs pieces not originally written for the ensemble or chooses to showcase relatively unknown works.  It juxtaposes its edgier selections with standards of the repertoire, making every performance at the same time exciting and comforting.

by Emily Parkhurst

Portland, ME, 5 May, 2009. This evening’s performance was one of the best I’ve heard from the Portland Symphony Orchestra in some time.  While the program was about as mainstream as they come, (following the tried and true overture-concerto-symphony structure) the energy of the orchestra, soloist, and conductor was palpable.

by Emily Parkhurst

Portland, ME, 19 April 2009. When 2 of New England’s top string quartets come together to perform Mendelssohn’s Octet, the audience knows it is in for a special treat.  On Sunday, the Portland and Borromeo String Quartets did not let us down.

by Emily Parkhurst

Portland, ME, 31 March 2009. On Tuesday evening, the Choral Art Society of Portland, performed Felix Mendelssohn’s oratorio Elijah in Merrill Auditorium.  The concert was one of many recent celebrations of Mendelssohn’s 200th birthday, although likely the largest birthday party the composer will receive in Southern Maine this year.  The 114-member chorus was joined by five soloists and a 42-person orchestra made up of members of the Portland Symphony, DaPonte String Quartet, Nordica Trio and other prominent Maine performers.