PSO Holds Series of Community Events for 2008-09 Season Finale

To celebrate the close of Robert Moody's inaugural season, the Portland Symphony Orchestra (PSO) showcases Rites and Rhythms, the season finale concert event, with a series of community events June 6 through 9. Saturday, June 6 ’Äì 4:30-6:00 p.m. Musically Speaking ’Äì Museum of African Culture, Portland The PSO will present a Musically Speaking event at the Museum of African Culture located at 13 Brown Street in Portland. Maestro Moody will speak about the Symphony's June 9 concert and why he chose that program to end the season. One of the PSO guest drummers for that concert, Mark Sunkett, will offer instrument demonstrations and speak about Senegalese drumming. Chief Oscar Mokeme, founder and director of the Museum of African Culture, will discuss the country and culture of Senegal. Musically Speaking is a series of insightful discussions with PSO artists in various venues throughout the community for all ages. The Museum of African Culture is a not-for-profit organization created to educate through the use of art, music, storytelling, films, poetry, literature, healing ceremonies and other Sub-Saharan African cultural traditions; to interpret and preserve a unique collection of African art and artifacts; and to enrich the communities of Maine and beyond through the celebration of diversity. This event is open to the public with a $5 suggested donation to the museum. Monday, June 8 ’Äì 10:00-11:00 a.m. Meet the Maestro/Meet the Musicians ’Äì King Middle School, Portland The PSO presents Meet the Maestro/Meet the Musicians at King Middle School, 92 Deering Avenue in Portland. Robert Moody and guest artists Mark Sunkett and Sonja Branch will give an in-school performance with instrument demonstrations and answer student questions. Maestro Moody will speak about the artists and the piece they, along with the PSO, will play at the open dress rehearsal that evening. King Middle School serves the most racially, ethnically, and economically diverse neighborhoods in the state of Maine. More than 120 of King's approximately 500 students speak 28 languages and come from 17 countries. Monday, June 8 ’Äì 7:30 p.m. Open Dress Rehearsal ’Äì Merrill Auditorium, Portland Students of all ages are invited to attend an open dress rehearsal for the Tuesday, June 9 season finale concert. For reservations, which are required, call (207) 773-6128 ext. 308 or email hklenow@portlandsymphony.com. Tuesday, June 9 ’Äì 7:30 p.m. PSO Season Finale Concert, "Rites and Rhythms" ’Äì Merrill Auditorium, Portland The PSO Rites and Rhythms concert will feature the virtuosity of the Portland Symphony Orchestra's members and a unique "sonic travelogue" uniting symphony orchestra with African drumming and dancing. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9 at Merrill Auditorium (20 Myrtle St.) with a Concert Conversation led by Maestro Moody, Mark Sunkett and Oscar Mokeme at 6:15 p.m. A brief post-concert Q & A with Moody and Sunkett will immediately follow the concert. A radio broadcast of the performance can be heard on Maine Public Broadcasting Network (MPBN) on July 29 at 8:00 p.m. Rites and Rhythms is sponsored by JetBlue Airways and generously underwritten by Mr. and Mrs. Albert B. Glickman. The PSO's performance of Sabar is also supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Tickets for the PSO Season Finale Concert range from $17-$65 and are sold through PortTix at (207) 842-0800 or www.porttix.com. Phone and internet orders are subject to $5-per-ticket handling fees. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the box office at 20 Myrtle St., Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. For complete season information, including artist biographies and program notes, visit www.portlandsymphony.com