Community Chorus at South Berwick celebrates 50 years
SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — In recognition of 50 years of singing on the Seacoast, the Community Chorus at South Berwick will be presenting special concerts exploring themes of Home. Under the direction of Dr Amy Kotsonis, 65 voices accompanied by flute, bass, percussion and piano will perform a varied repertoire including pieces based on works by local poets, Sarah Orne Jewett and Celia Thaxter. Notably, a poem by Isle of Shoals poet Celia Thaxter was selected and composer Grace Brigham created a lovely choral piece entitled “Lonely Star”. In addition to the commissioned pieces, the concert will include pieces by Andre Thomas, Randal Thompson, Gwyneth Walker and Eric Whitacre among others. As a special treat for the celebration of the 50th Anniversary, alumni members have been invited to join the chorus for specially selected pieces previously performed by the chorus.
Concerts will be performed 3 p.m., on Saturday, April 12 at Portsmouth High School and 3 p.m., April 13 at Noble High School in Berwick, Maine. For more information or for tickets, visit CCSB-sing.org.
Portsmouth Historical Society to host preview party and silent auction
PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth Historical Society will launch an exciting new exhibition “Cabot Lyford: Winds of Change” with a preview party celebrating the artist’s groundbreaking work on Thursday, March 27 from 5:30-8 p.m.
Lyford is the visionary behind some of Portsmouth’s most iconic public art, like “My Mother, the Wind” on Four Tree Island. The exhibition will also dive deep into his innovative career and his commitment to advocacy.
This evening also features a silent auction with adventures and experiences donated by generous local merchants. Up for bid will be a Prescott Park Arts Festival Family Pass Membership, a magnum of fine wine, a private day trip and tour for 10 at Wood Island Life Saving Station, and a staycation at Sailmaker House paired with a Nichinan gift card.
Proceeds directly benefit the Historical Society’s vital programs such as the 3rd-grade history program bringing history into the classroom and inspiring that next generation; the community-driven Gingerbread Exhibition; as well as the preservation of the Historical Society’s historic properties.
The Historical Society Galleries and Museum Shop open for the season on Tuesday, April 1. The John Paul Jones House opens Memorial Day Weekend. More information on can be found at portsmouthhistory.org.
New England Fiddle Ensemble presents 2025 Concert Season
PORTSMOUTH — The 16th year of the New England Fiddle Ensemble brings together another dedicated group, now with over 160 people ranging in age from 4 to 91. The Fiddle Ensemble is a community orchestra made up of a diverse group of musicians from throughout the region, sharing the joy of playing music together. More than just fiddles, the Ensemble features a full range of acoustic instruments, including fiddles, guitars, banjos, mandolins, basses, harps, and cellos. Ensemble members come from a wide range of experience levels, from a 4-year-old bass player who will stop the show with his gutsy playing on I’m Shipping Up to Boston, to a retired string teacher who taught for over 30 years.
Events in the Seacoast:
Saturday, May 10, at 6:30 p.m., at the Exeter Town Hall, 9 Front St., Exeter
Saturday, May 17, at 6;30 p.m., at Star Theatre, 120 Rogers Road, Kittery, Maine
Saturday, May 31, at 6:30 p.m., at the Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester
For tickets, go to: nefiddleensemble.org.
Maple Street Magnet School’s 3rd Annual Art Gala and Silent Auction
ROCHESTER — The Maple Street Magnet School’s 3rd Annual Art Gala and Silent Auction will be held on Saturday, April 5, from 1-3 p.m., at the Rochester Performance & Arts Center, 32 North Main St., Rochester.
This family-friendly event showcases original artwork created by Maple Street Magnet School students and features a silent auction, bake sale, and raffle with prizes, including admission tickets and gift certificates to local attractions like Seacoast Science Center, Children’s Museum of N.H., Portland Sea Dogs game, Story Land, Clark’s Bears, Santa’s Village, Salem Witch Museum and more. Up for auction will be a puck signed by a Boston Bruins player, original art work by local artists, a photography session with Studio Two Seven Nine, a $250 gift certificate to Three Rivers Tattoo Collective, and more. There will also be a 50/50 cash raffle. Busy Bee Cafe will be serving coffee and energy drinks.
No admission to attend the event, but attendees must bring cash or Venmo to purchase raffle tickets. Proceeds will support student activities throughout the year.
Echoes of the Harbor: by Joe Flaherty at The Art Center
DOVER — The Art Center presents Echoes of the Harbor, a solo exhibition by resident artist Joe Flaherty, running through the end of April.
The harbor deeply influences Joe Flaherty’s artistic vision—the soul of every port city. A place of refuge and adventure, the harbor embodies a unique duality: a haven with guiding lighthouses, safe coves, and wharf structures, as well as a launching point for industrial and pleasure vessels. As a resident of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Flaherty finds endless inspiration in the grit and enchantment of his surroundings.
Flaherty’s bold use of color, texture, and composition invites viewers to engage with his paintings on multiple levels. At a distance, his works intrigue with their vibrant hues and dynamic forms. Upon closer inspection, they reveal intricate layers, inviting exploration and discovery. His approach encourages an immersive experience where textures, patterns, and underpaintings unveil hidden depths.
The Art Center invites art enthusiasts, collectors, and the general public to experience Echoes of the Harbor. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Joe Flaherty and explore his remarkable work at the artist reception on April 5 from 6-9 p.m., at The Art Center, 1 Washington St., Suite 1117, Dover.