DEBUSSY,STRAVINSKY,& RAVEL

Sounds of the Ballets Russes Eckart Preu, Music Director PROGRAM Debussy Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune Stravinsky Petrushka Rossini-Respighi La Boutique Fantasque Ravel La Valse In 1909, the Ballets Russes formed in Paris, championing in a groundbreaking era for artistic collaboration among choreographers, designers, dancers, and, of course, composers. The program pays tribute to this influential moment in music history beginning with Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune (Prelude to the afternoon of a fawn). Simultaneously gentle and revolutionary, from the first notes of its famous flute solo, it turned music on its head with its highly impressionistic form. Providing musical juxtaposition to Debussy are two musical imaginings of inanimate objects brought to life: Stravinsky’s Petrushka, the story of a puppet who becomes real, and Rossini-Respighi’s La boutique fantasque (The Enchanted Toyshop). Where Stravinsky plays with tonality and rhythm, creating dramatic and driving music, Rossini-Respighi provides a counterbalance of light-hearted, fanciful charm. Rounding out the program is Ravel’s La Valse, a colorful and sweeping tribute to the Viennese waltz, with an immense orchestration. RUN TIME: approximately 2 hrs including intermission ADULT and CHILD & STUDENT prices are available online for this event. GROUP 10+ is available via phone & in-person only. Per ticket service fee is based on a percentage of the ticket price. Tuesday, May 18, 2027 7PM $99 / $88 / $75 / $58 / $42 / $29 *before fees A beautifully restored 1,900-seat performance venue, this majestic hall is one of the gems of Portland’s downtown Arts District and close to plenty of restaurants to grab a bite before the show. Merrill Auditorium is owned and operated by the City of Portland. Merrill Auditorium 20 Myrtle Street Portland, ME 04101 Portland Symphony Orchestra Subscription Tuesday Evening Concerts at 7:00pm Portland Symphony Orchestra Subscription Tuesday Evening Concerts at 7:00pm and Sunday Afternoon Concerts at 2:30pm Portland Symphony Orchestra Subscription Flexible Package of 3 of more PSO Events Experience the joy of live performances with your friends and family. Groups of 10+ receive a discount on tickets and flexible reservation options.