The Portland Symphony Orchestra is returning to its first concerts with a live audience in over a year on Sunday, June 27. Three summer concerts will be held at the Seaside Pavilion in Old Orchard Beach.

The first concert, “Eckart Conducts Beethoven,” will feature Beethoven’s breakthrough “Eroica” Symphony. PSO Music Director Eckart Preu said, “Words cannot truly express the joy we feel at the prospect of making music with a live audience again. This is an extremely poignant time to play this symphony: compositions take on different meanings depending on the time of their performance. Beethoven dedicated this symphony “to the memory of a great man”. The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted how multifaceted the idea of heroism is. A journey leading us from darkness to light, the symphony is a celebration of the ideals of humanity, highlighting the selfless work of the many frontline workers, as well as the struggle of countless individuals. We dedicate this performance to the many men and women who have been our heroes.”

Two more programs are planned for PSO’s Summer Concert Series at Seaside Pavilion: on Saturday, July 10 a Discovery Concert for Families: Musical Tales, and on Saturday, July 17, The Music of John Williams.

Tickets to the Beethoven “Eroica” and The Music of John Williams concerts are free to Super Passport subscribers as a thank you for their continued support and are 50% off for Standard Passport subscribers. General tickets are $30 each. Tickets to the Discovery Concert are $10 each.

Individual tickets are on sale starting today. Please note, these concerts will not be digitally broadcast and are available with advance ticket purchase only. Tickets may be purchased through porttix.com, or by calling PortTIX at (207) 842.0800, (Mon.–Thurs., 11 a.m.–3 p.m.). Please do not contact Seaside Pavilion for concert questions or ticketing information. For more information, visit portlandsymphony.org.

Sunday, June 27 at 6 p.m.
Eckart Conducts Beethoven
PSO Music Director Eckart Preu conducts
The Portland Symphony Orchestra presents Beethoven’s breakthrough “Eroica” Symphony. Attendees will hear an exclusive 2021-22 season announcement from Eckart Preu.
Safety protocols: Masking is recommended by the venue and the PSO, but not required. This concert will have reduced capacity to allow for some distancing, however, depending on attendance, social distancing between all parties cannot be guaranteed.

Saturday, July 10 at 2:30 p.m.
Musical Tales: A Discovery Concert for Families
Tara Simoncic, guest conductor
This family-friendly concert will bring kids and parents alike along on an adventure filled with thrilling tales told through music.
Safety protocols: Please note, in order to ensure the health and safety of all families in attendance, masking and social distancing will be required and enforced at this concert. The concert will have reduced capacity to provide 6 feet social distancing. Anyone not complying will not be permitted entrance into the venue or will be asked to leave.

Saturday, July 17 at 7:30 p.m.
The Music of John Williams
Morihiko Nakahara, guest conductor
Celebrate summer with blockbuster hits from one of cinema’s greatest composers, John Williams. Hear iconic themes from Jaws, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and more.
Safety protocols: Masking is recommended by the venue and the PSO, but not required. This concert will have reduced capacity to allow for some distancing, however, depending on attendance, social distancing between all parties cannot be guaranteed.

Founded in 1923, the PSO is one of the largest performing arts organizations in Maine and is widely regarded as one of the top symphony orchestras of its size in the country. Made up of more than 80 professional musicians, the PSO is renowned for its critically acclaimed performances and broad community engagement. The Symphony’s mission is to serve its community by enriching lives through music. More information can be found at www.portlandsymphony.org.