Shake off the winter blues with a joyful, family-friendly concert that brings the spirit of spring to life. Grammy-nominated ensemble Palaver Strings joins Portland Municipal Organist James Kennerley for a fresh and imaginative take on early and modern classical music, revealing the gentler side of the mighty Kotzschmar Organ. This shorter, immersive performance is perfect for all ages, featuring floral-inspired projections, creative lighting, and stage décor that transform Merrill Auditorium into a blooming, musical landscape. Celebrating the flora, fauna, and flourishing artistry of Maine, this unique collaboration offers a midwinter moment of beauty, renewal, and wonder for the whole family.

Program:

Tomaso Albinoni (1671–1751): Adagio in G minor — for organ and strings

Caroline Shaw (b. 1982): Plan & Elevation — for string quintet

Erik Satie (1866–1925): Gymnopédie No. 1 — for organ and violin

Ludovico Einaudi (b. 1955): Experience — for organ
Transcribed by James Kennerley (b. 1984)

Vicente Lusitano (c. 1520–1561): Heu me Domine — for strings

Maurice Duruflé (1902–1986): Prélude et Fugue sur le nom d’Alain, Op. 7 — for organ solo

Arvo Pärt (b. 1935): Trivium — for organ and strings

Margaret Vardell Sandresky (b. 1921): Dialogues for Organ and Strings — for organ and strings